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Congratulations on your retirement, Wayne!  

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Congratulations on your retirement, Wayne!  

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When I was exploring the possibility of having you as my PhD advisor, someone I consulted described you as a leader without ego, something they thought rather unusual in academia. I found they were right (on both accounts - ha). I am grateful for your example of how to contribute with humility and good humour. All the best!

Danielle Robinson

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A day learning about aggregates (and wine) in Huron County

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Congratulations on your well deserved retirement Wayne! 

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Congratulations on your well deserved retirement Wayne! 

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It has been an absolute pleasure working with Wayne.  I will be forever grateful that you convinced me to undertake a PhD.  You have been patient, kind, a role model and a WONDERFUL mentor!

Enjoy the next chapter and never lose your passion for planning!

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I had an opportunity to watch Wayne in action with many of his former students from all over Canada while at dinner on the top of Whistler Mountain - it was a fun evening!
#TheGodfatherofRuralPlanning!

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Learning about OFDU in Wellesley

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What a lucky bunch! On a class trip in early 2022 :)

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Congratulations on your retirement Wayne,  You will be truly missed by all.  Your wealth of knowledge and experience will never be replaced.  It has been a real pleasure working with you these past few years.  You have the most gentle calming side to you that students need.  Enjoy your retirement on your farm with your Grandbabies.

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Congratulations on your retirement Wayne,  You will be truly missed by all.  Your wealth of knowledge and experience will never be replaced.  It has been a real pleasure working with you these past few years.  You have the most gentle calming side to you that students need.  Enjoy your retirement on your farm with your Grandbabies.

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Congratulations on your retirement Prof. Wayne; it has been a great chance for me to work with you these past few years. During my studies, I have learned so much from you; you have been a great advisor and mentor. Your knowledge and experience enriched my research, and I enjoyed working with you.
Your pleasant and easy way of dealing with students makes everything easy to be accomplished.
I appreciate your support, and I wish you a happy retirement with your family.

Rana Telfah

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Wayne, Congratulations on your retirement!

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Wayne, Congratulations on your retirement!

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Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, Wayne!

During the time (1.5 years) when you were Interim AVPR (Strategic Partnerships), it was a pleasure to work with you, supporting you  as you managed the AVPR responsibilities.   Your understanding, wonderful sense of  humour, kindness, humbleness, and patience as we all adjusted to the transition were invaluable and very much appreciated.  Thank you!

Best wishes as you enjoy retirement on your farm!
Mary Visser Kerr

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Hi Wayne- Wow, I can't believe that you are retiring. I want to thank you for all your support and guidance at SEDRD.
I am wishing you a happy and enjoyable retirement!
All the best,
Nadia Amoroso

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Congratulations Wayne, you will be missed! I have always admired your leadership, advocacy and enthusiasm, and am glad our paths crossed when you took on the Interim Dean role at OAC, and while I've been a student in SEDRD. Rural Ontario has benefited so much for your dedication and work!
All the best,
Maggie McCormick

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Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me! Thank you for your never-ending patience, motivation, and persistence in helping me grow as a better person. Congratulations on your retirement Dr. Wayne!

Chimène.

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Thank you so much for the guidance and encouragement over the last two years as my Program Advisor and Professor! I hope you enjoy retirement!!

Best wishes,

Jocelyn

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I remember meeting Professor Caldwell before the start of my RPD journey. He was so welcoming and passionate about his profession, and really opened my eyes to the  different areas of planning. He provided me with direction and guidance, as well as introduced me to others in RPD/SEDRD. His wealth of knowledge and insights were so impactful to my learning. I appreciated everything Professor Caldwell has done for the students and faculty, as well as the community.

Best wishes and congratulations on your retirement !

- Evelyn Shin

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I wish you a very happy retirement and am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the RPD program. It seems like yesterday, when I first contacted you to inquire about the RPD program. And now, I am almost finished and will shortly graduate. I appreciate your kind and understandable role as a mentor toward students.
Wish you all the best and warm regards,
Humera Azhar :)

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Congratulations and best wishes, Wayne !!

