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Sehaj Raj Singh joined the Future City Innovation Challenge, co-hosted by the FCI and Velocity, with a bold idea: make Canada’s permitting process smarter. He walked away with the top prize, new interdisciplinary teammates, and the attention of judge Frank Cairo, founder of the Future Cities Institute and a leader at CAIVAN.����

Now graduating, Sehaj is stepping into a new role as an Analyst in Land Development Engineering at Caivan Communities. Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “The Velocity Future City Innovation Challenge was hands down one of the most fulfilling moments of my undergrad... From being in the crowd to being on stage, I’m just glad I bet on myself.” A powerful example of how ambition, collaboration, and real-world challenges can shape the future.

At a recent event co-hosted by the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ and TD Wealth, members of the ��ݮ��Ƶ community gathered for a powerful conversation on Shaping Cities of the Future: Women, Leadership & Philanthropy.����

Moderated by Leia Minaker, our Director at the Future Cities Institute, the discussion highlighted the vital role women play in financial leadership and philanthropy. Leia guided a rich conversation that emphasized the value of trust-based giving, the power of intentional investment, and the many forms philanthropy can take, whether it be time, ideas, or financial support.��

From affordable housing to AI-driven mobility, University of ��ݮ��Ƶ students turned bold ideas into actionable solutions at the inaugural Future Cities Innovation Challenge.��

The inaugural Future Cities Innovation Challenge, co-hosted by Velocity and the Future Cities Institute, brought startup energy to real-world urban issues.��
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Their solutions addressed real-world problems, from sustainable infrastructure to the ethical use of technology, bringing ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Global Futures vision to life. The event showcased the power of student innovation in shaping healthy, prosperous, and sustainable cities. Explore six standout ideas that are helping build the cities of tomorrow.��

Dr. Shams Anwar, a postdoctoral researcher with the Future Cities Institute, recently presented his work on sustainable mobility and resilient infrastructure at two major national conferences: the 247th ECS Meeting and the CSME International Congress–CFDSC–CSR 2025.��

His research explores the role of energy-efficient transport and urban systems in enabling the transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient cities. Emphasizing practical, impact-driven green technologies, Dr. Anwar’s work contributes to a growing body of applied research that informs infrastructure planning for sustainable urban futures.��

From overlooked parkettes to bustling plazas, Dr. Glover explores how thoughtful design, policy, and programming can turn public spaces into powerful catalysts for connection and community.��

“Placemaking isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s about people, purpose, and possibility,” says Dr. Glover.

From AI-powered civic tools to sustainable housing solutions, University of ��ݮ��Ƶ students came together to present interdisciplinary projects tackling real-world issues at this year's i-Capstone symposium.��

Held on March 26, the event showcased student creativity, teamwork and dedication to solving real-world urban challenges.��Designed to unite students from every faculty, i-Capstone — the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s first interdisciplinary undergraduate capstone program — enables students to tackle complex problems facing Canadian communities while working with real world partners, all for academic credit. This includes areas like sustainable housing, infrastructure and integrated urban planning.

A new collaboration between the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ and the City of Iqaluit is allowing students to apply their skills to real-world challenges — all while making a tangible difference in the North.

Future Cities Institute (FCI) member Professor Jennifer Dean was recently invited to present her research on active and sustainable transportation to the Federal Table on Healthy Cities. Professor Dean highlighted the critical challenges associated with developing a strong evidence base to guide decision-making around emerging micro-mobility technologies, such as e-bikes and e-scooters.

New article alert from FCI member !

How can cities balance urban growth with climate adaptation? Dr. Michael Drescher, from the School of Planning at the , explores this challenge in his latest journal article: "Nature’s role in residential development: Identifying leverage points for climate change planning in Ontario, Canada."

FCI member in the News!

, a member of the Future Cities Institute and a professor at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Climate Risk Research Group, was featured in the Toronto Star discussing winter flood risks as temperatures rise.

His advice? A simple but effective hack: using pantyhose filled with road salt to prevent costly ice damming on roofs. With climate change making weather patterns more erratic, winter flooding is becoming a bigger threat to our communities.

“Flood season used to be in the spring in Canada, but now it just seems like it’s an all-around problem,” Thistlethwaite explains. His insights highlight the need for proactive climate adaptation strategies to protect homes and infrastructure.

Read more in the Toronto Star: