Frances Foster is a Montreal-based visual artist. Together with local residents, she led a fight for a park in the Marconi-Alexandra neighbourhood in 2013. She was almost evicted in 2022. This interview is dedicated to those who help make those special places in cities. This post is part of my Wild Things newsletter. Subscribe here.ContinueContinue reading “Who makes a city?”
Tag Archives: green infrastructure
Why should cities have fruit trees? An interview with Dr. Salim Kattar
Dr. Salim Kattar is a multilingual environmental and agricultural professional with a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering and a strong commitment to sustainable development, restoration, and community-based education. His career bridges academia, NGOs, municipalities, and field projects. With more than 18 years as a professor and department head, he has led research as well as contributedContinueContinue reading “Why should cities have fruit trees? An interview with Dr. Salim Kattar”
Mentorship for a Toronto Metropolitan University planning studio
A new year, a new opportunity. During the Winter 2026 term, I am a mentor for the “Parks Plus” Advanced Graduate Planning Studio led by Professor Nina-Marie Lister and Jeremy Guth at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Urban and Regional Planning. We are exploring community ownership models for parks. Ombrello Solutions’ Civic Infrastructure Bond (CIB)ContinueContinue reading “Mentorship for a Toronto Metropolitan University planning studio”
A review of 2025, a look forward to 2026
This year has been marked by advancements in my work. I wish you all seasons greetings and that you enjoy holidays with those you love most. Watch out for the launch of my newsletter in 2026. The Civic Infrastructure Bond: Ombrello Solutions $250 million (CDN) issuance of a bond whose proceeds would be used toContinueContinue reading “A review of 2025, a look forward to 2026”
New project announcement: Natural Base Solutions
📣 I’m pleased to have started a project on best practices for nature-based solutions with Gabino Carballo of Spain-based Natural Base Solutions. We have been tasked by MedCities to develop training kits for local governments interested in tackling climate change. This is part of the Urban Regenerative Water Avant-garde(N) project co-funded by the European Union.ContinueContinue reading “New project announcement: Natural Base Solutions”
Annonce: Mise-à-jour professionnel / Announcement: Professional update
Followed by English below. Je suis fier d’annoncer que je suis inscrit à l’Ordre des urbanistes du Québec depuis le 1er avril 2025. Depuis plusieurs mois, je travaille activement sur un projet à Montréal concernant les espaces verts et la finance. Cette expérience m’a mené à faire la demande d’inscription à l’OUQ car, je suisContinueContinue reading “Annonce: Mise-à-jour professionnel / Announcement: Professional update”
The Urban Hulk’s focus
I am focused on the intersection of urban planning and sustainable finance. I am interested in the finding the win-wins for innovative urban projects (e.g. parks and transit) that are currently lacking funding. Novel models can help to make them happen. This is where the potential lies. In my career as an ESG Analyst atContinueContinue reading “The Urban Hulk’s focus”
