Adrian Cammaert, HBA, CNU-A, MCIP, RPP Senior Planner | MHBC Planning, Urban Design
& Landscape Architecture
Member Since: March 2012 Q. How did you prepare for the CNU-A Exam? A. I prepared by taking the University of Miami's "Principles and Practice of New Urbanism" course. I recall this being a challenging but very rewarding course and it prepared me very well for the Accreditation Exam. I still regularly refer to the New Urbanism Best Practices Guide for inspiration or to double check design ideas.
Q. Why did you sign up for CNU-A? A. Although I already had a good base of knowledge about urban design from University and College schooling, I wanted to learn more about what is currently being done to address emerging issues; what's at the forefront of new design. It's always been the "what's next?" that interests me the most. For example, CNU's Highways to Boulevards work is coming at a critical time for Toronto and it's Gardener Expressway question and could provide an excellent resource for decision makers at City Hall. Likewise, an emerging issue is the abandonment of sub/urban strip malls which present great opportunities for redevelopment given their large areas, central locations and full services. It will be interesting to see where these initiatives go and hopefully the direction that they provide will be embraced by decision makers.
Q. How has CNU-A personally benefited you?
A. The accreditation provides a distinction. It indicates that the holder possesses urban design knowledge, takes good urban form seriously and has taken the necessary steps to have this formalized.
Q. How did you meet your continuing education requirement this year? A. I participate in CNU's webinars and podcasts on a regular basis. Currently there aren't any conferences or workshops in Ontario that are formally approved by CNU, however I'm leading an initiative to create an Ontario Chapter of CNU which will provide for such events. We started with a small group of like-minded professionals, primarily in the Greater Toronto Area, and have grown to an extensive Chapter Organizing Committee which is comprised of planners, urban designers, landscape architects, municipal staff, academics and students from all across Ontario. It has taken a little over two years, but we are now on the verge of being incorporated. We expect to reach full Chapter status very shortly; well in advance of our targeted deadline of June 2014 - CNU22 in Buffalo, an event in which we will have a large presence and are actively helping to co-ordinate. This will be the first CNU Chapter located entirely within Canada and we are immensely proud of that fact, as well as all the work that has gone into the project so far.
Q. Share a fun fact about yourself.
A. Growing up, my dad worked in major league baseball, and consequently my sister and I had the opportunity to travel to many American cities during the team's road trips. While not at the ballpark, I toured around these cities, comparing one to the other and deciding what I liked most (and least) about each. I think this early exposure laid the foundation for my passion for urbanism and ultimately my career choice as an urban planner/designer. | 
