About Us

Pamela Robinson (MCIP, RPP) is a professor in the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Toronto Metropolitan University, and a registered professional planner. As part of the geothink.ca (external link)  research team, Robinson's research and practice focus on urban sustainability issues with a particular focus on cities and climate change and the use of open data and civic technology to support open government transformations. She serves on the board of directors of the Metcalf Foundation and has participated in four Metrolinx Community Advisory Committees. Robinson is an editor of Urban Sustainability: Reconnecting Space and Place (University of Toronto Press, 2013), Teaching as Scholarship: Preparing Students for Professional Practice in Community Services (WLU Press, 2016) and is a columnist for Spacing magazine.

Specializing in timely, relevant and proactive policy research and strategic communications to drive impact, Cherise Burda has authored over 40 policy reports, book chapters and academic publications, as well as dozens of magazine articles and op-eds. In over 20 years as a thought leader, Cherise’s research and activities have directly influenced policy change in Ontario and British Columbia.

As Executive Director of City Building TMU, Cherise leads collaborations and knowledge mobilization strategies for academic research in city building and urban innovation and policy research on issues of sustainable regional planning and development, housing affordability, placemaking and transportation. Her previous roles included Ontario Director of the Pembina Institute, Program Director with the David Suzuki Foundation in Vancouver and Senior Researcher with University of Victoria’s Eco-Research Chair of Environmental Law and Policy.

Cherise holds an M.A. in environmental policy from University of Victoria, as well as a B.Sc. in environmental science and a Bachelor of Education, both from University of Toronto. Cherise has spoken on dozens of panels, is a regular spokesperson and participates on a number public and private sector advisory groups.

Claire Pfeiffer is an accomplished communications and management specialist with a background in the arts, cultural industries and urban development, where she has built a unique set of skills and body of knowledge at organizations such as the Ryerson City Building Institute, Artscape, Ontario Arts Council, Magazines Canada and others. With intrinsic creativity and business sense, she is passionate about driving partnership, engagement and positive profile for mission-driven organizations supporting communities and culture. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Linguistics from Concordia University, and a Master of Publishing from Simon Fraser University.