September 11, 1996 For Immediate Release

A University of Northern British Columbia bachelors degree program specializing in Environmental Planning has been recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners. To be recognized, programs must satisfy administrative, academic, and professional standards. Recognition by the Institute helps to attract students, and is an important distinction for the University.

"The UNBC Environmental Planning major within the Environmental Studies program is unique in the country as it focuses on environmental, natural resource, First Nations, rural, and regional planning in a northern context," says Leslie King, Chair of the University's Environmental Studies program.

The Planning program is currently working with the Real Estate Foundation of BC to establish the Northern Land Use Institute. The Institute is being designed to undertake community-based research and improve land use, resource, and environmental management decision-making at the local and regional levels. Dr King and UNBC Environmental Studies professor John Curry have already met with planning officials in a number of northern BC communities and further meetings are being planned to identify appropriate research projects.

The recognition of the Planning program by the Canadian Institute of Planners will be marked on Tuesday, September 17th, at 4:00pm in Admin Room 1051. Representatives of CIP, the Planning Institute of BC, and the University will be on hand.

Besides UNBC, only the University of Saskatchewan offers a recognized planning degree at the undergraduate level in western Canada.