Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) has appointed urban advocate and civil society leader, Mary R. Rowe as its president and chief executive officer effective September 9, 2019.

“We are excited to have Mary leading CUI, as we head into our 30th anniversary,” said Board Chair Andréa Calla in the press release. “Canada is one of the most urbanized countries in the world, and it’s a pivotal moment to make sure our cities are both livable for the residents of today and resilient to the economic, environmental and social challenges we anticipate for tomorrow.”

Rowe holds senior fellowships with Evergreen and Future Cities Canada, Shorefast, PlacemakingX and Massey College. She is the lead facilitator with the Urban Project, an initiative of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Maytree. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Bentway (Toronto) and the Nature of Cities (New York City). Rowe has been a frequent contributor to national and international city-building programs, including UN Habitat and the World Urban Forum.

“CUI brings together all the crucial stakeholders – researchers, planning and design professionals, the development industry, local communities and their leaders and government – each important to ensuring Canada’s global leadership in building great cities,” Rowe said.

“I’m delighted to be joining the staff team and look forward to working with the Board and our partners to advance Canada’s unique forms of urbanism.”