I've been featured in newspapers, magazines, journals, on radio, TV, and in a variety of other online and printed publications. I've delivered presentations at local, regional, national and international conferences; to students at universities and colleges; in front of school councils and city councils, and at large public events. I've been invited to write book chapters, teach courses, chair boards and committees, travel to other countries, and to help and coach people around the world.
I have a unique "jack-of-all-cities" approach and I "get" cities and communities because I've lived in so many different ones.
I've lived in attached housing and detached housing. I've lived in "transit-oriented development". I know what it's like to live in a top-floor apartment and in a basement suite; in a townhouse, ranch home, bungalow, and multi-storey house. I've lived in a cul-de-sac, in a grid-patterned neighbourhood, and even on a rural road next to corn fields and a Christmas tree farm. I know what life is like on busy bus routes, near train tracks, near fire stations, near the waterfront, next to a greenway, and across from a park.
I've lived in great neighbourhoods and rough neighbourhoods. I've lived in communities with lots to do and others with nothing to do; with paved roads and gravel roads; sidewalks and no sidewalks. I've had nice, friendly, helpful neighbors; and I've also had sketchy neighbors, everything from hoarders and "schiesters" to addicts and criminals.
I know first-hand what it is like to commute primarily as a walker, as a cyclist, by car, by bus, and by train.
I've lived half my life in a rural village, and half in an urban centre. I can relate just as easily to farmers as I can to executives and politicians.
I've worked as a curator, landscaper, designer, graphic artist, life/career coach, tutor, urban planner, event planner, project manager, writer, advisor for international students, researcher, field worker, database manager, programmer, temp worker, data entry clerk, radio host, and moonlight DJ at a bowling alley. I've worked on a factory assembly line, demolition crew; at a community magazine, golf course, radio station, TV station, and in a windowless cubicle in an office tower.
I've bought, renovated and sold several properties, and I've done lots of renovations myself, everything from digging trenches to installing cabinets and countertops. I've also been a neighbourhood association executive and I know what it's like to be on both sides of the planning, permitting, and inspection processes.
I've been involved in a variety of business and non-profit startups, and have run my own company. I've participated in election campaigns, and know what it feels like to win and lose; to be turned into a hero and to be painted as a fool by the media.
For education, I've taken courses and training in geography, civil and environmental engineering, business management, leadership, coaching and local government authority.
Feel free to contact me with a special project you'd like me to consider. (email: myron@cityplanner.ca)
Hi! I'm Myron Belej (email: