Michelle Richard
I always wanted to live in a city. Growing up in a small northern town, I wanted nothing more than to say I lived in Winnipeg. I remember my many visits to Winnipeg and recall with interesting clarity how the lights, noise and energy captivated my senses. Perhaps sufficient rationale for becoming a city planner?
I remain keenly interested in the concept of place – what makes good urban environments special? How do others describe their urban experience?
I’ve worked for the City of Winnipeg since 2004 as the Plan Winnipeg Planner. Having worked with the current plan for several years, I’ve come to understand the value of that plan as a vision document but also its shortcomings – it stops short on guiding us on how to achieve that vision. I’ve also come to believe it isn’t equipped or sufficient to meet Winnipeg’s changing needs – Winnipeg is a city that is changing – the face of Winnipeggers is changing, where and how we live is changing and our expectations are changing. This is a city with a whole new set of opportunities and challenges.
I’m excited that we will be delivering a new plan in April 2010. Even more exciting is that this process is unprecedented – our goal is to involve every Winnipegger in this process.
Other details:
• Holds a Masters of City Planning from the University of Manitoba
• Prior to working for the City of Winnipeg, worked several years for the Province of Manitoba (Manitoba Intergovernmental Affairs and Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs).
• Lives in Wolseley and loves it!
Gary Holmes
Hi. I’m Gary Holmes. The Winnipeg area has always been my home. I am the proud father of my son Justin and am happily pursuing life with my partner Brigitte and her two daughters Janessa and Cassie. I enjoy the simple pleasures of nature but also have a true appreciation for the vibrant urban lifestyle.
I have worked with the City of Winnipeg for 33 years on many interesting and strategic endeavours. I have seen what passionate citizens can accomplish in the face of challenges and opportunities. Our city has always had a lot to offer, and moving forward, we must adapt and position ourselves for success in a changing world.
How will we balance the qualities that made us unique with the needs of the next generation? How do we build a vibrant urban lifestyle while protecting our natural resources? How will we compete for the education and job opportunities that will create prosperity for all?
I am privileged to be working with an energetic and diverse team in support of the public’s effort to shape the future. I truly believe that Winnipeg is ready to seize its opportunities, and in the end we’ll be recognized and celebrated on the global stage.
Rebecca Van Beveren
Growing up in a small town in the middle of nowhere, I often found myself coming up with distinctive ways to occupy my time. It usually revolved around creating anything I thought that others would enjoy. I received my first computer in grade school and found myself filling my time on paint programs and exploring the internet. I created my first web site and was instantly hooked! The fact that something I had created could be seen and marveled at by others all across the globe was infatuating.
Then, when the City initially hired me to commence my career in the industry, I was stoked. Knowing that my skills would be used to benefit the lives of people in my own community is thrilling! Before I started, I had heard my colleagues describe how much they enjoy their jobs with the Plan Winnipeg project. I was excited for them. Now, I can strongly agree with them that this is a fantastic project to be a part of.
I’ve learned a lot in my time working for and with the City of Winnipeg. It’s been such a wonderful and fulfilling experience, an experience that I haven’t had my fill of yet and am looking forward to continuing on. My coworkers and I share a unique working style that strives for excellence. With their help and my expertise, this project will be planned and prepared to serve its purpose of bringing the city and its future closer to the people who live here.
Other Details:
• Diploma with Red River College for Web Programming and Video
• Prior to working for the City of Winnipeg, I was busy doing freelance design work throughout the province
• My number one fan is my dog, Rufio!
Ian Hall
Some of my earliest memories are of sitting in a garden plot beside the Winnipeg International Airport. I probably ate more carrots than the number of weeds I pulled, but I think the combination of seeing the very small (the vegetables that would become my dinner) right beside the very large (huge planes that move goods and people around the world) got me interested in how individuals relate to their communities and how communities relate to the world at large. Specifically, I’m interested in how these relationships can be built and improved for everyone’s long-term benefit.
I’ve just recently joined the City of Winnipeg after eight years in various positions with the Province of Manitoba – including work in municipal finance, urban development and heritage planning fields. I think working on the our city’s new long-term plan is a very exciting opportunity and I’m looking forward to working with as many Winnipeggers as possible to ensure the plan reflects a true community vision.
Other Details:
• Holds a Masters of Public Administration from University of Manitoba and a Certificate in Conservation Planning from University of Victoria.
• Volunteers on Daniel McIntyre-St. Matthews Community Association’s Housing Committee
• Actively involved with the West Central Commuter Cyclists and with a new community-run bike repair and recycling station at the Orioles site of Valour Community Club.
• Still enjoys sitting in the garden eating carrots….
Brett Shenback
I was born and raised in Winnipeg and wouldn’t trade it for anything. The warm and sunny summer days, the vibrant local music scene, the beautiful older neighbourhoods… we certainly have much to be proud of. As a youngster, I can recall looking off of the balcony of a high-rise building and being taken aback by the vast urban forest. We were in the middle of the city, but all I could see were massive elm trees dwarfing the homes below.