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Congratulations and best wishes, Wayne !!

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Wayne, I wish you all the very best in your retirement. We haven't had the chance to connect a whole lot over the pandemic years, but I want to share my appreciation for how welcoming you are to new faculty in the school in all of our programs. Your leadership, experience and wisdom will be missed, but I imagine you will be directing your creative energies toward new exciting projects, and hopefully at a slower more balanced pace :) All the best to you and your family, and hoping to keep in touch.
Brendan

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It has been an absolute pleasure learning from you over the years. Enjoy your very well deserved retirement!
All the best,
Mollie Kuchma

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It has been such a pleasure to work with you, even if for a short while. Wishing you many years of rest, relaxation and adventures too! All the best, Wayne! - Karolina Rachtan, Career Advisor

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Congratulations on a well deserved retirement, Wayne.

As a professor and mentor, your expertise and passion has instilled an appreciation and love for rural communities.

Pictured here, a trip to New York's Finger Lakes Geneva on the Lake.

All the best on this next chapter,
Shannon McIntyre (RPD 2010-2012)

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I can still remember first meeting you at my MA thesis defence and being so nervous that the "rockstar of rural planning" was my external examiner. From that first meeting as a timid student, to joining your research team as a PhD student and eventually a colleague in RPD, I am so thankful for your mentorship. I will miss the superstar days, high fives and random words of wisdom (e.g. always buy the deluxe sandwiches).
Enjoy your retirement!!!
Sara Epp

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Thank you for being so kind to me when I first visited Guelph to check stuff out in 2019! I was already sold on Rural, but your words really helped me make the leap into the SEDRD, which has undoubtedly shifted the trajectory of my life. Your planning class was also one of the first places where I felt confident in my own abilities as a hopeful academic. I know you still have some grad students, so I hope we can see your face once in a while!

I hope your retirement is enjoyable and allows time for you and yours in a way that is truly fulfilling.

Congrats again!
John Dale

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Advanced Planning Practice Adventures in the Field with Dr. Caldwell 

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Advanced Planning Practice Adventures in the Field with Dr. Caldwell 

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Congratulations my friend in your long storied career - see http://www.waynecaldwell.ca/about/. I appreciate everything you have done for me on my/our journey to complete my PhD Rural Studies degree in the 2010 - 2018 period. It took me so long to complete it as I was having too much fun working along side you in your winter APP course. May you have peace, happiness and contentment in your golden years knowing you did a fine, fine job!

Dr. Paul Kraehling MCIP RPP (Ret.)

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Wayne, I wish you all the best as you retire! You were an exemplary advisor at USRPD and you taught me how to be a professional and ethical researcher. I have always tried to follow your example in my career after graduation. Thank you for your mentorship and inspiration!
Matt Ferguson

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Wayne:

You’ve always stood out in my memories of Guelph as one of the stalwarts of what it means to be a professional planner as well as what it means to be an ethical leader.

Over the years since my own eager learnings (20+ now!!!!), I’ve always been pleasantly surprised when I come across another piece of wisdom from you.   Reading the comments here, I’m not surprised to see that others feel the same way.

Thanks!  Best of luck in your next chapter!

Daniel Mercer (RPD student 2002-2004)

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Wayne!! It doesn't seem possible that you are old enough to retire! It must have been a long time since you taught us how to be strategic and ethical thinkers. Thank you for mentoring all of us then and the many students since. You have a legacy! Enjoy the next chapter.
Sheilagh Henry (pre '00!! oh my)

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Congratulations on a well deserved retirement!

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Congratulations on a well deserved retirement!

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It was an absolute pleasure to have you as a teacher Wayne. You were always the most thoughtful and engaging individual that truly showed how much he cared for his students. You helped me greatly during my Masters program and in achieving my goal of becoming a Registered Professional Planner. A great number of students owe you so much and cannot thank you enough for your support and guidance. I wish you a happy and enjoyable retirement!

