How cities across Canada are moving from one-off reuse success stories to systems of reuse
| | | | Unlocking Urban Circularity: Scaling Material Reuse from Policy to Practice Thursday, June 26 | 12 p.m. ET | Live Zoom Webinar | | | | | | Cities across Canada are increasingly recognizing that isolated reuse projects—while inspiring—are not enough to meet the scale of today’s environmental and urban development challenges. A new shift is underway: from one-off success stories to integrated, system-wide approaches that embed circular economy principles into the core of how cities grow and evolve. This discussion will explore how leaders across sectors are driving this transformation. From innovative architects and engineers designing for disassembly, to municipal officials shaping enabling policies, to material recovery experts building new infrastructure and market pathways—Canada’s cities are beginning to treat buildings and construction materials as renewable resources rather than waste. Through concrete examples and cross-sector dialogue, this session will highlight what’s working on the ground, what systemic gaps remain, and where policy, practice, and investment need to go next. Whether you’re a policymaker, planner, developer, designer, or sustainability advocate, join us for a dynamic conversation on how cities can unlock the full potential of urban circularity—creating more resilient, low-carbon, and resource-smart communities in the process. | | |
|
|
| | Program Manager, Circular Economy | City of Richmond Marcos Alejandro Badra is a sustainability leader with over 15 years of experience in the circular economy, environmental management, ESG, life cycle assessment, and systems thinking. He has led cross-sector sustainability initiatives for industries, local governments, and multinational organizations, helping embed circular principles into core operations. In his current role at the City of Richmond, he leads efforts to integrate circularity into municipal systems, driving Richmond’s transition toward a circular community. |
|
|
| | Structural Engineer | WSP (CENTRUS) Isis Bennet is a structural engineer working at the intersection of sustainability and computational design. Over the past six years at WSP, she has developed expertise in both modern and traditional building materials. Isis holds a Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from Carleton University. |
|
|
| | General Manager | Brique Recyc Trained as an engineer, Xavier Brochu began his career in the start-up world before moving into the construction industry. Passionate about innovation, he is convinced that new technologies play a key role in transforming this sector by improving productivity and accelerating its transition toward more sustainable practices. Struck by the tangible impact of Brique Recyc's technology, he didn’t hesitate to join the venture as General Manager to actively contribute to this change. |
|
|
| | CEO & Founder| Green Salvaged Materials Carly Connor is an engineer and heritage conservation specialist advancing scalable strategies for material reuse in the built environment. As Founder of Green Salvaged Materials, she works across sectors to integrate salvage and reuse into mainstream construction—bridging policy, design, and demolition. Carly serves on the Board of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals and chairs its Advocacy Committee, and is Co-Chair of the APT Technical Committee on Sustainable Preservation. She also represents both organizations in the Zero Net Carbon Collaboration for Existing and Historic Buildings. Her work is focused on aligning material reuse with climate, heritage, and circular economy goals—transforming it from exception to industry standard. |
|
|
| | Founder & President| GI Quo Vadis Natalie Voland is a pioneering real estate developer and passionate advocate for heritage conservation, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. With over 25 years of experience and a background in social work, she brings a purpose-driven, design-centered approach that integrates heritage preservation with community-building and environmental innovation. As founder of GI Quo Vadis, Natalie leads investments in carbon-mitigated, accessible housing that address both climate and housing challenges. A recognized leader in Quebec’s B Corp movement, she also serves on several boards, including the Climate Partnership of Montreal and the Building Decarbonisation Alliance. An award-winning, socially conscious developer, Natalie is currently a PhD candidate and a member of Concordia’s Next Generation Cities Institute, where she explores how business can drive sustainability in the built environment. In 2024, she received the Governors’ Award from the National Trust for Canada in recognition of her leadership at the intersection of real estate, heritage, and social purpose. |
|
|
| Can't make it? Watch the recording! | | For anyone unable to attend live, be sure to watch the recording on our CityTalk website! Recordings are posted within a week of the event. | | | |
|
|
| | | Copyright © 2024 Canadian Urban Institute |
|
|
|
Powered by:  |
