Upcoming events.
Sustainability Council Lecture
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Modern power and energy systems are becoming increasingly complex as they integrate renewables, distributed storage, and responsive loads such as electric vehicle chargers, smart buildings, and data centers. Numerous control-theoretic and learning-based approaches have been proposed to date to improve their safety, reliability, and efficiency. Each approach offers significant benefits but also faces distinct limitations. In this talk, you will learn why combining reinforcement learning with control theory can unlock new opportunities for sustainable energy systems, enabling better performance while maintaining safety and stability guarantees. You will also see recent results from Dr. Ardakanian’s group on practical ways to achieve this integration.
Nov 25, 2025 12pm - 1pm MST in Education South (ED) 1-28
First and Second Year Weekly Study Room
Every Wednesday at 5pm in the GAPSS room, Tory 3-87.
Event for 1 and 2 year GAPSS members and students interested in Geography and Planning.
Bring work, or play games provided in the room. No need for registration, just show up!
Fall 2025 MÉTIS Talks
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Fall 2025 MÉTIS Talks, which will be hosted through zoom by the Rupertsland Centre for Métis Research on Thursday November 27, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm MST. This event extends the opportunity to showcase Métis research connected with Métis Communities. RCMR hosts MÉTIS Talks twice a year, inviting the public to join presentations that highlight Métis specific research, art and culture.
This fall marks the 10 year Anniversary of MÉTIS Talks and will feature three amazing presenters:
Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson, is speaking on Indigenous Fire Stewardship and Métis Communities;
Jakob, with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, will be presenting, Coping with Wildfires: Holistic Approaches for Métis Citizens within Alberta;
Dylan Turner, from Rupertsland Institute. His talk is titled, Kîwîchitanow: We Are Helping Others.
Here is the zoom link to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/anAScLlbSReCjiWpzLb_2Q
Dinner with a Councillor
The Dinner with a Councillor event is an informal meal and discussion with Ward Papastew Councillor Michael Janz (and fellow student participants). The location will be sent to registrants on the day of the event, but it will be a short walk from main campus. The event is free and pizza will be included.
Spots are limited! If you’d like to attend, please sign up complete the sign-up form here.
APPI Edmonton - City Streetscapes Paint Night
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Follow along with our artist’s step-by-step guidance — from blank canvas to completed masterpiece — in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
What to Expect:
1.5 hours of guided painting instruction
All materials provided (canvas, paints, brushes)
Non-alcoholic drinks available
We recommend wearing clothes you’re comfortable getting paint on, but aprons will be provided for those who want them
Ticket Pricing:
Members- $25 GST Included
Non Members- $35 GST Included
Students- $15 GST Included (Student membership is now free, so be sure to become one before registering for the event!)
This event is capped at 35 participants.
Location: Stantec Tower — 10220 103 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 0K4 (Ice District) 3rd floor.
First and Second Year Weekly Study Room
Every Wednesday at 5pm in the GAPSS room, Tory 3-87.
Event for 1 and 2 year GAPSS members and students interested in Geography and Planning.
Bring work, or play games provided in the room. No need for registration, just show up!
EAS Holiday Christmas Party
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Tickets are now on sale for the EAS 2025 Holiday Party, and we’re excited to celebrate the end of the year with you. Join us on Friday, December 12, 2025 in the Winspear Room at the University Club for an evening of food, fun, and connection from 5:30 PM to midnight.
Event Details:
Doors and Cocktails: 5:30 PM
Program Begins: 7:15 PM
Dinner: 7:30 PM
Activities include a silent auction, dancing, and karaoke
Who Can Attend
Everyone (and their +1s) is welcome! Undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and staff, across all disciplines.
Ticket Pricing:
Students: $40
Non-students (faculty, staff, guests): $55
How to Purchase Tickets:
Fill out the ticket form
Find a payment method that works for you:
Send an e-transfer to atlaseas@ualberta.ca with your name and email used in the form, and the number of tickets.
If you prefer to pay with cash or card, visit Monday Coffee Hour (9:30-10:30 AM)
Can’t make that time? Email dgutier1@ualberta.ca to arrange another option.
Location: Winspear Room at the University Club. Dec 12, 2025, 5:30 - Late
Poster Submissions for Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Research and Innovations
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Want to showcase a poster at the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Research and Innovations Night in Feb 2026?
Topics can include: Planning, Environment, Climate, Sustainability, Wildlife, to name a few. If you would like to see if your topic qualifies, email tkopchuk@ualberta.ca.
Submit your poster before Dec. 15, 2025 here.
The event will be at 5:30pm to 9pm on Thursday, February 26th, 2026 in the Fred Pheasey Engineering Commons (DICE-292 and 8A292).
ECOHH National Housing Day of Action
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Join the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness (ECOHH) to use your voice to advocate for affordable and accessible housing. Bring Blankets and warm winter clothing.