- Matthew Colley

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Congratulations on your retirement, Wayne!

I appreciate that you introduced me to the world of rural planning! I admire you as a professor and as a human being. I’m always impressed how you have dedicated yourself to everyone and the planning industry. Please enjoy your retirement with your baby trees! Congratulations again! - Aimi

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Best wishes on your retirement Wayne! Well deserved for sure. I appreciated the guidance and mentoring during the USRPD years and always enjoy reading about your latest rural planning adventures.

All the best,
John Meek
USRPD 1997

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Dear Professor Wayne,

Although I did not have the opportunity to take a class with you, I wanted to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your retirement. Your impressive work and contributions in the field of rural planning and development have made a lasting impact on the academic community and beyond. I have always admired your passion and dedication, and your reputation as an esteemed educator and visionary precedes you.

It is evident that your groundbreaking work in sustainable development and innovative strategies has transformed the way we approach rural planning. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide students, colleagues, and communities for years to come.

As you embark on this well-deserved next chapter in your life, I hope you find immense joy, relaxation, and time for new pursuits. Your hard work has positively influenced countless lives, and I am grateful for the profound knowledge and vision you have shared with us all.

Wishing you a fantastic retirement and all the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,
Japinder Brar

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Hi Wayne—I'm so thrilled for you! What a loss for RPD but what a legacy you are leaving behind. Thank you for all of your support and all of the amazing learning opportunities you created. I count myself extremely lucky to have had you as both a teacher and supervisor and am constantly referring back to all the things I learned and all of the experiences I had. Wishing you all the very best for this next phase—and please keep in touch! Take good care and thanks for everything, Rachel Singer (rsinger19@gmail.com)

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It's hard at times to wrap my head around the incredible list of accomplishments and accolades you have earned over an amazing career. And yet - you're still this approachable mild-mannered guy.  On one level, I should thank you for all your amazing contributions and support to OMAFRA over the years.  Your research projects have contributed greatly to rural and agricultural planning in Ontario.  But for someone who was never my professor or instructor, you've also had an amazing impact on my career in land use planning serving as both a mentor and a colleague.  You have given me countless opportunities to improve myself and become a better land use planner. Thank you for the chances to guest lecture, be part of research teams, and just be able to share my challenges and frustrations, etc.  You will be missed by all of us.  All the best in your retirement!

John Turvey - OMAFRA (john.a.turvey@gmail.com)

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Doing as the locals do in Gravenhurst, Ontario.

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Wayne, congratulations on a well-deserved and well-earned retirement. Your ability to cross the boundaries of planning practice and academia is inspiring, and it was a joy to have you as a professor and committee member. I have fond memories of our class trips to Goderich and Muskoka, and of events and conferences in Blyth and Hamilton. Thanks as well for all of the help you have given me and other students by supporting professional connections, writing recommendation letters, and providing new learning opportunities.

Wishing you a restful and enjoyable retirement! I hope our paths will still be blessed enough to occasionally cross.

—Alex Petric (RPD 2016–2018)

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Hi Wayne,

You have been a pillar of stability in RPD and will be missed. Your leadership has guided an incredible program with great colleagues. I'm glad that our paths crossed and can't thank you enough for being so welcoming when I joined SEDRD. Enjoy!

all the best,
Steve Clarke

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Thank you so much for your guidance in RPD and leadership in Planning Wayne. You are a foundational part of the RPD program and I will the energy and fun you brought to field trips, lectures and conferences!!

All the best in retirement! Enjoy it, it is very well deserved.

