It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Linda Allen.
Surrounded by her children Gareth and Bronwen and Gwyn Symmons, Linda left us on August 15th, 2022. Prior to her passing, her grandchildren Beau and Byron and close friend Lissa had been able to visit her.
A person of remarkable energy and drive, Linda made everlasting contributions to her profession, voluntary sector, and family. She was an accomplished downhill and cross-country skier and enjoyed outdoor activities such as cycling and canoeing earlier in her life.
Born in Windsor, Ontario on February 17th, 1949, Linda and her family soon moved to Oakville, where she had many fond memories growing up. Later she studied Community and Regional Planning at the University of Waterloo and received her Master’s degree at Carleton University.
Early in her career, Linda moved to Edmonton and worked with the Alberta Task Force on Urbanization when the province was transitioning from a predominantly rural society to an increasingly urbanized one. Returning back to Ontario in the late 70’s, Linda became a Senior City Planner for the City of Ottawa. She worked on a variety of impactful projects including the City’s Official Community Plan and the creation of the Rideau Centre.
Always looking for a new challenge, Linda moved to BC in 1983. Settling in Victoria, she set up CitySpaces Consulting – a planning and development consulting firm – with partner and co-founder Gwyn Symmons. Linda was the President for 35 years and spearheaded the company’s growth, establishing its long-term commitment to “building lasting, livable communities”. A brilliant strategist, Linda developed the company’s core values and expanded the business into Vancouver and throughout the province. She was a skilled policy analyst, enthusiastic researcher, excellent writer, and superb organizer.
Throughout her career, Linda tirelessly advocated for affordable housing. She was also an inspiration and mentor to many young planners, especially young women. Linda was the President of the Planning Institute of BC from 1995 – 1997 and co-chaired the Canadian Institute of Planning National Conference in 2013. In the twilight of her career, she was appointed a member of the Real Estate Council of BC and served in this capacity until 2021.
Linda loved baseball and enjoyed watching her son and daughter play at Fireman’s Park when they were young. She served as President of Oak Bay Little League and later Carnarvon Baseball, championing a number of positive upgrades at both clubs. She was also involved with the Oak Bay Parks Recreation and Culture Commission and Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria.
Linda will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and colleagues at CitySpaces.
She is survived by Gareth, Caryssa, Bronwen, Beau, Byron, Lissa, and Gwyn.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a time yet to be determined.
Donations may be made to the Victoria Foundation. https://victoriafoundation.bc.ca
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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David McLellan
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Ellen So sad to hear about your loss, my heartfelt condolences to the family. From reading about Linda’s life I think she is a very special person. You must have had a wonderful mom and former partner. Many beautiful memories to share that hopefully are a balm on the grief. My sincere sympathy to you Gwyn, and to your children.
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John Gauld Gwynn, Gareth and Bronwen; Very saddened to hear of Linda’s passing. A very good and committed person who will always stay in my fond memories. My sincere sympathy to you and family.
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Bowman Louis Dear Gareth and family,
I am deeply saddened to learn of your mom’s passing and offer my deepfelt condolences. We always appreciated her friendly, calm demeanour and ever willingness to pitch in and have fond memories of our times with her. Although I only knew her through yourself and baseball I can see that she certainly led a fulfilling life and one of many accomplishments. She will be missed.
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Sue and Dave Leather We were so very sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences.
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Susan Devaux DeGrandis I wish to express my condolences to the family, on the passing of Linda. She went too early. A bright, energetic, intelligent and smart person. I knew Linda when she lived in Ottawa, but we lost touch when she moved west. Would like to attend the Celebration of Life and meet her children and grand-children.
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Erin Seeley I am so sad to hear of Linda’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Linda at the Real Estate Council of BC. In the short time she served on the Council, she brought a wealth of knowledge about good governance, housing, and effective public communications. She leaves a wonderful legacy in the planning community and beyond. My sincere condolences to her family during this difficult time.
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Mary Nixon Hissink I was saddened to read of Linda’s passing.
I was a friend of hers through high school and university years. We lost touch after that. I thought of her many times through the years and wondered where and what she was doing. I wish I had known that she was in Victoria as I retired and moved to Vancouver in 2010. Would have been so much fun to catch-up and reminisce about our Oakville days. I have many photos which I could share. Please let me know when you have a date for the celebration of life as I would love to meet her children.
Warmly
Mary Nixon Hissink
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Miko Betanzo My heartfelt condolences. Linda played a significant role in my career, putting faith in me when I started out and championing for me when I grew into my passion. I deeply regret missing the opportunity to let her know.
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Lisa Guinan I am John Guinan’s daughter, Lisa and I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to all of Linds’s family and friends. i knew Linda growing up in Ottawa, shared meals and did some cross-country skiing together, I even babysat a time or two.
My mom, Elena passed a few years ago from Ovarian Cancer.
I have been through the grief process, and it was of course difficult. I often found solace in thinking of how my Mom would want me to live and think of her.She would want me to live my life to the fullest, enjoy family and friends, celebrate often and remember fondly all the memories of her.
Our families have shared a connection and with the loss of two important members that my hope is we all remember them fondly.
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janis and dana brinley Janis and I offer heartfelt condolences to the family. We will remember Linda as a vibrant personality, with a keen passion for her family and baseball and all things related to what Gareth was into – whether with our son Rob or not.
Dana and Janis Brinley
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Steve Gorman My deepest condolences to your family! I remember the times with OBLL and the work Linda always put herself into for the community! Very special person for sure!
All the best,
Steve Gorman
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Heike Schmidt and Craig Fulton We are so incredibly saddened to hear that Linda passed away. Our thoughts are with all family and friends and everyone that had the pleasure to know her and to work with her. She will be deeply missed by so many.
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Jon and Bonnie Robinson. We were very sad to read of the passing of Linda.We have happy memories of Linda through our professional and community association.
Please accept our condolences.
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Andy and David Cooper It is with shock and great sadness that we heard of Linda’s passing. Linda was such a bright and fun-loving person – she will be missed by all of us. Linda’s hospitality and kindness are unforgettable. We have had some great times and fond memories of time spent together which we treasure. We send our love and sympathy to you all at this difficult time.
I extend condolences to Linda’s family and friends on her passing. Linda was a dedicated professional in our common field of community planning. She was highly respected and I know she inspired many with the quality of her work and commitment. She will be missed by all.