Trent University’s legacy of exemplary leadership in the environment continues to shine, as innovative research led by associate director of the Trent School of the Environment Dr. Stephen Hill and Canadian Studies Ph.D. candidate Margo Perun is set to appear in the first report by Evergreen’s Mid-Sized Cities Research Collaborative.

As part of Leveraging Ontario’s Urban Potential: Mid-Sized Cities Research Series, led by Evergreen, a Canadian charity that supports the development of sustainable communities and cities, Professor Hill and Ms. Perun’s report, Planning for Climate Change in Mid-Sized Ontario Cities, examines the necessity of climate change planning in mid-sized cities and makes suggestions for how cities can implement effective change.

Prof. Hill’s involvement with climate change planning in the Peterborough region has established him as a key figure in local environmental awareness. For Ms. Perun, the experience of working alongside Prof. Hill has revealed unexpected avenues for her own research.

“Working with Professor Hill on the Evergreen project has opened the opportunity to bring insights from academic research to decision-makers, policy developers, and the broader community,” explained Ms. Perun. “In my own research it has allowed me to focus on differences and similarities between mid-size cities’ and larger metropolitan areas’ responses to climate change.”

Ms. Perun notes that the unique opportunity to work as a researcher alongside her dissertation supervisor while still completing her Ph.D. has become the highlight of her time at Trent.

“This opportunity has been the highlight of my Trent experience. Prof. Hill is able to bring academic study to life in the real world. His expertise in Canadian municipal climate change policy and planning provides a strong foundation for any students who want to understand and contribute their knowledge to the well-being of communities.”

Read the full report by Prof. Hill and Ms. Perun.