Michael Kvern

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Wonderful to get to know you in our short overlap here at SEDRD Wayne! Hoping you have a wonderful retirement with lots of family time and bike rides :)

-Zannah

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Thank you for all that you've contributed to the rural planning and UoG community over the past many years! You're the true father of rural planning! I am so grateful that I joined RPD just in time to experience two classes with you and absorb a bit of your incredible wisdom. Your humble curiosity and commitment to practical experiences in the field creates such a rich learning environment. Congratulations!
All the best,
Megan Myles
megansmyles@gmail.com

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Wayne, thanks so much for all that you have to contributed to the field of planning and especially for championing so many rural and agricultural planning issues. I am so thankful to have been inspired by your work and am grateful for having had the opportunity to study under your guidance and supervision.  Rural planning in Ontario will not be the same without your daily presence, however your work and teachings will live on in all of us who have looked up to you for many years. All the best in your well deserved retirement!
Mitch Morawetz

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I wanted to take a moment to congratulate you on your retirement. It's been an honor to have you as my professor in my first year of study, and I feel so lucky to have had the chance to learn from you.
Your support and guidance have been invaluable to me, and I will always remember your kindness.
I hope you enjoy this next phase of your life and have the opportunity to do all the things you've been dreaming of.
Once again, congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for all that you've done for your students.

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Congratulations Prof. Wayne on your Retirement..

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Congratulations Prof. Wayne on your Retirement..

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It was great experience learning under your guidance. I really enjoyed taking  your courses it was so informative and structured. You were really sweet and always there to clear any doubts or questions. Thanks much Prof. Wayne for all you support and guidance.

You will be missed.

Thanks ,
Sancy

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You have been so helpful and inspiring to many RPD graduates. Your influence on the planning profession can be seen far and wide. Wishing you the best in your future endeavours.

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Thank you for all of your inspiration, guidance, and learning opportunities! Wishing you and your family all the best as you transition to your own schedule! Enjoy yourself and all the best!
Tara Michauville

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Congratulations on your retirement Wayne! It was a privilege to learn from and work with you during my grad school endeavors  as well as subsequent projects. In particular, your thoughtful approach to community engagement and service to the public good left a lasting impression and I do my best to carry that forward in my work. I am also grateful for the opportunity to work with you and Stew on the Farmland Preservation Research Project, a topic that is sadly even more relevant today.
I hope your retirement plans include lots of fun adventures and time with family and friends.
Thank you and all the best.
Bronwynne Wilton

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Congratulations on your retirement Wayne! You are an exceptionally kind and intelligent person and I want to thank you for sharing all of your wisdom with your students and colleagues over the years! As a recent graduate of the RPD program I truly appreciated how your passion for planning was translated through your teaching. I have learned some very valuable lessons from you that I will take forward into my future career.
Enjoy your well deserved time off with your family!
- Minerva Cancilla-Styles

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Wayne, it has been great working with you over the years on a number of projects.  Your research and insights have helped to move rural Ontario forward!

All the best as you move into your next Chapter

Stephen Morris

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It was so nice to catch up with you in Abbotsford. Thank you for all of your calm, kind support and wisdom. You have made such an impact in so many lives, you truly are one of a kind. Enjoy your downtime with your grandkids!
Forever grateful,
Jaime

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Congrats Wayne! Onto the next adventure! 

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Congrats Wayne! Onto the next adventure! 

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Happy retirement Wayne. What an incredible career as a planner, professor, researcher, mentor and all around wonderful human. From Guelph to Goderich, Vermont and Ireland, you facilitated sone pretty amazing learning opportunities for RPD students. Not to mention your impact on Ontario and Canadian planning - your steady and thoughtful guidance will certainly be missed.

All the best with everything to come! I have no doubt you will remain busy. Cheers!

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Thank you for you  decades of thoughtful advice, teaching and insights.  From our days at Western,  to Huron County, to The Ontario Rural Council and beyond it has been such a pleasure to work with you.

Wishing you a fulfilling next phase.

Cathie Brown

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Wayne congratulations on your retirement. Your leadership when I worked at Huron County as a student planner has guided me my whole career from the OPS to here today at AMO. All the best for many years of healthy retirement.

Judy Dezell

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Hard to believe that you are retiring. Congratulations and all the best on your new adventures. You have been the best mentor and friend anyone could ask for. You expanded my understanding and experience making me a better person than I thought I could be. It is your inspiration that makes me want to be a better human being and your actions that show me how. The very first time I met Wayne he was finding innovative ways to get people to work together. Getting people to communicate and understand each other. It was truly inspiring. I only wish I could have learned more from Wayne. It was my privilege to be his student. Thank you, Wayne!

