Earth Today | ‘Where the city meets the sea’

The lecture is being hosted under the theme ‘Where the City meets the sea: Unlocking Downtown Waterfront as a public space and economic asset’ by the Pan Jamaica Group and the C.B. Facey Foundation.

Globally recognised urban planner, Brent Toderian, renowned for his work in sustainable city planning, transportation, and urban design across six continents, will deliver the lecture.

He is anticipated to share global lessons on waterfronts from around the world and recommendations to maximise the economic and communal potential of Kingston’s waterfront. The event is free and open to the public. Interested patrons may register to attend the event at www.bit.ly/mfls2025.

Toderian has advised governments, organisations, and developers in countries such as Sydney, Auckland, Medellín, Oslo, Helsinki, and Paris, through his firm TODERIAN UrbanWORKS Inc.

During his tenure as chief city planner for Vancouver, Canada, he oversaw transformative initiatives such as the city’s downtown and waterfront planning, the 2010 Olympics, and strategies to create a more complete, multi-modal, and livable city.

Twice named among the ‘100 Most Influential Global Urbanists in History’ by Planetizen, Toderian’s expertise continues to shape how cities embrace sustainability, mobility, and design.

Established in 2019, the Maurice Facey Lecture Series brings together seasoned thinkers from around the world to discuss the importance of urban development with a key focus on Jamaica.

“By fostering dialogue on sustainable, equitable, and future-ready cities, the series honours the legacy of the late Maurice Facey, OJ, JP – founder of Pan Jamaica Group – who was deeply committed to Jamaica’s development and the well-being of its people,” said a news release from the Pan Jamaica Group and the CB Facey Foundation.

Stephen Facey, chairman of the Pan Jamaica Group and the CB Facey Foundation, noted that the lecture has “always been about sparking critical dialogue on Jamaica’s urban future through the lens of international best practices.

“Brent’s experience and perspective will help us consider how Jamaica’s cities can evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow,” he added.

Gayon Douglas, executive director of the CB Facey Foundation, noted that after several productive meetings with Toderian, the team is energised.

“He’ll arrive in Kingston a few days before the lecture to personally experience the waterfront and downtown of our capital city firsthand. At his request, this will allow him to refine his insights and recommendations specifically for the Jamaican context so we’re looking forward to an engaging lecture,” she said.