Around the World on World Town Planning Day

As planners, we understand the vital role that our profession plays in shaping the form and function of cities, neighbourhoods and communities. On World Town Planning Day, we celebrate the hard work and many achievements of planners who have contributed to the built and social environments that we enjoy every day.

 Here at The Biglieri Group, we’re inspired by urban contexts across the globe. Some of our team members told us about their favourite cities and why these cities inspire their planning work. What is your favourite city and why? Tell us in the comments!

Rome, Italy – @Anthony_Biglieri

Rome is my favourite city for a few reasons: it’s the original city of mixed land uses, its many historic piazzas (public squares) are perfect places for spending time, it’s walkable and a great place to take an evening stroll (i.e. una passeggiata), the heritage buildings are well preserved, and of course, the food is spectacular! I often think about how we can integrate Rome’s best elements into our city building work here at home.

 

Medellín, Colombia – @Morgan_Baker

Situated on a steep hillside, Medellín has a 384-metre (28-storey) roofed escalator (the escaleras eléctricas) and the metrocable (public transportation in the form of gondolas), which enables residents to traverse the city’s topography. This creative form of public transportation has reduced geographic isolation and provided more opportunity for people located in different parts of the city. It’s interesting to see Medellín’s urban innovation to overcome its complicated conditions. I also love the city’s colourful murals!

 

Stockholm, Sweden – @Adam_Dhalla

Stockholm holds a special place in my heart because of its thoughtful layout which effortlessly combines historical beauty with modern convenience. The well-planned streets and lush green spaces make it a fantastic place to wander and savour the urban experience.

Copenhagen, Denmark – @Shilpi_Saraf-Uiterlinden

It is rare for cities to prioritize citizens’ quality of life as a cornerstone of development, but Copenhagen achieves this very successfully. Exemplified by the redevelopment of a former naval base (created by land reclamation) for a variety of uses, including the conversion of a submarine shed to a residential complex and the inclusion of playgrounds on top of parking garages, development in Copenhagen demonstrates a commitment to people’s welfare first, through the facilitation of public and accessible spaces, both beautiful and functional in design. 

TMU Workshop

TBG team members spent yesterday afternoon providing planning students at the Toronto Metropolitan University with expertise and feedback on concept plans for growth and development at sites across Toronto. We were impressed by the thoughtfulness and forward-thinking nature of the students’ work! Thanks for hosting us TMU!

Featuring (left to right) Robert McQuillan, Cameron McCoy Samantha Biglieri, Anthony Biglieri, Alex Walton, Morgan Baker, Laura Lebel Pantazopoulos, & Adam Dhalla

Hamilton is Our Home, Too

Ever since we opened our doors for the first time (almost 24 years ago!), we’ve prioritized working on projects in municipalities across Ontario. As a result, we’ve built localized expertise in land use planning and development provincewide, allowing us to successfully serve client needs in a variety of contexts. 

 

With our finger on the provincial pulse, we noticed BIG things happening in Southwestern Ontario and the Southern Golden Horseshoe. Kitchener – Waterloo, Niagara Region, London, Guelph, Hamilton – they’re all experiencing accelerated growth. 

 

Here at TBG, we like to be at the centre of the action. So, in April 2023, we made Hamilton our second home by opening our very own office in Downtown Steeltown. Our Hamilton-based team have been making TBG central players in land-use planning, development, urban design, and heritage conservation in the southwestern region.  

 

Yesterday, our entire team met up in Hamilton to celebrate our growth in this area and have some fun as a group @BATLAxe. As always, we’re ready to make BIG things happen across the province. We are especially ready to roll up our sleeves in Southwestern Ontario and the Southern Golden Horseshoe. Reach out today. 

Our Next Chapter – Heritage Planning Announcing our Merger with Bright Past Heritage Consulting Inc.

We are pleased to announce that The Biglieri Group Ltd. has merged with Bright Past Heritage Consulting Inc. effective September 11, 2023. This merger marks the beginning of TBG’s next chapter as subject matter experts in heritage planning, allowing us to expand our practice to complement our existing core services in land-use planning, development, and urban design. As our business evolves, we remain committed to providing the exceptional value and client-centred services that both Bright Past and TBG are known for.  

 Our comprehensive suite of services will now include: 

  • Heritage Screening Reports 

  • Heritage Evaluation Reports 

  • Heritage Impact Assessments 

  • Cultural Heritage Advisory Services 

  • Heritage Bridge Assessments 

  • Heritage Permit Applications 

  • Preparation of Designating By-laws and Conservation Plans 

  • Research & Storytelling 

  • Peer Reviews 

  • And more. 

About Bright Past Heritage Consulting Inc. 

 Co-founded by Evan Sugden in 2021, Bright Past Heritage Consulting inc. is a boutique cultural heritage consulting firm specializing in the conservation and stewardship of heritage resources across Ontario. Based out of Waterloo Region, Bright Past rapidly grew to serve clients in southern Ontario, with projects in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, London, Hamilton, Stratford, and beyond.  

 Their core services revolve around maintaining a balanced approach between heritage conservation and land development. Notable clients include BMI Group, Sweeny&Co Architects, Old Oak Properties, and JD Development Group. Their work has played a crucial role in conserving significant cultural heritage resources, helping obtain development approvals, and fostering positive relationships with municipal heritage staff. 

 Our Next Chapter in Heritage Planning 

 We are committed to maintaining the same high standards of professionalism, dedication, and client-focused service that both Bright Past Heritage Consulting Inc. and TBG are known for. For inquiries or more information about this strategic merger, please contact:  

 Anthony Biglieri 

abiglieri@thebiglierigroup.com 

(416) 693-9155 

 Evan Sugden 

esudgden@thebiglierigroup.com 

(416) 693-9155 

 Thank you for your continued trust and support in our next chapter.