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It has been a wonderful experience being able to work with and learn from you. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of your final class and for everything you taught us along the way! Your support, understanding, and endless knowledge has been fundamental for me to go from a naive undergrad googling "what is planning?" to someone who (for the most part) feels competent and excited about the field. Thank you and best wishes,
Shanley Weston

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Wishing you all the best in retirement. I enjoyed our interactions both professionally with the County of Huron, and also during my studies at Guelph. You have inspired so many people in the field of planning. Our department/my co-workers - Huron County Planning and Development - are proud you are a legacy of our team!! Sarah Smith

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Wayne, thank you so much for heading the MSc RPD program and speaking with me about applying to the program.  During this past year I saw you intentionally create meaningful and engaging learning opportunities for students including our September field trip to  Goderich, facilitating student attendance at the OPPI conference, teaching us to incorporate health into the design of cities, and a field trip to BC.  Your mentoring taught us to see the full scope of impact that professional planning has on people's lives.  It was an honour to be your student!

Sincerely,
Kimberly Bell

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Congratulations and Happy Retirement Professor

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Congratulations and Happy Retirement Professor

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Dear Professor Wayne,

I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for all that you have done for me and the countless other students you have taught over the years. As you retire from your position, I want you to know that you will be deeply missed.

Your dedication to your students and your passion for your subject matter have been an inspiration to us all. Your insights and wisdom have helped us grow and develop, and I know that your influence will continue to shape our lives for years to come.

I wish you all the best in your retirement. May this next chapter of your life be filled with joy, peace and fulfillment.

Sincerely,

Muhammad

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Dear Wayne - Oh My!  Time has flown by!  I remember when you starting with the Planning Department....such a soft spoken, gentle spirited student Planner.  I always enjoyed working with you and am so proud to say that I did work with such an amazing, intelligent person.  Your life has been so full of adventures and your heart has always been on your sleeve with caring for those who know you and it has always been so evident your strong love for your family and friends.  Best wishes and big hugs my friend!  You will LOVE retirement!  Hope to see you sometime!
Hugs from me.........Lori V

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Congratulations on your well deserved retirement!

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Congratulations on your well deserved retirement!

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Thank you for all the guidance, zoom calls, emails, and patience over the last year and a bit. You have been an incredible force in my MPLAN to MSc journey with all the bumps and obstacles I faced along the way. Thank you for everything and I truly wish you all the best in your retirement!

-Vedrana

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Wishing you a wonderful retirement, Wayne. You have helped me fall in love with rural communities and the planning profession many times over.

Thank you for the years of guidance, sound career advice and so many fun times! From Goderich, to Vermont and Ireland. Thank you, thank you!

All the best,
Julie Welch

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Congratulations Wayne on your retirement. We, as your family are so proud of all your accomplishments. We hope you and Deb can sit back a little more and enjoy those grandchildren. Wishing you all the best in this wonderful celebration.

Sincerely
Stephen and Joan Caldwell

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Dear Wayne,
Congratulations on your Retirement. As your older sister I am so proud to call you my "little brother". Your achievements in life have never failed to amaze us. You have always been there for all your family. The MANY Congratulatory messages you have received shows how you have touched the lives of so many people over the years. We both wish you continued health, happiness and time to relax with your grandbabies. Although you may not be teaching at the University of Guelph you will always be teaching and setting an example for others.
Love and Best Wishes Always
Dave & Anne Cottel

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Dear Wayne,
Congratulations on your next chapter. I have had the privilege of learning from and working alongside you over the course of these past 15 years. A few years ago, I was asked to contribute to your nomination as a CIP Fellow and thought I would share those thoughts:

I believe Wayne’s body of work is nationally significant because he has elevated the voice of ‘rural’. His body of research has contributed significantly to our understanding of unique challenges facing rural communities across Canada. It is not only Wayne’s academic research but his ability to develop practical solutions to complex issues, as evidenced by his leadership as the Chair of Provincial Nutrient Management Advisory Committee (2003-2004), that has made a significant contribution.

