On November 8, 2008, Newfoundland and Labrador will join with other Canadian provinces and over 50 countries to recognize World Town Planning Day. The proclamation was signed by the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs.

"World Town Planning Day promotes the critical role of planning in creating livable, sustainable communities," said Minister Whalen. "It presents an excellent opportunity to celebrate the valuable contributions sound planning makes to the quality of life here in Newfoundland and Labrador and in communities around the world."

The international organization for World Town Planning day was founded in 1949 by the late Professor Carlos Maria della Paolera of the University of Buenos Aries to advance public and professional interest in planning, both locally and abroad. World Town Planning Day is promoted each year by the International Society of City and Regional Planners headquartered at The Hague in the Netherlands.

The Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and the Atlantic Planners Institute (API) endorse World Town Planning Day as an opportunity to highlight the contribution sound planning makes to the quality of our communities and environment and to celebrate Canadian accomplishments in making collective decisions concerning our towns, cities and regions that in turn elevate the quality of life in our communities.

"Good land use planning allows for certainty in community development," said Corrie Davis, President of the API NL branch. "It provides a basis for sound decision making with regard to municipal infrastructure and this, in effect, leads to more sustainable communities."

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