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As spring weather unfurls across the city, the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) School of Urban and Regional Planning Alumni Association (SURPA) is gearing up for a celebration. On Thursday, May 23, the doors of Little Canada at 10 Dundas Street East will open to welcome guests to the 25th Annual Spring Reception — an event that heralds a quarter-century of building industry connections and supporting educational endeavours.
As a proud sponsor of the event, UrbanToronto continues its commitment to promoting the growth and success of Toronto's urban planning sector. This partnership reflects our dedication to supporting educational opportunities and professional networks that are essential for shaping the city’s urban development.
Since its inception in 1998, SURPA has hosted this prestigious gathering annually, drawing leaders from the development sector to engage, share insights, and highlight their companies through sponsorship. This year, the event is set to break previous records with its fundraising efforts, which are crucial in supporting the School of Urban and Regional Planning at TMU.
The funds raised will be directed towards student awards and scholarships, including the newly established SURPA Equity in Planning funds that specifically support Black and Indigenous students. This focus on diversity and inclusion is a core part of SURPA’s mission to enhance the educational opportunities for all planning students.
The reception, expected to draw between 300 and 400 attendees, offers a unique opportunity for industry professionals from the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area to network in the interactive, miniature world of Little Canada, situated in The Tenor at Yonge and Dundas. The event's proximity to TMU's campus serves as a bridge between current students and their potential futures in urban planning.
Members have engaged in professional development activities such as an annual mentorship program and an alumni-run podcast which discusses emerging topics in urban planning.
Kevin Nunn, Co-Chair of SURPA and a planner at Weston Consulting, reflects on his progressive involvement with the association: “Joining SURPA as a Member at Large, then Events Coordinator, and now Co-Chair, has been more than just a volunteer membership for me – this group has been an inclusive community of Planning Alumni who have inspired me to be dedicated to shaping the future of our students.”
Fredric Cheng, Communications Coordinator for SURPA, also shares his experience: "Though my time on the committee has been short, everyone has been supportive and amazing in my professional development as a Planner, and I hope that others can experience the same warmth that I felt.”
This year, the association is proud to acknowledge the generous contributions of its 2024 Diamond-level sponsors: Arcadis, CF Crozier and Associates Inc., and McCarthy Tétrault LLP. Their backing, along with the support of UrbanToronto, showcases the industry's commitment to nurturing the next generation of urban planners.
For those interested in attending the 25th Annual Spring Reception or wishing to join the vibrant community of TMU alumni in urban planning, tickets can be purchased here.
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