After completing my schooling in 2007, I took a wrong turn at confusion corner and found myself in Edmonton, Alberta where I worked for the City of Edmonton as a planner. But it didn’t take long for me to find my way back home. I’m not sure if it was the rye bread, the Jeanne’s cake, or the uniquely Manitoba “socials”… but this city truly has a hold on me. Since returning in 2008, I have been working for the City of Winnipeg as a long-range planner and could not be happier to be home.
One area that I’m particularly interested in is complete communities. How can we create communities that provide opportunities for people to live work and play in vibrant mixed-use neighbourhoods? How can we create communities that are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable?
I’m proud and honoured to call Winnipeg home and excited to be playing a role in the development of a new plan for this city.
Other Details:
• Holds a Masters of City Planning from the University of Manitoba and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Urban Studies from the University of Winnipeg.
• Research interest in infill housing and residential intensification.
• Proud supporter of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers!
Mamadou Lamine Sane
I was born in a medium-sized city located in the South of Senegal, West Africa. In Senegal I worked as a junior Architect at the Department of Urban Planning. For three years I was involved in taskforces on urban issues and urban development of the capital city of Dakar. I also involve in the ad hoc Commission of the Downtown Revitalization.
In 1995, I moved to Canada to pursue my dream of being a city planner. Like many newcomers, when I moved to Canada I decided to improve my professional skills. I was admitted to the Planning Program at the Institute of Urban Planning of the University of Montreal. I got a Bachelor’s Degree and I graduated with the Master’s Degree in Planning and Environmental Management.
In 2001 I worked as an analyst at the International Institute of Management of the major Cities (Metropolis) and conducted research on the best practices on urban planning and sustainable development. In Montreal, I also worked for the Urban Mobility Project (Metropolitan group, Installation and Transport) and the Bureau of Public Hearing (BAPE) with the Government of Quebec’s Department of Environment.
The first time I visited Winnipeg I was impressed by Portage Avenue, the two rivers close to downtown and the river walk. In 2006 I decided to move to Winnipeg because the City as a lot of green open spaces and leisure. I felt Winnipeg would be a best place to raise children.
I am excited to be involved in the creation of a new long-term plan for Winnipeg. As a member of the team I am very proud to participate in a challenge that I hope will place Winnipeg on the map of the best and most sustainable cities in the world.
Jeff Pratte
The urban realm has always fascinated me. I spent my childhood years living in a small city in eastern Ontario, and our semi-regular visits to family in Montreal and Ottawa were always a highlight for me. The allure of the city never left me, and as I thought about post-secondary education, urban geography was a natural fit. I am currently working on a Master of City Planning at the University of Manitoba.
In my spare time I enjoy riding bicycles, reading books and the rich sound of vinyl records. My research interests include active transportation, participatory planning techniques, and sustainable cities.
‘Our Winnipeg’ is an exciting and ground-breaking project. The city is attempting to create a planning document that is relevant, progressive and based on a solid foundation of public input. I am delighted to spend my planning internship as a member of this dynamic team. My main responsibility is coordinating community engagements initiatives. One of these initiatives is called “Scene in Winnipeg,” which allows Winnipeggers to borrow a Flip Video camcorder and shoot video blogs about the city.
Other details:
• Honours B.A in Geography from the University of Winnipeg.
• Currently a graduate student in City Planning at the University of Manitoba.
• Has been vowing to finish (start) his screen play for several years.
Becky Raddatz
My interests in planning are sidewalks, sewage infrastructure, and age-friendly cities. In more general terms, I’m excited about how the decisions we make about every day things can make our lives better. Well maintained, safe, and friendly sidewalks that connect people and places, infrastructure that keeps our water safe and environment healthy, and a city-physically, socially, and culturally- that is welcoming to all people of all ages.
I am thrilled to be working with this excellent team on the future of my new home, and to hear what all Winnipeggers have to say about this great city.
Other details:
• One thesis away from completing my Masters of City Planning
• Big fan of the River Walk, River Skating Trail, and every other place in the city where I can skate, run, or play soccer
• Working on taking every public transit bus in the city
Ayoka Anderson
Growing up in hot and cold countries, small and big cities, in apartments and gated communities, I was always destined to find myself in a career that would feed my need to have new experiences everyday. I relish change and complexity, which is the very essence of planning. In planning nothing is exactly the same; there is always a new scenario, a new stakeholder, a new tool and it’s always about a bigger cause than your own.
After a stint with Manitoba’s Community Planning Services, and two years as a Community Planner for the City of Cold Lake in Alberta I’ve learned first hand the importance of public engagement. I’ve recently returned to Winnipeg, the home of my alma mater, with a different perspective on our City and how everyone plays an integral role in its development, whether directly or indirectly, whether they participate or they don’t, whether they dislike it or they love it. I’m excited to be a part of a project like this that engages the public on such a large scale, and I’m anxious to find out how the residents of a City of our size will shape its future.
My role in this innovative project is to work with the team to create the final product, a new Municipal Development Plan; engage the public in its creation, using web tools and workshops; and to liaise with the Province of Manitoba as the project progresses.
Other details:
• Holds a Masters of City Planning from the University of Manitoba
• Lived in Winnipeg’s south end from 1997-2006 and moved back in 2009
• Loves living in a ‘Big City’ that doesn’t feel like a ‘Big City’.
Call to Action for OurWinnipeg: Visions & Directions for the OurWinnipeg Plan Released!
