Urban Planning and GIS

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Courses - January 2026

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Business Computing Applications I
COMP1056

Description:

During this course, the student will learn to effectively use Windows operating system, apply word processing techniques, create basic business presentations, and explore the power of spreadsheets . Students will also learn the skills necessary to operate effectively within the Conestoga College computing environment. An emphasis will be placed on the development of solutions to business problems using commonly available microcomputer tools.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Geographic Information Systems I
GEO1000

Description:

This course will introduce students to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using some of the standard software urban planners use. This course will include a comprehensive introduction to mapping and the use of GIS, including data structures, topology, projections, spatial and non-spatial queries.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Land Use Planning and Design
PLAN1030

Description:

This course will introduce students to how land use planning informs resource allocation and policy for land uses within communities. Students will begin to differentiate how social, economic and environmental factors impact development plans at various levels of government.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Site Planning and Design
PLAN1040

Description:

This course illustrates how roads, walkways, buildings, electric and water utilities, green space, and other topographical features are arranged to create clear community plans.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Computer Aided Design and Planning I
PLAN1050

Description:

This course will equip students with the skills necessary for creating 2D drawings using AutoCAD commonly used in planning and design projects. This foundational course includes a comprehensive introduction to drawing basic shapes, modifying existing drawings and creating layouts of measured drawings.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Computer Aided Design and Planning II
COMP1903

Description:

Students will apply more advanced features of AutoCAD, including creating 3D drawings, customizing the software and analyzing more complex problems.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Geographic Information Systems II
GEO1010

Description:

This course introduces GIS's role in coordinating various information forms for policy, preparing master plans, and presenting information for development projects. Impact analyses and broader management purposes will also be covered.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Community Planning and Design
PLAN1060

Description:

By learning the fundamentals of community design, students will be able to develop specific and tailored plans for individual areas and projects. Students will use these skills in various ways, such as designing a plan or presenting an actual multi-use development proposal.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Planning Law
PLAN1070

Description:

Urban planning is a process that involves many stakeholders. This course will discuss the legal basis for planning and how various levels of government affect decision-making and plans. We will look at the roles of planning boards, regional and city councils, the Ontario Land Tribunal and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Transportation and Urban Planning
TRAN1070

Description:

This course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for the successful management of transportation in urban planning. We explore key concepts such as economic activity, land use patterns and zoning regulations etc., which are necessary before making decisions that impact personal mobility, business and industry transportation needs.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Presentations and Graphic Communication
COMP2460

Description:

Students will be introduced to a variety of publishing and presentation tools. The student will create engaging graphic presentations using current software tools and techniques relevant to various communication and presentation contexts.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Geographic Information Systems III
GEO2000

Description:

This course builds on the student's knowledge of spatial analysis and GIS techniques. This course will explore other elements of the ESRI suite of products to build on the students' knowledge of ArcGIS Pro. This course will enhance the students’ knowledge of the full ESRI suite of products to increase skill-set and future employability.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Government and Policy
LAW2450

Description:

Planning and development policy is constantly changing and evolving. This course will introduce the various levels of government involved in urban planning, particularly around policy development, and differentiate their role and involvement in planning in Ontario.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Rural Planning
PLAN2000

Description:

Rural planning has a long history in Ontario and is becoming increasingly important as growth pressures continue. This course will look at how land use planning shapes our non-urban communities and will investigate how different planning tools are used to ensure rural areas are both protected for the long-term as agricultural hubs, as well as investigate how planners balance growth pressures with rural opportunity.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Stakeholder Management and Communication Planning
PLAN2010

Description:

This course will explore communications and how to overcome communication barriers within stakeholder groups and with individuals. The course also emphasizes building the skills and knowledge needed to create an effective communication and stakeholder engagement plan. Participants will also learn leadership principles and tools for successfully managing stakeholder relationships.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Smart Cities
PLAN2020

Description:

With evolving technical innovations, there are opportunities for cities to take advantage of Smart technology, particularly in the areas of transportation and energy use. Implementing these technologies can present challenges for cities with older buildings and infrastructure. This course explores the opportunities and challenges of Smart technology in urban planning.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Career Success
CDEV1830

Description:

This dynamic career course offers a comprehensive exploration of essential skills and strategies required for career success. Students will learn to navigate the labour market effectively, conducting research to identify employment opportunities and potential employers that align with their career goals. They will also attain skills in writing professional self marketing documents, tailored to specific job opportunities. With a focus on interview preparation, students will participate in a range of simulated scenarios, learning to respond confidently and competently to various interview questions, enhancing their employability and interview performance. By the end of the course, students will emerge equipped with the skills and strategies needed to thrive in today's competitive job market.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Geographic Information Systems IV
GEO2010

Description:

This course builds on the student's knowledge of spatial analysis and GIS techniques. This course will explore other GIS software (QGIS) and techniques to build on the students’ knowledge of ESRI products and spatial analysis in general. This course will enhance the students’ spatial analysis skills and broaden their knowledge of GIS.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Heritage Planning
PLAN2030

Description: This course provides an introduction to heritage planning in Ontario. This course will teach students how to survey and document culturally significant structures, landscapes, and features of heritage value. Students will use a variety of approaches to manage change while considering cultural heritage value. This course will cover several topics related to heritage planning including the history of planning, heritage policy/legislation, heritage designation, research and evaluation, demolition, adaptive reuse, and urban design.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Sustainable Urban Design
PLAN2040

Description:

Students will explore sustainability principles and how they can be integrated into land use planning and urban design. Examining urban areas as they relate to their environment and the ecology within cities and urban areas will allow students to identify sustainable design strategies.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Trends in Urban Planning
PLAN2050

Description:

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of trends in urban planning. This course will equip students with the knowledge and skills to respond and shape the evolving landscape of urban development. Through a combination of case studies and class lectures, students will gain insights into emerging issues that influence urban planning decisions.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Capstone Project
PLAN2060

Description:

Students will combine their technical, design and presentation skills within a problem-based learning context to address a specific aspect of urban planning and design.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Program outcomes

  1. Contribute to the conservation and enhancement of natural and built environments to develop communities within which people live, work and play.
  2. Design and plan practical land development projects manually and digitally that meet stakeholder requirements and adhere to related municipal and provincial policies.
  3. Evaluate demographic, environmental and economic data to support evidence-informed planning decisions.
  4. Conduct research and field surveys to gather data for urban and rural planning reports and documents.
  5. Build and update spatial and tabular databases to maintain Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
  6. Use computer-aided design (CAD) to create maps, plans and reports in 2D and 3D.
  7. Design and present graphic presentations to interpret and visualize technical information for nontechnical audiences.
  8. Communicate professionally to support the development and maintenance of positive working relationships and inclusive team environments.
  9. Develop and apply ongoing strategies for personal, career and professional development.