Commonwealth Association of Planners
Advancing professional planning globally
2025 CAP Planning Awards
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
Planning for Human Settlements / Plan-Making in the Commonwealth
Chemawawin Cree Nation Environmental Management Plan
CANADA
Chemawawin Cree Nation, Narratives Planning
This submission is thorough and effectively meets all criteria for this category. The environmental management plan adopts a holistic and Indigenous-led approach, serving as an excellent model for others to emulate. It outlines a clear vision for the future of the area, along with practical steps for implementation. The jury is very impressed with the engagement process involving the Indigenous community, which is clearly reflected throughout the plan. This project promotes Indigenous planning and design principles, showcasing creativity rooted in Indigenous knowledge. It can be easily replicated and adapted across all Commonwealth states, including those with marginalized communities.
Planning for Human Settlements / Plan-Making in the Commonwealth
COMMENDATION
City Plan Adelaide 2036: A Spatial Blueprint for Growth
AUSTRALIA
City of Adelaide, Australia
The City Plan - Adelaide 2036 is an engagement-driven, data-led urban design framework. It will support the doubling of the residential population from 26,000 to 50,000 by 2036, while becoming more accessible, cooler, and greener, and driving investment in local and regional infrastructure and housing. The judges considered the approach to the plan to be an excellent example of city-wide planning, characterized by significant engagement, particularly in relation to climate change and resilience.
Planning for Climate Change and Adaptation
Delivering Flood Response and Resilience Through Innovative Planning
NEW ZEALAND
Beca Limited, Auckland Council, City of Auckland, New Zealand
This nomination recognises the innovative planning approach that was implemented to deliver two significant flood response and resilience infrastructure projects in Mangere, Auckland, New Zealand, following the devastating flood events of 2023. The judges were impressed by the integrated approach with the community in developing a response plan to significant flooding. Significant collaboration and innovation.
Planning for Climate Change and Adaptation
COMMENDATION
Coastal Protection Regulations
CANADA
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL)
The recently adopted Coastal Protection Guidelines have introduced enforceable land-use controls to address sea-level rise, storm surge, coastal erosion, flooding, and the protection of sensitive coastal ecosystems, such as wetlands. Based on the latest scientific data, including erosion modelling, sea level rise projections, and floodplain mapping, the project established three mapped regulatory zones: Erosion Risk Areas, Flood Risk Areas, and Sensitive Coastal Areas. The judges were impressed with the integration of nature-based solutions and meaningful public engagement. The initiative promotes long-term land use certainty, public safety, and environmental resilience.
Planning for Equitable and Inclusive Cities and Human Settlements
COMMENDATION
Street Art "Jalan Negara Kita"
MALAYSIA
Jalan Negara Kita Community
Jalan Negara Kita is a community initiative that embodies the essential values of the equity award. The community started it to promote and revitalize a neglected area. Through collective efforts, the area has evolved into a vibrant public attraction. This initiative can easily be replicated across the Commonwealth.
Planning for the Conservation of the Built and Natural Environment and Cultural Heritage
The Kurunegala Lake Round Revitalization Project
SRI LANKA
Urban Development Authority, North Western Provincial Office, Kurunegala Municipal Council
The Kurunegala Lake Round revitalization project serves as an exemplary model of integrated conservation planning, successfully blending heritage preservation, ecological restoration, and sustainable urban development. This initiative highlights the importance of integrating cultural, environmental, and heritage preservation into a cohesive framework that supports the community's overall development.
Furthermore, the project has effectively implemented this plan within an urban context, which can often be a challenging environment. The methods and techniques used in this project demonstrate effective collaboration, significant social and environmental impact, moderate technical depth, and successful teamwork, all while incorporating nature-based solutions. These approaches are noteworthy and can be easily adapted by Commonwealth nations.
Young Planner Award: Essay Competition
Rajlaxmi Gaware
Royal Town Planning Institute
For the 2025 CAP Young Planners Award, young planning students or professionals were
invited to submit an essay entry on the topic:
Digital Twins and Participatory Futures: Democratizing Urban Planning Through Immersive Technologies​​
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Rajlaxmi’s essay demonstrates an impressive ability to make a highly technical subject both accessible and engaging. The writing is clear, concise, and inviting, ensuring that even readers outside the planning profession can grasp the implications of immersive technologies in shaping future cities. This communicative strength reflects a deep understanding of the importance of inclusivity in planning discourse.
The discussion on 3D visualisation is particularly compelling. By presenting it as a relatable and tangible experience, the author effectively bridges the gap between digital innovation and everyday urban challenges such as traffic congestion and flooding. This connection between technology and lived experience powerfully illustrates how tools like digital twins can make planning processes more interactive, transparent, and people-centred.
The essay also benefits from the integration of multiple case studies, which lend credibility and contextual depth to the arguments. Although these were not formally referenced, their presence enriches the essay’s analytical rigour and demonstrates an awareness of global applications of immersive planning.
What distinguishes this essay most is its human authenticity—a reminder that, even amid digital transformation, planning remains a discipline grounded in empathy and public engagement. The essay captures this balance beautifully, combining technical understanding with emotional resonance.
Overall, Rajlaxmi’s essay is thought-provoking, relatable, and well- articulated—a strong contribution to the discussion on democratising urban planning through technology and an exemplary piece worthy of recognition.