In addition to the many boards and committee on which Wayne has served, he was a founding member of the Huron Stewardship Council and the Lake Huron Coastal Conservation Centre. The resulting success of these organizations over the past 20 years in the conservation of Huron’s natural heritage is a testament to the vision and leadership Wayne demonstrated early in his career. This legacy is not limited to the County of Huron; Wayne’s impact is felt across the province and the country through other initiatives he helped found, such as the Rural Ontario Council, the vision created during his term as the President of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, the countless projects he has completed with Provincial ministries, and expert testimony he has provided at tribunals and hearings. Wayne’s contributions are national, including research in Nunavut, and international, including time spent teaching abroad in South Africa and researching in New Zealand.

Wayne has personally mentored the majority of Planners who have served Huron County over the past thirty years, including myself. Wayne is incredibly generous with his time, especially with students, which is a testament to his passion for the profession and its’ evolution. I had the opportunity to engage with Wayne and a group of his students as I planned for a community in the aftermath of an F3 tornado. Wayne, despite many other demands on his time, was willing to consider and provide insight into a vast array of issues and when thanked for his input responded, “it was cathartic for me to be able to help”.

Wayne’s body of work revolves around the public interest. Engaging with the public, especially under difficult circumstances, is where Wayne exemplifies leadership. Wayne is a master of facilitation but it is his humble approach which makes it incredibly effective and truly fascinating to observe; whether using the circle process or during more traditional public forums, I have witnessed Wayne’s ability to calm, create inclusion and accessibility, and achieve true engagement.

Wayne’s dedication to the professional of planning and its’ constant improvement is evidenced by his commitment to his students (both present and past), his research and particularly the focus on rural communities whose context is less understood, and his genuine belief that this profession improves the lives of people across the country and around the world.

On a personal note, your guidance changed the trajectory of my career and my life - and I am forever grateful.

I wish you and Deb the very best in the next chapter and know that your invite for 'tea time' is always open.

Sincerely,
Denise (Carnochan) Van Amersfoort

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I never had the chance to have you as a teacher during my masters, but every student I've spoken to has always spoken very highly of you.

I just wanted to wish you all the best with your retirement.

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Couldn't resist adding this photo of Wayne as a young Planner working in the Huron County Planning and Development Department! (1981)

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Congratulations on your Retirement Wayne!

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Congratulations on your Retirement Wayne!

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When I started my career as a Planning Student with Huron County back in 1990, I was so fortunate to have Wayne as a Senior Planner and mentor.  Similar to so many others, he helped me to understand what good planning means on the ground in rural areas, with quality public and stakeholder consultation always being a key.  I admire the respectful way that Wayne speaks to all people and his ability to look at a problem and come up with reasonable solutions that are actionable.  Best wishes to you and Deb on this next stage of your lives and please stop into the Department anytime for a tea and a chat!

Cheers, Sandra Weber

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Congratulations on your retirement Wayne! 

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Congratulations on your retirement Wayne! 

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Thank you for all the years of teaching, advice and career guidance - you have made such a huge impact on so many students lives and careers! Enjoy the well deserved time off and all the best!

Madeleine Atherton (RPD 2017-2019)

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Congratulations on your Retirement! The Rockstar of Rural Planning 

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Congratulations on your Retirement! The Rockstar of Rural Planning 

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This is Gursewak, from the 2018 Cohort! Wayne was the greatest influence on me in RPD and my academic experience (sorry Dr.Gibson).

His advanced planning class was one of the best if not the most important classes that helped me enter the private field. During my last semester in 2019, I found myself always wandering into Wayne's classroom (was not enrolled haha) and just participating or helping out. His careful advice and stellar experiences boosted my confidence. In every rural municipality, I approach for a client, I have at least one beautiful conversation about Wayne with staff, fellow RPDs and Councillors.

