Toronto is one of the world’s most dynamic cities, and Arts & Science alum Renée Gomes is playing a pivotal role in shaping its future.
Her approach to urban transformation, turning underused spaces into vibrant communities that reflect the diverse and inclusive spirit of the city, is grounded in her degrees from the University of Toronto.
"So much of how I understand the city is based on my experiences at U of T because the university is such a big part of the city's identity,” says Gomes, who earned her bachelor of arts degree in 2002 as a member of University College.
Initially, the sociology major had no clear inclination toward urban planning until a course in urban sociology opened new avenues.
“That course was the turning point for me,” she says. “I started thinking about cities in a range of different ways — how communities of people live together and how their ways of interacting shape the built environment.”
This newfound passion led her to pursue a master of science in planning in the Department of Geography & Planning, where Toronto itself became a living lab for her studies.
"Toronto provided a real-world context to apply what we were learning, and the university’s broad range of courses allowed me to explore my interests deeply.”
Gomes applied that knowledge throughout her career, beginning as an intern with Urban Strategies, which turned into a full-time planning job after graduation.
“U of T's reputation is extremely high,” she says. “I believe the education you get here, and the resulting opportunities, are equal to — if not better than — what you can receive from elite private universities in the U.S.”
In the next phase of her career, Gomes joined Waterfront Toronto. As director of development, she led the agency's ambitious transformation of the city's industrial West Don Lands into a bustling, mixed-use community. This area served as the Athletes' Village for the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games and was later converted into hundreds of housing units within the newly named Canary District.
Gomes still draws on her U of T education in her current role as senior vice-president of development with DiamondCorp, a development company recognized for taking a creative and responsible approach to urban development, often in partnership with other private- and public-sector organizations and stakeholders.
Working on master-planned communities across the GTA has enabled Gomes to engage with every aspect of city-building, from transportation and infrastructure to the design of buildings and public spaces.
“I honestly can't imagine doing any other job. I can't imagine working in a field that doesn't keep me plugged into everything that's happening in a city,” says Gomes.
Developing the next generation
Gomes gives back by passionately contributing to the development of the next generation of planners as a sessional lecturer at U of T.
With fellow alum Jeffrey Cantos, she teaches the course Land Use Planning: Principles and Practice.
The dynamic duo builds on their experience in both the public and private sectors to equip students with tools to tackle critical planning challenges and prepare for impactful careers in city building and policy development. They developed the course with the objective of providing a land-use planning offering that they wish had been available when they were students.
Gomes explains how being an educator and a mentor has made her a better planner.
“It requires me to stay on top of policy and legislative changes, which these days are happening fast and furious. And it keeps me plugged into current issues, facing both the planning students and other residents of the city.”
Gomes places strong emphasis on the importance of teamwork with her students. As a leader in urban development, she understands that transforming a cityscape is never a solo effort.
“In professional life, you are almost never doing something by yourself. You are always working with other people. The group work we did at U of T was very similar to the way you have to navigate assignments and projects in the real world.”
When reflecting on her legacy, Gomes hopes it will be measured not just by her impressive portfolio, but by the lasting positive impact these projects have on communities.
“I aspire to be a professional who is recognized for understanding and upholding the intent of public policy objectives, and I believe this can be achieved through commercially successful initiatives. Good planning is about more than just building structures — it’s about creating spaces that enhance the lives of those who use them.”
Renée Gomes is a Bousfield Distinguished Visitor in Planning, and she will be featured in the Department of Geography & Planning’s John Bousfield Public Lecture Series later this academic year.