Nov 22, 2025 12:00pm on Legislature Grounds
Student Transit Town Hall
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Join Panelist Andrew Knack to talk about how to make transit safer for Edmonton transit users.
Nov 20, 2025 3:30 - 4:30
Carruthers Student Commons (Business Building)
First and Second Year Weekly Study Room
Every Wednesday at 5pm in the GAPSS room, Tory 3-87.
Event for 1 and 2 year GAPSS members and students interested in Geography and Planning.
Bring work, or play games provided in the room. No need for registration, just show up!
First and Second Year Weekly Study Room
Every Wednesday at 5pm in the GAPSS room, Tory 3-87.
Event for 1 and 2 year GAPSS members and students interested in Geography and Planning.
Bring work, or play games provided in the room. No need for registration, just show up!
Building Resilience: Edmonton Urban Design Awards Showcase
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Join ULI Edmonton for an evening celebrating innovation, collaboration, and climate-adaptive urban design. Hear from Cyril Balitbit, Liz Wreford, and Nolan Halonen as they discuss three award-winning projects—the Klondike Park Redevelopment, Garneau Neighbourhood Renewal, and Northeast River Valley Park Strategic Plan—each showcasing how thoughtful design can build a more resilient city. Enjoy drinks, appetizers, and conversations that inspire new ideas in sustainable urban design.
Location: Kaffa Roastery & Studio #201, 10920 88 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T6G 0Z1 Canada
Student pricing for this event is available for both members and non-members.
If interested, you can purchase tickets here: https://alberta.uli.org/events/detail/632A2661-3BC5-48B7-9750-4F2B83A7931F/
U of A 2025 Celebration of Planning
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
The University of Alberta Urban and Regional Planning Committee are excited to once again hold their Celebration of Planning Gala on November 6, 2025. This year will mark their 10th annual event.
Funds from previous events have provided dozens of students in the School of Urban and Regional Planning with scholarships and have helped to build a long term scholarship endowment for the School.
Who: University of Alberta Urban and Regional Planning Committee, students
Location: Riverview Room in the Edmonton Convention Centre, 9797 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB
If you wish to attend, please register here.
First and Second Year Weekly Study Room
Every Wednesday at 5pm in the GAPSS room, Tory 3-87.
Event for 1 and 2 year GAPSS members and students interested in Geography and Planning.
Bring work, or play games provided in the room. No need for registration, just show up!
Sustainability Council
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Join Mercedes Morin, Director of the Sustainable Development Goals Unit at Employment and Social Development Canada, and SDSN Canada for an engaging session on how Canada and young leaders are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through insights from the Government of Canada and a dynamic youth panel hosted by Ali Epp, this event will explore national progress toward the 2030 Agenda, the importance of collaboration, and how youth are shaping a more equitable and sustainable future. You will gain practical insights, hear inspiring stories, and discover ways to contribute to Canada’s SDG efforts
Topic: Canada's Path to 2030: Government and Youth in Action
This is an online meeting through ZOOM.
Rally for the ATA!
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Join the Education Students Association and other campus clubs for a rally in support of our Alberta Teachers! Additionally ESA is organizing an art build on Nov 4 at 4pm in the 4th floor education lounge - supplies provided.
The event will be happening on the main quad. Come support teachers protest the notwithstanding clause & defend our right to strike!
No registration required.
ESA Art Build
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
ESA is organizing an art build at 4pm in the 4th floor education lounge. Supplies will be provided. This event is in support of teachers following the ATA teacher strike. Come put together a sign to help protest in support of teachers during the school walkout on Wednesday, November 5 at noon in the main quad!
APPI Campus Walking Tour
GAPSS invites you to sign up for the inaugural APPI Campus Walking Tour, co-hosted by GAPSS! The event will include a short presentation about U of A campus planning and the history of its development, followed by a walking tour to talk about specific sites on campus! The event starts at 6:30 pm in Tory 3-57, and will end at 8:00pm after the tour. Registration is limited to 30 attendees. Register here: APPI Walking Tour - U of A Campus Walking Tour
Date is subject to change. Please dress for the weather, as a portion of the event will be held outside. Pictures will be taken during the event. If you have any concerns about this, please speak to an event organizer or contact Roan Deighton at either (587)596-0024 or rdeighto@ualberta.ca.
Interactive lecture and discussion with students with Kobus Mentz
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
The author of The Future Embraced, and director of Urbanism+ joining us this week to offer a session for you. The event is this Thursday. This is at no cost to you.
Location: Tory 3-57 (Planning Studio)
Time: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
No registration required.
EAS Halloween Movie Night
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Join EAS for their Halloween themed movie night!
MOVIE: Coraline.
Time: Doors open at 5:45 PM, movie starts at 6:00 PM
Location: ESB 3-27
Bring snacks or buy some there.
