“Jason is a bright, articulate, joyful, and visionary planner, with a focus on creating inclusive, vibrant and thriving places within our urban realm. Jason goes beyond the day-to-day expectations of his role with the City with his writing for the Winnipeg Free Press, analyzing development between Winnipeg and Edmonton. Through this work, he regularly connects Canadian urbanists, allowing for a thoughtful exchange of ideas to occur across geography, gender, generational, and racial transects. As the planning profession moves to one which is more open and accessible, one which invites rather than excludes, Jason is a voice that we will all be listening to.” – Lyla Peter, City of Edmonton, Director, Development and Zoning Services.
“Throughout my work and my company, PlaceMakers, I have been fortunate to be able to collaborate with politicians from all levels of government and urbanists from around the world. Jason Syvixay is by far one of the most authentic, passionate, and natural city builders I have met. Jason is one of those leaders who inspire you to act, to participate, and to get involved.” – Hazel Borys, PlaceMakers, CEO
“Jason’s articles are thought-provoking; they challenge the status quo. They are never preachy nor condescending. They gently nudge a new way of thinking or a new way of approaching a problem. Regardless of the topic, the challenge or neighbourhood, his spotlight opens the door to introspection. Jason has a deep passion for Winnipeg. He desires it to flourish, to become an urban force, emphasizing its diversity and creativity. With each article, he’s allowing Winnipeg residents to see the potential of how great the city can be.” – Scott Gibbons, Winnipeg Free Press, Associate Editor
“Jason Syvixay is an exceptional young planner with an exuberant passion for his profession and the communities he serves so tirelessly. An infectious leader with a deep empathy for society’s underprivileged and marginalized groups, Jason uses positive participatory planning to bring unlikely partners together, establishing new relationships that in turn shape the physical, political, and social future of Canadian settlements. Jason is a once in a generation planner whose work will transform how we all live work and play in cities.” – Monica Giesbrecht, HTFC Planning & Design, Principal
“A key strength of Jason remains his ability to translate complex knowledge to ensure it has relevance in the community and academia. He works tirelessly to promote planning for people, not just for the sake of policy development but to affect real and meaningful change. He truly embraces that planning is not simply about imposing ideas but it is about bringing a diversity of ideas together in a meaningful and respectful manner. He creates safe environments for people to feel welcomed and part of the process.” – Jino Distasio, University of Winnipeg, Vice President (Research & Innovation)
"When it comes to working with the media, Jason is excellent at approaching reporters with unique story ideas in a professional manner. You can sense his passion for the city of Winnipeg and the people within it. I highly recommend partnering with him on any project." – Talia Ricci, CBC, Reporter
"Jason is one of Winnipeg's strongest communicators and his passion for the city illuminates every project he tackles. His support and drive to make the community a better place, particularly the downtown, is second to none. Jason is a champion on many levels and wears multiple hats to organize, lead, and inspire others." -- Chris Dell, ChrisD.ca, Managing Editor
“As a longtime member of the Winnipeg media, I have had the good fortune to work closely with Jason at a host of events over the years, including the CEO Sleepout to raise funds and awareness for the city’s homeless, and the annual ManyFest street festival. I have always been greatly impressed by Jason’s knowledge of the complex issues affecting Winnipeg and the development of its downtown. But the scope of Jason’s skills goes far beyond a mere academic understanding. I am comfortable stating I have never met anyone who equals Jason’s commitment to, and passion for, making Winnipeg and its core area a better place in which to live. Those of us in the media are not easily impressed, but the intensity, intelligence and sense of joy that Jason brings to the realization of our city are a constant source of inspiration for those working with him, or even standing on the sidelines watching. Jason has a unique gift for getting projects done, and for inspiring everyone involved with his ability, his energy and his commitment to community.” – Doug Speirs, Winnipeg Free Press, Journalist
"I have known Jason since 2011, and from day one it has been evident that he is an encouraging and positive individual interested in urban and community issues. Jason is an advocate for young enterprise and seeing the core of our city succeed. I had the pleasure of being a member of the Downtown BIZ Young Entrepreneurship Committee from 2014 to 2016 which Jason actively organized and facilitated. His positive attitude and unending supply of energy helped bring about many successful events. I was always impressed by Jason’s ability to bring a meeting together, keep it on track, and make sure that all voices were valued in decision making." – Nils Vik, Parlour Coffee, Owner