Urban Development Institute Canada

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The Urban Development Institute (UDI) is a national not-for-profit association representing the development industry across Canada. Its members are not only development companies, but professionals involved in the industry such as planners, architects, engineers, financiers, lawyers, property managers, real estate agents and consultants. In total there are over 1000 member companies.

The Institute is divided into six divisions namely: Atlantic, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta and Pacific.

While operating under the umbrella of UDI Canada, each division functions independently in addressing it's local issues. Divisions are further broken down into "Chapters". Each division has a board of directors made up where appropriate, by representatives from the chapter level. In turn, each division has a representative on the board of directors of UDI Canada. Division boards meet on a regular basis; some monthly, some quarterly. The UDI Canada board meets semi annually.

Recognizing that the development of land is an essential function of our national economy, the Institute's activities focus on promoting wise, efficient and productive urban growth through:

• The establishment of urban planning and development, which will best provide for the needs of Canadians, today and in the future.
  
• The monitoring of legislation, government activities and program financing so that needs can be met in a efficient and cost effective manner.
  
• The development of a uniform and equitable legislative framework, within which the industry is able to meet the needs of the public in a timely and cost efficient manner.
  
• The fostering of responsible dialogue between the industry, governments and the general public, in order to create increased awareness of the diverse implications of urban growth and the need for realistic solutions to our community's requirements - while maintaining an optimum balance of low public cost and high environmental concern.
  
• The upgrading of industry expertise, through experience, education and exchange of information.

UDI meets these challenges through the active participation of its members in numerous municipal, provincial and federal liaison committees and on task forces, which result in the preparation and presentation of briefs and position papers on issues of concern to the industry.

In short, UDI, through its divisions and chapters, is the voice of the development industry in Canada.
The following topics are intended to give those not familiar with residential land development in Calgary a general understanding of the role of a developer. (For the purpose of this section it will be assumed that you, a typical resident, have suddenly become owner of a parcel of land and are considering residential development on your site.)