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May 2011 Honorary Degree Recipient

Doctor of Laws (honoris causa)

Larry Beasley’s vision has influenced the design and growth of cities across the country and around the globe. As a result, he has helped improve the quality of life for millions of people.

Described as Canada’s most influential and distinguished urban planner, Mr. Beasley is credited with transforming Vancouver into one of the world’s most livable cities.

The socially-responsible urban planning process that Mr. Beasley implemented in Vancouver attracted global attention — so much so, that what is now known as ‘The Vancouver Model’ has entered the professional planning lexicon.

Mr. Beasley has been recognized by almost every professional organization in his industry -- the United Nations cited his work as among the ‘World’s 100 Best Planning Practices;’ the Massachusetts Institute of Technology awarded him the Kevin Lynch Prize, the most prestigious award in American planning; and he’s been honored by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.  In 2004, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada.

It is no wonder, then, that we are so proud to have Larry Beasley joining us here on this very special day.

During his career as the Director of Planning for the City of Vancouver, Mr. Beasley -- a graduate of both the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University -- was a key figure in Vancouver’s development over three decades of intensive growth and change. His leadership demonstrated that municipal governments can play a crucial role in directing capital investment to benefit citizens and communities.

In what’s referred to as ‘the city planning the city,’ Mr. Beasley developed a participatory approach to zoning, planning and design. This method greatly influenced land use and transportation plans. Over time, his careful management resulted in a dramatically reshaped inner city. An emphasis on living downtown prompted a doubling of the inner-city population, where residents were attracted by open spaces and enriched cultural opportunities.

Neighborhoods were revitalized, a strong heritage preservation program was created, an urban design studio flourished and a civic fundraising initiative was launched.

The expertise gained during his distinguished planning career — which Mr. Beasley describes as ‘the art of building cities’— is now shared with students at the University of British Columbia, where he is the Distinguished Practice Professor of Planning. He is also vice president for planning at a major Canadian development company, Aquilini Development.

When he stepped down from his position with Vancouver’s planning department in 2006, Mr. Beasley may have been considering retirement. But the thought vanished quickly. Instead, he became founding principal of Beasley and Associates, an international planning consultancy. He’s in demand around the world as an authority on urban development and urban issues, from the Yangtze River Delta to the Gulf of Arabia. He works in cities as diverse as Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Dallas, Ottawa, Rotterdam and Shanghai. Mr. Beasley is advising Abu Dhabi as the island city experiences rapid development. In Dallas, he is chief advisor on urban design for a massive riverfront redevelopment. In Ottawa, he is leading efforts to create ‘the world’s greenest capital’ as chair of the National Advisory Committee on Planning, Design and Realty.

Somehow, Mr. Beasley still manages to remain an active volunteer in his home community of Vancouver. His extensive contributions include serving as an adviser for the Vancouver International Film Festival, Saint Paul’s Hospital, the Arthur Erikson Garden Society and the Vancouver Art Gallery.

He is a frequent visitor to the Atlantic region, advising municipalities in New Brunswick and our own Halifax Regional Municipality on planning policies and civic development. At ±«Óãtv, we have been fortunate to have Mr. Beasley lecture to our students and collaborate with faculty on research projects. Our Faculty of Architecture and Planning has invited him to serve as a member of its advisory board.

In recognition of his transformative vision and demonstrated international influence as an urban planner,  I ask you, Mr. Chancellor, on behalf of Senate, to bestow upon Larry Beasley, the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.