Meet Liam K.

Planning Work Experience Student (Open Space Strategy)
City of Edmonton

Summer 2021 (8 Month Term)

“My co-op experience with the City of Edmonton’s Open Space Strategy team has been rich and meaningful. Between May and December 2020, I undertook research to support strategic planning of Edmonton’s river valley and ravines, reviewed park space availability in central Edmonton neighbourhoods, and assisted with wildlife image processing through a North America wide wildlife research project. I was also able to present a workshop to my unit based on my lessons from an Indigenous Planning course I took in November. I’m really grateful for what this internship taught me about municipal governance and long-range urban parks planning. One of the biggest takeaways for me from this semester is the pace and diversity of work that exists within municipal planning. 

Before starting my City of Edmonton co-op, I assumed public sector planning was slow-paced and monotonous. From my perspective as a student, development approvals and policies seemed very gradual. Since becoming an ‘insider’ with the City, I’ve realized this couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m continually impressed by the professionalism, intentionality and hard work from all corners of the organization. Teams across different business areas are willing to step up and help on a variety of issues. If you’re a planning or human geography student who likes fast-paced, collaborative work, you will find it working in public-sector planning. I know I found it.”

Liam is completing his fifth year of studies with a major in Planning and a minor in Economics. He is also completing certificates in International Learning and Interdisciplinary Leadership (through the Peter Lougheed Leadership College). In his spare time, Liam enjoys running, skiing and exploring Canada’s great outdoors.