Thank you Wayne for putting me on this path and kickstarting this wonderful journey into the world of Planning.

Please rest assured you have changed and inspired countless RPDs to plan with excellence and meaningful confidence!

- Gursewak Singh

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Thank you for your generous leadership and connection while I navigated my MPlan during the pandemic years. Its hard to put into words, but you are so approachable and ease of leadership was reassuring during that challenging time. I was grateful to meet you in person in Abbotsford and felt that same ease and appreciation.

I know the next chapter will be awesome, a retirement filled with new adventures, time to explore and grandkids - how wonderful and well deserved! Enjoy!

Dawn Smith, MPlan 2021

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Wayne, congratulations on a fullsome career serving the Ag and Rural Sectors in Ontario. From Nutrient Management Advisory Committee, to the Rural Landownder Stewardship Guide, to Land Use Planning, BMPs and Lake Huron, KTT, and so much more. I am sure the many SRDRD students and colleagues have learned so much from you and your approach. Thank you for your contributions and all the best on whats next!
--Darryl Finnigan

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Congratulations on an exceptional career!

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Congratulations on an exceptional career!

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Wishing you all the best in your retirement! I wanted to thank you for being an agricultural planning champion in Ontario. As an agriculture economic developer I have referred to your work many times. We will all miss your voice around the table at GHFFA meetings.
Thanks for your passion for agricultural and rural planning!
Cheers,
Allison de Vos

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Congratulations Wayne on your retirement! Well deserved. I hope it's a wonderful time of rest and a new adventure for you and your family.
- Jeremy Parsons

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Wishing you the very best in your next adventure! Many thanks for all you have done for so many over the years and your contributions when leading SEDRD.
Happy retirement!
Warmly,
Shirley Hall

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Creme Brûlée, Our signature OPPI dessert.

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Congratulations Wayne on a well deserved retirement.  I wish I could be there in person on at your June 10th celebration event to extend my sincere best wishes on your retirement and provide a few tips from a 3-year retired friend.  I will just have to plan another rendezvous at a restaurant that serves Creme Brûlée, our "go to" OPPI signature dessert.
I have many fond memories of the volunteer and leadership work you provided to OPPI. Everything from contributing to OPPI policy position submissions, to moderating OPPI's Food Security Symposium held in Guelph, to your leadership role as OPPI President.  You just kept giving and giving an giving to your profession.  I recall your first OPPI Board of Directors meeting as President.  Following a very lively budget discussion, you read the room and pulled from your briefcase, a bag of mini coffee crisp bars to keep our energy and discussion sweet!  Everyone cheered and clapped! With each subsequent meeting you kept up the tradition which we savoured and appreciated.
Wayne, enjoy your summer with family and friends and the farm, and I will be in touch in the fall to arrange a Creme Brûlée rendezvous and if I may provide a few retirement tips.
My fondest regards and admiration for a volunteer and leader extraordinaire.
Mary Ann Rangam
Retired now and formerly OPPI Executive Director

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Thank you for your mentorship and guidance. Wishing you all the best as you take on new opportunities and adventures. Melanie Williams

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Congratulations on your retirement Wayne! You have been inspirational for a ton of us. You have opened up the world of planning and development to us in the simplest of ways. Thank you for all your insights and help, whenever we needed.

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Wayne! Words will never be enough to thank you for the most incredible impact you’ve had on my life and career. Thank you for sharing your passion for Ontario’s farmland, good community collaboration & the planning profession as a whole. I’ve so enjoyed working with you & learning from the best of the best. Please do keep in touch!
-Jenn Burns

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I feel privileged to have worked with you in the early 1980s and beyond - you are a brilliant mind, an intuitive problem solver, a collaborative team builder, an inspiring and respectful mediator, a rural champion and a fun guy to work with. The County of Huron and the University of Guelph are better for your contributions over these many years. Sorry to not be there in person to celebrate today - I will catch up with you in the Nile. Wishing you and yours the best! from your friend and former colleague, Cindy Fisher

