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Bruce McCuaig, urban and regional planning ’84, can trace his love of geography back to his Grade 13 class with Mrs. Wilton. “It got me interested in cities, the physical world and how we can shape that. It seemed natural to me to go into something like urban and regional planning,” says McCuaig, president and CEO of Metrolinx, the regional transportation authority for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Today, he continues to shape the world as Metrolinx implements The Big Move, a 25-year plan that will expand and transform the region’s transit landscape. McCuaig’s 26 years in public service have more than prepared him for this role, from his work as deputy minister of transportation to dealing with land-use issues in the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

But he got his start at Ryerson, learning hands-on practical methods. “I learned how to think rationally through a problem-solving process. And how to involve the public and stakeholders in the decision-making process,” says McCuaig.

He still uses these principles by engaging the community to provide input on infrastructure. With projects like the rejuvenation of Union Station, McCuaig hopes to deliver a responsive and balanced transportation system that addresses the diverse needs of growing communities. “People shouldn’t take transit because they have no other choice. That’s one reason why they do but that shouldn’t be the only reason. They should be taking transit because it’s the better choice,” he says.

McCuaig says this has been his most rewarding job to date because of the organization’s objective. “It’s about improving the quality of life for the people who live in this region, positioning the region for economic growth and reducing the impact of transportation on the environment. When you think about what we can achieve at Metrolinx you can’t help but be excited and think about what a grand adventure we’re involved in.”

Adriana Rolston is an online editor for 1234V.