Events

Join Juanie Pudluk, Director of Infrastucture at Nunavut Housing Corporation, to explore the challenges of building in Nunavut. What are the solutions or strategies that we can use to alleviate the housing crisis? We will discuss some of the challenges and strategies that we have started and share that with the students.

Join Frank Cairo, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Caivan, and Co-Founder of the FCI, to explore the intersection of economy, environment and social realms and the lack of comprehensive, interdisciplinary methods in land use planning. Topics covered:​

• Generative and Parametric Design Tools;​
• Harnessing quantitative methods and optimization in the planning of built environment;​
• The need for robust economic feasibility modelling in municipal decision making;​
  Advanced manufacturing as a productivity solution for the construction sector.

Join Tai Huynh, Editor-in-Chief at The Local, to unpack how cities can be health promoting but they can also make us unwell. How they do this often isn’t very visible and goes beyond plainly obvious things like walkability or road safety. Using Toronto as a case study and drawing on his work at The Local, Huynh will discuss the social determinants of health within the context of a dense urban setting.

Join Sandy Little, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the City of Waterloo, to explore linkages between housing, health (with a focus on planetary health specific to climate change), and humanity highlighting homelessness and the importance of connecting and collaborating with municipal divisions, other levels of government, and community strategic partners in this work.

Join us for a virtual info session on the i-Capstone course. This session will provide an overview of how the course works, what kinds of projects students can participate in, and what to expect throughout the term. Whether you're a student considering submitting an idea or joining a team, or a partner interested in collaborating, this is a chance to learn more, ask questions, and hear how i-Capstone connects real-world challenges with student-driven innovation.

Click here to join.

Meeting ID: 240 052 316 221 6
Passcode: Z3dk6Km7

The Innovation Open House is the perfect opportunity to casually connect with fellow driven students and explore the exciting world of innovation and entrepreneurship options on campus. 

You'll get to chat with representatives from Velocity and other awesome groups like Math Innovation, Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, GreenHouse (for social and Indigenous impact), Grebel Peace Incubator, Future Cities Institute, the Library, and Socratica - all in one place!  

We are proud to welcome Sir Andrew Steer, the 2025 TD Walter Bean professor. 

Sir Steer brings decades of global climate leadership to Waterloo for two timely and thought-provoking lectures on how we - leaders, innovators, and citizens - can rise to meet the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, for nature, our cities and our future.

As former President & CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund and a longtime global advisor on climate and development, Dr. Steer brings deep insight into how transformative solutions take root—across governments, industries, and communities. At a moment when the need for bold, coordinated action has never been clearer, he will explore what it takes to drive real progress for cities, ecosystems, and future generations.

How can we shape the future of urban life in Canada and beyond? 

Join fellow University of Waterloo alumni and friends for an evening of reflection, reconnection, and future-focused dialogue on the challenges and opportunities shaping Canadian cities. 

Hosted in partnership with TELUS at the iconic TELUS Garden in downtown Vancouver — a symbol of urban sustainability and innovation—this special event will feature inspiring  insights from the Future Cities Institute founded by CAIVAN. Hear about real-world examples of urban change and get an exclusive preview of a bold national initiative to build healthier, more resilient communities. 

In the Fall, Constructing Futures continues, inviting community members of all ages to shape bold new visions for Stratford. In October 2025, join urban planners, sustainability experts, and design thinkers for a panel discussion where your imagination takes the lead.

Free to attend.

Full 2-Day Bootcamp Details

Open to: Current MA/MES in Planning and Master of Future Cities students 

Cost: Free 

Dates: January 9–10, 2026 

Schedule:  

• Friday, January 9 → 8:30 AM–8:00 PM 
• Saturday, January 10 → 8:30 AM–4:30 PM 

Registration Deadline: December 12, 2025 

Location: This is an in-person event. Details will be emailed to registrants in December. 

Hosted by: Future Cities Institute (FCI)  

Breakfast and lunch will be provided on both days of the bootcamp, with refreshments served at the Friday evening panel.