Planners play a vital role in shaping communities by connecting knowledge with action to support informed decisions about the built and natural environment. Drawing on expertise in areas such as land use, housing, transportation, environmental conservation, and community development, planners analyze complex social, economic, cultural, and environmental issues to help guide growth and change. Their work involves researching trends, developing policies and plans, reviewing development proposals, and ensuring projects align with regulations and best practices. Planners also work closely with the public, elected officials, landowners, and community organizations, facilitating discussions, answering questions, and presenting information at meetings and hearings. Through collaboration, analysis, and long-term thinking, planners help create sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities.
The Master of Planning program is professionally accredited by the Professional Standards Board on behalf of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP). As a graduate, you will be eligible for professional registration across Canada and the USA (through arrangements with the American Institute of Certified Planners).
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Membership and Accreditation
The Queen's School of Urban and Regional Planning is fully-accredited by the Professional Standards Board for the Planning Profession in Canada (PSB).
The Ontario Professional Planners Institute offers a variety membership categories, including a free Student Membership for those enrolled full-time in a secondary or post-secondary school and have an interest in planning.
OPPI membership offers a wide range of benefits for planners, their employers, and the communities they serve, while demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence. Full members earn the exclusive Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation, recognized across Canadian provinces, and gain access to valuable professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, mentorship programs, and training that supports ongoing RPP certification. Members can build their professional profile by contributing to Place Magazine and the Planning Exchange blog, while also becoming eligible for awards, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities. Membership also provides access to exclusive job boards, career resources, networking opportunities with planning professionals across Ontario and Canada, and partnerships that offer discounts, services, and resources to support both professional and personal needs.
When you become a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), you join Canada’s largest network of planners and planning students – now 10,000+ strong! CIP works closely with Provincial and Territorial Institutes and Associations (PTIAs), which regulate the planning profession and govern the rights and responsibilities of their members. CIP also offers free student membership designations.
CIP membership provides planners with national recognition, professional development opportunities, and career-long support. Members who meet the requirements of their Provincial and Territorial Institute or Association (PTIA) can use the prestigious MCIP® designation, access digital credentials, purchase MCIP® seal products, and become eligible for national honours and awards. Membership also includes subscriptions to Plan Canada magazine and CIP newsletters, discounted or complimentary access to conferences, webinars, and online learning, as well as resources through the CPL HUB and CIP Resource Library. Members can further their careers through discussion forums, leadership and mentorship programs, volunteer opportunities, scholarships, and financial supports, while also benefiting from exclusive insurance programs and member discounts.
Provinces and Territories across Canada also have their own designated institutes and associations. For more information on each, visit the links below.
Alberta Professional Planners Institute
Licensed Professional Planners Association of Nova Scotia
Manitoba Professional Planners Institute
New Brunswick Association of Planners
Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Professional Planners
Ordre des urbanistes du Québec
Planning Institute of British Columbia
Workshops and Conferences
SURP Workshops
Stay tuned for more information!
Ontario Profesional Planners Institute (OPPI)
OPPI is the regulatory body for over 5,400 members, including planning professionals and students across Ontario, certifying planners with the Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation. OPPI supports members through professional development, and practitioner resources — ensuring planners have the tools, voice, and connections to shape thriving, inclusive communities across the province.
OPPI Conference
The OPPI Annual Conference is the premier gathering of planning professionals in Ontario, bringing together hundreds of public- and private-sector leaders for three days of learning, networking, and idea exchange.
The 2026 conference takes places from September 16-18 in the Blue Mountains.
More Professional Development Opportunities
Each year, OPPI offers a dynamic lineup of Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) opportunities including in-person workshops, virtual workshops, lunchtime webinars, symposiums and OPPI district events.
Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP)
Members work in both the public service and the private sector, across fields such as land use planning, environmental resource management, land development, heritage conservation, social planning, transportation planning, and economic development. CIP advocates for planners and the priorities of the planning profession and offers a wide range of member services and career development opportunities.
CIP Conference
CIP’s annual national conference combines professional planning education and research, experiential workshops, networking, career development, and fun over three days.
The 2027 conference takes place from July 6-8 in Victoria, British Columbia.
More Professional Development Opportunities
CIP provides multiple resources and learning opportunities for planners to enhance their professional knowledge and meet their annual CPL requirements including on-demand courses, webinars, and more.