Master of Community Planning graduate program addresses growing demand for professional planners
From housing affordability and climate change to reconciliation, infrastructure and community well-being, today’s planners are being asked to solve increasingly complex challenges. Launching in September 2026, the new Master of Community Planning program at the University of Victoria (UVic) aims to prepare graduates with the knowledge, practical experience and collaborative skills needed to help communities navigate those issues.
Designed to meet the accreditation requirements of the Professional Standards Board, the Planning Institute of British Columbia, and the Canadian Institute of Planners, the program will combine professional training with UVic’s strengths in sustainability, Indigenous engagement, community-based research and interdisciplinary learning.
Communities across British Columbia need planners who can balance competing priorities, while creating places that are equitable, resilient and sustainable. This program is designed to prepare graduates who can work across disciplines, engage meaningfully with communities, and develop practical solutions to today’s most pressing planning challenges.”
—Reuben Rose-Redwood, UVic geography professor
This new program comes after the closure of Vancouver Island University’s accredited Master of Community Planning program. UVic’s program will restore that educational pathway locally, while building on applied learning, community partnerships and experiential education components.
Real-world planning challenges
“I am delighted that the University of Victoria has moved so swiftly to develop a new graduate planning program,” says UVic program advisor Pamela Shaw. “The focus will remain on the issues important to the people and communities of Vancouver Island: as finite places, islands add an additional layer of complexity to the wicked problems that planners address.”
Students will explore issues ranging from housing, transportation and land use to climate adaptation, food security, economic development and community health. Throughout the program, they will apply research and analytical skills to real-world planning challenges, while developing expertise in communication, collaboration and public engagement.
Community-based research
A defining feature of this new program is its emphasis on learning through experience. Community-based research projects, applied coursework and co-op opportunities will allow students to work directly with municipalities, First Nations and community organizations while building professional networks before graduation.
The proposed program has received strong support from local governments and planning professionals who see a growing need for skilled planners throughout the province.
UVic is well-positioned to deliver a program that combines academic excellence with applied learning. Upon completion, graduates will be well prepared to contribute to local governments and communities across British Columbia.”
—Miko Betanzo, senior planner, urban design, City of Victoria
Growing demand
Municipalities are already anticipating future workforce needs. The City of Victoria’s planning and development department employs approximately 70 staff, while the District of Saanich—the largest municipality on Vancouver Island—has more than 35 professional planners working across planning, engineering and parks departments.
As demand for planners continues to grow, we’re excited about the opportunity to welcome future UVic students through co-op placements and eventually into full-time planning careers.”
—Lindsay Chase, registered professional planner, District of Saanich
The application portal opens Sept. 1, 2026, with a Dec. 1, 2026, application deadline. The first cohort of students will be entering the program in September 2027. Learn more about the Master of Community Planning program.
