Rylan Graham

Rylan Graham

Assistant Professor, UNBC

Posts by Collection

portfolio

publications

An Analysis of the Influence of Smart Growth on Growth Patterns in Mid-Sized Canadian Metropolitan Areas

Published in Planning Practice and Research, 2019

This paper is about Smart Growth in mid-sized Canadian cities.

Recommended citation: Graham, R., Han, A. T., & Tsenkova, S. (2019). An analysis of the influence of smart growth on growth patterns in mid-sized Canadian metropolitan areas. Planning Practice & Research, 34(5), 498-521. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02697459.2019.1601800

The Inside and Outside Game of Growth Management: Tracking Sprawl of Canada’s Largest Metropolitan Areas

Published in Journal of Planning Education and Research, 2020

This study explores the changes in the regional growth patterns in the nine largest Canadian Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) between 1990 and 2010. We analyzed whether the metropolitan areas matched the Inside Game (i.e., intensification) with a strong Outside Game (i.e., regional planning) of growth management as represented by physical growth patterns. Overall, Toronto, Vancouver, and London CMAs matched the Inside Game with a strong Outside Game. Conversely, the CMAs of Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec, Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg, where regional governance is fragmented or absent, exhibited signs of regional sprawl. All studied CMAs but Quebec City exhibited signs of intensification

Recommended citation: Han, A. T., Graham, R., & Tsenkova, S. (2020). "The Inside and Outside Game of Growth Management: Tracking Sprawl of Canada’s Largest Metropolitan Areas." Journal of Planning Education and Research. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/0739456X20937335

Obsolescence as an Opportunity: The Role of Adaptive Reuse in Calgary’s Office Market

Published in The School of Public Policy Publications, 2021

This paper examines the present state of office vacancy in downtown Calgary; looks at barriers to office conversion, limitations in existing processes and structures and potential policy considerations, drawing upon best practices from other jurisdictions. Finally, it will conclude with a series of policy recommendations and mechanisms which may enable efficiency and innovation in addressing the existing office stock.

Recommended citation: Graham, R., & Dutton, J. (2021). "Obsolescence as an Opportunity: The Role of Adaptive Reuse in the Calgary Office Market." The School of Public Policy Publications. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3789224

Professional sports venues as catalysts for revitalization? Perspectives from industry experts

Published in Journal of Urban Affairs, 2021

Throughout North America, professional sports venues (PSV) have become a prominent urban redevelopment strategy. Much of the previous research related to PSV has focused on economic impacts and the use of public money to help fund construction. Conversely, there is less research exploring the relationship between PSV and the urban environment. To better understand this relationship, we disseminated a web-based survey to planning and development practitioners. Our research explores the degree to which industry experts: (1) perceive PSV as catalysts for development and revitalization; (2) associate PSV siting, policies, and programs with development and revitalization objectives; and (3) believe PSV investments in different (sub)urban locales can affect neighborhood change. Our findings illustrate a high degree of expert optimism, with respondents reporting that they believe PSV have the capacity to generate place-based changes. Their responses support a downtown-centric perspective, as professionals see greater opportunity for PSV to drive change in downtowns relative to more peripheral locations. Notably, respondents indicate that municipalities play a prominent role in supporting PSV outcomes, primarily through the adoption and implementation of key land use, zoning, and planning policies.

Recommended citation: Graham, R., Ehlenz, M. M., & Han, A. T. (2021). "Professional sports venues as catalysts for revitalization? Perspectives from industry experts" Journal of Urban Affairs. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07352166.2021.2002698

News from the North: The School of Planning and Sustainability at the University of Northern British Columbia

Published in Planning West, 2022

This paper provides an update about the School of Planning and Sustainability at UNBC.

Recommended citation: Graham, Rylan, Clapp, T.L., & Patton, S. (2022). "News from the North: The School of Planning and Sustainability at the University of Northern British Columbia" Planning West. 1(1). https://www.pibc.bc.ca/sites/default/files/internal_pages_pdfs/planning-west/PIBC-PlanningWest-Winter2022-UNBCPlanning-Pg16-17.pdf

talks

teaching

EVDP 627 - Planning History and Theory

Graduate course, University of Calgary, School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, 2019

An introduction to planning history and theory. Develops a critical awareness of key historical, theoretical, and ethical frameworks; legal, political, and economic institutions; and an understanding of their implications for Canadian planning. Examines the historical evolution of community planning, and its influence on contemporary planning and the built environment. Develops an understanding of decision-making which integrates technical, social, environmental and political factors, and the professional roles of planners in this framework. A normative procedural approach to planning is presented, one which is appropriate for a pluralistic liberal democratic society.

REAL 567 - Project Based Capstone

Undergraduate course, University of Calgary, Haskayne School of Business, 2020

Application of classroom learnings to a project relevant to the real estate industry. Sectors may include: commercial developers, brokerage firms, residential developers (greenfield and infill), municipal government and consulting firms.

EVDS 622 - Real Estate Development and Finance

Graduate course, University of Calgary, School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, 2020

Focuses on the principles of real estate development and finance. Provides hands-on experience through real-world simulations and case studies. Goal is for students to gain a basic understanding of the planning process in real estate development, including private public partnerships, and development impacts. Introduces fundamental tools for conducting an economic and fiscal analysis of real estate proposals. Students will have an opportunity to develop a pro forma as part of a risk assessment. Other topics include the use of GIS for location studies and market assessment.

ENPL 204 - Principles and Practices of Planning

Undergraduate course, University of Northern British Columbia, School of Planning and Sustainability, 2022

This course provides an introduction to, and understanding of, land use planning systems. Land use planning practice is heavily influenced by the legal and institutional structures in place, the values of the society it serves, and the local dynamics that exist. To gain an increased understanding of the importance of the context of planning, this course examines the structure of various land use planning systems, with a detailed focus on the structure and operation of the Canadian system. The course draws heavily upon examples of planning at the provincial and local levels in British Columbia.

ENPL 333 - Field School in Planning

Undergraduate course, University of Northern British Columbia, School of Planning and Sustainability, 2022

This field-based course provides students with a practical understanding of principles of planning in applied settings. Engagement with community members and professionals working in the field allows students to explore relevant and contemporary issues including determining a public interest. The course involves preparatory work during the regular semester, and an intensive field experience after the end of the semester.

ENPL 411 - Planning Theory, Process and Implementation

Undergraduate course, University of Northern British Columbia, School of Planning and Sustainability, 2022

Theories of planning and how theory informs planning practice. How planners manage planning processes, how plans are implemented. Use of communicative skills important in expediting implementation within the political environment of planning practice.

ENPL 606 - Planning Theory, Process and Implementation

Graduate course, University of Northern British Columbia, School of Planning and Sustainability, 2022

Theories of planning and how theory informs planning practice. How planners manage planning processes, how plans are implemented. Use of communicative skills important in expediting implementation within the political environment of planning practice.