ABOUT US

our vision and approach

EDG planning & design is a multidisciplinary consulting practice based in Calgary, Alberta and serving clients across North America and New Zealand. We specialize in planning, urban design, tourism destination and community development - exceptional places that will benefit present and future generations.

We measure our success by the quadruple bottom line – economic, environmental, social and cultural metrics. We believe in the power of collaborative planning: bringing clients, communities, planners and designers together to create great places.

We approach every assignment with fresh eyes. We start by carefully listening to client and community needs and aspirations: then analyzing issues and opportunities. We then assemble expert teams and involve leading specialists, working together to create innovative solutions for positive outcomes.

Our expertise ranges from strategic advisory and project coordination, to planning and design at all scales.

How can we help you?

Douglas Leighton

MCIP, MRAIC

Principal - EDG planning & design

Doug Leighton is a leading planner and urban designer with decades of international public and private sector experience. As founder and Principal of EDG, Doug has spearheaded transformative projects in Alberta, British Columbia and New Zealand, earning a reputation for innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

With extensive leadership experience, Doug has held roles as a corporate Vice President, consulting firm Principal, municipal Planning Director, and Board Director / Chair. He has a diverse portfolio of award-winning community and resort developments, downtown and waterfront revitalization projects, and master-planned residential, mixed-use, and commercial developments. Doug’s work reflects his commitment to creating vibrant and sustainable places for people.

Doug’s visionary approach has resulted in a long track record of successful projects, adding value and leaving a lasting legacy in the communities he serves.

EDG leadership

Doug Leighton and EDG have a long history of community involvement and support. Doug is a dedicated mentor to young planners, designers, and development professionals, fostering the next generation of leaders in the field. His community involvement includes:

supporting our community

  • University of Calgary – EVDS Alumni Council, APPI Planning Accreditation Panel; Planner in Residence (2019-2022)

  • Alberta Real Estate Foundation – Governor (2017-2019), Chair (2020-2022)

  • Silvera Senior Living – Member of the Capital Development Committee (2021-2023)

  • QUEST Smart Energy Communities – Director (2017-2019) and member of the Finance and Audit Committee

  • Urban Land Institute (Alberta) – Director and Co-Chair of Programming (2016-2018), UrbanPlan volunteer

  • National Urban Design Awards – Canadian Institute of Planners - Awards Juror (2017 and 2019)

  • City of Calgary – Member of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (2019-2022), Planning Commission (2016-2018)

  • Urban Design Panels – Member - Calgary, Victoria, Auckland, Banff, and Whistler Design Panels

  • Urban Design Forum NZ – Co-founder (2004)

  • NZ Urban Design Protocol – Committee Member (2005)

Doug has also served as volunteer Director for numerous organizations, including the Mill Bay Rotary, Discovery Ridge Community Association, Alberta Hostelling Association, and the British Columbia, Alberta, and New Zealand Planning Institutes.

“Doug’s insight on how the real estate and development sector is evolving and innovating when it comes to the efficient use of energy in communities and homes and why that matters to Smart Energy Communities has been very valuable to QUEST”
— Mike Cleland, QUEST Board of Directors

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