Brian Doucet

Urban Geographer

I am pleased to announced that my first photography exhibition, Ordinary Cycling: unremarkable photos from the Netherlands, will be on display at Fix Coffee and Bikes in Toronto, from 13 November 2019. Click on the button below for more info!

Introduction

I am the Canada Research Chair in Urban Change and Social Inclusion and an Associate Professor in the School of Planning at the University of Waterloo in Canada. I am originally from Toronto, and lived in the Netherlands between 2004 and 2017.

My work critically examines today’s urban renaissance and questions the celebration of the contemporary cities by asking: who profits from this remaking of the city? I have written extensively on gentrification, waterfront regeneration and urban redevelopment. My approach is to focus on  engaged research, relevant to academic, political and societal debates.

I am interested in the lived experiences of urban change, gentrification and displacement. My work seeks to use this knowledge to elevate marginalised voices in order to enhance debates and shape policy and planning. I employ a variety of qualitative methodologies, including photography, to critically address these issues.

I am passionate about teaching and believe that contributing to education is essential to being a successful scholar. My research heavily influences my teaching, while at the same time I encourage students to critically examine the world around them and question why things are where they are.

Welcome