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Wow! What can I add to all of these amazing tributes and memories!! Obviously you’ve impacted a lot of lives Big brother! So proud of you! Ron and I wish you all the best in this next chapter of your life. Congratulations 🎉 🥂Here’s to lots of new adventures and amazing memories ❤️ Love Ron & Karen ❤️

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Wow! What can I add to all of these amazing tributes and memories!! Obviously you’ve impacted a lot of lives Big brother! So proud of you! Ron and I wish you all the best in this next chapter of your life. Congratulations 🎉 🥂Here’s to lots of new adventures and amazing memories ❤️ Love Ron & Karen ❤️

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I can’t say enough how you inspired me to keep my rural roots close at heart when it all started at the Huron County Planning Department. Over the years I’ve been an avid follower of you and your advocacy for agricultural and rural planning. It has inspired me to keep agricultural an rural issues at the forefront in planning. I’ve had the pleasure to continually learn from you over my career. Thank you for your contribution to the world of planning.
Jennifer Best

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Hi Wayne, you were always such a fantastic partner with us at the Greenbelt Foundation. We very much enjoyed and benefitted from our various collaborative projects.  Wishing you all the best in retirement, and hopefully see you at the Goderich FM. Kathy Mac

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Hi Wayne, you were always such a fantastic partner with us at the Greenbelt Foundation. We very much enjoyed and benefitted from our various collaborative projects.  Wishing you all the best in retirement, and hopefully see you at the Goderich FM. Kathy Mac

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Wishing you all the best as you embark on a well-deserved retirement. You have made such a positive impact on everyone who has had the pleasure of being in your company. Thank you for making my masters in RPD an amazing experience. Keep in touch.
Cameron Curran, Thunder Bay, ON

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Wayne, just a quick note to thank you for your support and mentorship during our time in Guelph and long after. You have always been someone who has been there to support others. We wish you the best with retirement and hope to connect at some point in the future.  Sylvia and Bob Summers

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Wayne, just a quick note to thank you for your support and mentorship during our time in Guelph and long after. You have always been someone who has been there to support others. We wish you the best with retirement and hope to connect at some point in the future.  Sylvia and Bob Summers

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Glad I caught you just before retirement!

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Glad I caught you just before retirement!

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Wayne! I am late to the game on making a post here. I'm so glad I made the decision to enroll in RPD in winter 2022 - a decision that you helped me to make the previous summer when I reached out and said I wanted to do another degree during an upcoming maternity leave. It was an idea I had that felt silly initially, but it has been very doable and lots of fun - especially your classes and projects. Thank you for pulling me onto the municipal capacity project, your readiness to provide flexibility, support, references, introductions, and really anything anyone needs. I'm glad I snuck in under the wire here before your retirement. I'll be seeing you around Ontario's West Coast either way!
- Natasha Gaudio Harrison

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Congratulations Wayne, but we will miss you!

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Congratulations Wayne, but we will miss you!

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Dear Wayne,
Since my times as a PhD student in SEDRD, I have experienced multiple times your support and leadership roles to your colleagues and students. You fostered spaces for empowerment and nurtured confidence on your students. By building interdisciplinary and professional teams you promoted team work, perspectives integration and policy influence. Your teaching and research have transformed the planning field and its transcendence to international levels. You are an inspiration to us and I am privileged of being your colleague. Silvia Sarapura

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Wayne,
I wish you a very awesome retirement! Thankyou for all you have done to help rural communities be resilient
and to believe in the future of farmers continuing to feed the world by being a strong voice for saving farmland.
Enjoy!!
Carol Leeming

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Congratulations Wayne ! Thank you for the guidance and willingness to answering the various planning questions over the years! Wishing you all the best!  Paul Nairn, Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

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Congratulations Wayne ! Thank you for the guidance and willingness to answering the various planning questions over the years! Wishing you all the best!  Paul Nairn, Ontario Federation of Agriculture.