FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kitchener, ON — September 9, 2025 — Urban Initiatives has appointed Larry Kotseff as Senior Strategic Advisor, strengthening the company’s leadership bench to meet Ontario’s next chapter of growth with seasoned public, and private-sector expertise.
With more than 35 years of experience across planning and development, Larry has shaped communities from every angle. He served as Commissioner of Planning for the Region of Waterloo for eight years, guiding the Region’s landmark Growth Management Strategy, including the work that delivered the ION light rail transit system now operating in the community.
In the private sector, Larry has led projects from land acquisition through to complex project management. His portfolio includes Guelph’s Metal Works revitalization, a five-phase redevelopment that intensified and re-energized the city’s downtown, and the Krause Flooring site in Waterloo, which achieved Ontario Land Tribunal approval in 2025 and is advancing toward more than 3,300 new residential units.
Larry’s influence extends beyond project delivery. He has played active roles with the Waterloo Region Home Builders’ Association, the Guelph Home Builders’ Association, and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI), while also contributing as a lecturer and mentor at the University of Waterloo. Currently pursuing a PhD in Planning, his research emphasizes creativity, innovation, and the soft skills needed in modern planning practice.
As Senior Strategic Advisor, Larry will provide dual support: advising Urban Initiatives’ leadership on high-level strategy while also collaborating directly on consulting assignments with municipalities and developers. A key part of his role will be mentoring the next generation of planners, ensuring Urban Initiatives continues to build capacity while shaping projects with long-term community impact.
“I’m excited to help Urban Initiatives challenge assumptions and mentor the next generation of planners,” said Kotseff. “Bridging public policy and development realities is how we deliver communities that work for people.”
Urban Initiatives continues to expand its capabilities at a pivotal time for city-building in Ontario. The firm is committed to integrating innovation into every aspect of its practice, a commitment exemplified by the forthcoming launch of CoNotes, an AI-powered platform designed to streamline policy insights and support smarter decision-making for municipalities, planners, and developers.
About Urban Initiatives
Urban Initiatives is a Waterloo-based planning and development consultancy with more than 40 years of experience guiding landowners, municipalities, and developers from evaluation and approvals through to master planning and policy innovation. The firm blends technical expertise with a people-first approach to shape resilient, livable communities across Ontario.
Media Contact
Brendan Waller, Marketing Manager, Polocorp / Urban Initiatives
brendan@polocorpinc.com
519-745-3249, ext. 213
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