Urban Visionary Jennifer Keesmaat Embraces Unconventional Approaches in Urban Planning
Jennifer Keesmaat: A Visionary Urban Planner
Jennifer Keesmaat, a renowned urban planner, has made a significant impact on the cityscapes of Toronto and beyond. Her career path, marked by a blend of education and practical experience, has led her to become a leading figure in urban planning.
Keesmaat's liberal arts degree, which she earned in English and Philosophy, has been a cornerstone of her success. This broad education has equipped her with critical thinking, communication, and a deep understanding of social, cultural, and economic contexts—skills that are essential for urban planners navigating complex community needs and policy issues.
The inspiration for Keesmaat's career in urban planning can be traced back to her reading of Jane Jacobs' "The Death and Life of Great American Cities." This seminal work ignited a passion in Keesmaat to shape cities in ways that foster vibrant, livable communities.
Keesmaat's approach to urban planning is characterized by a focus on the bigger picture and an emphasis on making projects inclusive and beneficial to society. This ethos was evident in her pilot project, the King Street Transit Priority Corridor in Toronto, which aimed to restrict through movement and create more space for trams.
The King Street Transit Priority Corridor faced opposition from car-users and business owners due to potential disruptions. However, Keesmaat and her team worked tirelessly to gain support by engaging stakeholders, involving the public in designing the project, and ensuring the project's goals and impact were clear. The data from the project showed that the old transit route was inefficient and that the corridor could move significantly more people.
The efforts paid off, and the King Street Transit Priority Corridor is now permanent, with movement redirected, public transport taking priority, and new bike boxes, public seating areas, and cafes added. This transformation has not only improved the efficiency of public transport but also enhanced the overall livability of the area.
Beyond her work in Toronto, Keesmaat has founded The Keesmaat Group, a company that assists organizations, governments, and companies worldwide in making cities future-proof. She has also served on the Advisory Board of Toronto's Urban Land Institute and hosted two podcasts, "Invisible City" and "Within Reach."
Keesmaat's passion for urban planning extends beyond her professional life. She finds joy in the complexity and challenges involved in urban planning, which she describes as sitting at the intersection of various societal interests. For Keesmaat, change in cities may be difficult, but it is worthwhile work that requires collaboration and a shared interest in realizing a vision for a better, more livable city.
Technology plays a crucial role in Keesmaat's Visionary urban planning approach, as she leverages innovative solutions to increase public transportation efficiency and create more livable communities.
Keesmaat's dedication to urban planning encompasses not only her professional career but also seeks to inspire others through education-and-self-development initiatives such as podcasts and her company, The Keesmaat Group.