CIP Student membership info session - VIRTUAL
Whether you’re a new member or just exploring, join us for the CIP Student Membership Online Info Session to learn how to make the most of your free membership!
Discover how CIP can help you grow your network, access exclusive resources, and kick-start your planning career.
CIP offers free membership to all post-secondary students, no matter your field of study or where you live. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and get the most out of being part of Canada’s planning community!
Register here! https://members.cip-icu.ca/mpower/event/landing.action?id=82
Please note that this is a virtual event held at 12:00 pm EST (10:00 am MST).
GAPSS Bar Night
GAPSS’ first bar night of the year is here! Join us at The Pint on Whyte from 9:00pm-11:00pm. Tickets are $5 and get you (1) 1oz highball + priority entrance until 11:00pm!
APPI Virtual Student Chat
APPI will be hosting a monthly opportunity for planning students to meet virtually to connect and chat about their academic and professional pursuits in the field of professional planning.
This week will be led by the U of C students: Mehar Imran and Robert Wisla
Topic: Planning for Climate Change
Attendance is complimentary, however registration is required. Please register here.
Edmonton Design Week
Many free and ticketed events offered at all times of the day for the whole week! See here for more information!
APPI/CPAA Networking Event
APPI/CPAA and University of Alberta Students Professional Planner Networking Event
The Alberta Professional Planners Institute along with the Community Planning Association of Alberta are excited to co-host the 2025 University of Alberta Students Professional Planner Networking Event. Students from all faculties & departments (Planning students and students who are interested in learning more about professional planning) are welcome to attend.
To attend this event, please register here.
Civil Student Connect
The Civil Student Connect meeting and info session will be on Monday, September 29th, 2025, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, located at ECERF W2-090. There will be free food and drinks, as well as some activities to engage in. Note to BA/BSc Students- make sure to give yourself some time to find the location, as it will be in the engineering part of campus!
Urban Land Institute Info Session
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is holding an information session on campus. The event will be held in Carruthers Commons in the Business Building, Main level. Come learn about ULI as a non-profit organization, hear about some of their initiatives and upcoming events, and find ways to get involved. A light lunch will be included.
ULI is a great organization to volunteer with as you end up working with a lot of key people in the local planning and development industry. It's a great way to build your network with limited commitment!
Please register today if you are planning on attending. You can register at this link.
GAPSS AGM / Planning and Human Geography Welcome Event.
Come and join us for our Annual General Meeting, where we talk about all things GAPSS related. Get a sense of what events we will be hosting, and how you can get involved! Meet other student Planners and Human Geographers.
The event will be hosted in Tory in room 3-57. Food will be provided!
Alberta Planning Students Virtual Evening Chat
The first instalment of a series of 'Students' Evening Chats' facilitated by the Alberta Professional Planners' Institute (APPI), intended to foster dynamic conversation between UAlberta, UCalgary, and ULethbridge students. UAlberta will be kicking it off for the month of September by leading the first session and providing the discussion topic.
This is a virtual event. Please register for this event here.
EAS Welcome Back Event
Come celebrate the new academic year with fellow students, faculty, and staff. Food provided. If possible, please bring your own plate, and feel free to bring a board game!
The event will be held in Tory 3-36 and is open to students in second years and up. The event is also open to Planning and Human Geography students!
APPI/CPAA and University of Alberta Students Professional Planner Networking Event
The Alberta Professional Planners Institute along with the Community Planning Association of Alberta are excited to co-host the 2025 University of Alberta Students Professional Planner Networking Event. Students from all faculties & departments (Planning students and students who are interested in learning more about professional planning) are welcome to attend.
The event will be hosted in Tory in room 3-57. If you plan on attending, please register here.
GAPSS @ Clubs Fair
Come by to learn more about GAPSS and meet some of this years’ executive team!
Fall Term Registration Add/Delete Deadline
Add/delete classes by 11:59 pm on the 15th to avoid any academic record + fees.
GAPSS 2025 By-Election
Information about the current GAPSS by-election for the 2025/26 academic school year!
Geography and Planning Year-End Student Showcase
GAPSS and the SURP are excited to announce the Geography and Planning Year End Student Showcase 🥳‼️
This is a poster fair style networking opportunity where students in Human Geography and Planning programs can show off their amazing work! All students, faculty, members of industry, and interested persons are welcome to attend.
This event take place April 10th from 4-6PM in the Telus Atrium (11104 87 Ave NW).
If you have any questions please email us at gapss@ualberta.ca
GAPSS AGM
On April 3rd, GAPSS will be hosting our Annual General Meeting 🤩 Come see us in ECHA 1-498 at 6:00PM to hear all about what GAPSS has been up to this year, see the results of the GAPSS election & more fun stuff with the GAPSS crew 😎🚂🚴
Dinner will be provided by the School of Urban and Regional Planning, thank you SURP for providing us with poutines and floats for our guests!