Doug Stiles

Background

About Doug Stiles

I have been working in land use planning for the past sixteen years, for the London Borough of Ealing (UK), City of St. Catharines and City of Toronto, SvN Architects + Planners and currently for WSP. I have gained invaluable experience in legislation including the Planning Act and Residential Tenancies Act, housing policy, planning processes, policy and guidelines, project management, navigating government divisions and technical report writing. I have worked with many people through public engagement and consultation and built relationships with politicians, developers, applicants, City staff and members of the public. When the pandemic of 2020 intensified, I became proficient in working remotely, no matter the challenge. In 2019, I had the opportunity to leverage my knowledge and expertise in land use planning by beginning to invest in real estate in Medellín, Colombia. Formerly the most dangerous city in the world (despite its stunning natural beauty), Medellín has evolved into an international hub of tourism and tech. My partner and I located, purchased and re-designed a licensed, short-term rental apartment in the El Poblado Commune of Medellín. I designed the renovation and managed all finances to keep the project under budget. I also began studying Spanish to be more proficient in future international business ventures. I have been working as an artist-entrepreneur since 2014. I’ve been producing queer-themed pop art paintings, mostly portraiture, on canvas and on denim jackets, for various clients and for my personal collection. I have produced five solo shows since 2018 and participated in dozens of group shows. I create art in studios in both Toronto, Canada and Medellín, Colombia.