Urban Initiatives
News
Michael Misener
Advisor
Michael Misener is Managing Director of MCAP’s Development Finance Group in Toronto, with over 25 years of real estate lending experience across Canada. A CPA-CA and licensed mortgage broker, he has held senior executive roles and currently serves on the boards of Safe Families Canada and CRELA, bringing deep financial insight and community commitment.
Stephen Waqué
Advisor
Stephen Waqué, LLB, AACI (Hon.), is a land use and expropriation lawyer with 46 years of experience. He has authored a leading textbook and over 70 articles on land valuation and planning. A strategic advisor to developers and municipalities, he also leads a charitable foundation supporting single mothers and their children.
Urban Initiatives Adds Stephen Waqué & Michael Misener to the Board of Directors
Urban Initiatives has appointed Stephen Waqué and Michael Misener to its Board of Directors, joining Paul Puopolo, David Butler, and Larry Kotseff. Waqué is a land acquisition lawyer with 46 years of experience, a published expert in expropriation law, and president of a foundation supporting single mothers. Misener is Managing Director at MCAP’s Development Finance Group and brings over 25 years of real estate lending experience nationwide. Their combined expertise in land use and finance strengthens Urban Initiatives’ mission to shape sustainable, transit-oriented communities across Ontario
Larry Kotseff
Senior Strategic Advisor
Larry Kotseff is a planning professional with more than 35 years of public- and private-sector experience. A former Commissioner of Planning for the Region of Waterloo, he led the Region’s Growth Management Strategy. In the private sector, he guided major projects such as the Metal Works redevelopment in Guelph and Waterloo’s Krause Flooring site.
Urban Initiatives Appoints Larry Kotseff as Senior Advisor
Urban Initiatives has welcomed Larry Kotseff as Senior Strategic Advisor, bringing more than 35 years of public- and private-sector planning experience to the firm. Larry’s career includes serving as Commissioner of Planning for the Region of Waterloo, where he oversaw the Region’s Growth Management Strategy and played a central role in advancing the ION light rail transit system.
As Senior Strategic Advisor with Urban Initiatives, Larry will collaborate closely with the leadership team while mentoring emerging planners, strengthening the firm’s capacity to deliver thoughtful, community-building solutions across Ontario.
Larry Joins Our Existing Group of Advisors
David Butler
Senior Advisor
David Butler, M.C.I.P., R.P.P. is a professional planner with over 45 years of experience in land use planning, policy, and mediation. As President of The Butler Group (Consultants) Inc., he has led major projects for private developers, government agencies, and community groups, and has appeared extensively as an expert witness before the Ontario Municipal Board.
Paul Puopolo
Senior Counsellor
With over 40 years of experience in urban and regional planning, Paul Puopolo has managed projects from early planning and approvals through to design and construction for both public and private clients. He has contributed to official plans, zoning by-laws, and community plans. Recognized for his regional strategic analysis and community service, Paul is dedicated to delivering integrated, practical planning solutions.