Kristy Kilbourne ’05 - Volunteer Profile 

Kristy Kilbourne ’05 is a strategic thinker and collaborator who plans sustainable and vibrant communities. A graduate from the B.A. Environmental & Resource Studies program, the registered professional planner and dedicated alumna sees intrinsic value in sharing her experience and expertise with the Trent community. 

“People never know where connections will take them,” states Ms. Kilbourne who participates in the TrentUConnect mentoring program, Life After Trent networking events and the Trent University Alumni Association Strategic Advisory Committee. “The Trent community can benefit from alumni that are making a difference around the world.” 

As a Trent graduate and a professional, she understands the importance of strong community connection, open dialogue and knowledge mobilization.   

Within her own business, Ms. Kilbourne guides urban planners toward their ideal careers.  She is a part-time principal planner with the City of Pickering, and a college lecturer and instructor within programs such as Applied Environmental Planning at Fleming College and Sustainable Planning and Development at Seneca College. On the global stage, she is a representative on behalf of the Canadian Institute of Planners with the UN Habitat “Planners for Climate Action” initiative. Having obtained a Master of Environmental Studies in Urban and Regional Planning from York University after attending Trent, she will next pursue a Ph.D. in Planning within the Faculty of the Environment at the University of Waterloo. 

 “Trent was the start of the foundation for my career in urban planning and environmental policy,” said Ms. Kilbourne. “My program is very relevant to my career and applicable in my volunteer work within sustainability and climate change.” 

At Trent she made vital connections through the Trent Centre for Community Based Education, now known as the Trent Community Research Centre. She also landed a coveted field position conducting fisheries policy work with the Ministry of Natural Resources.  

In turn, Ms. Kilbourne now gives back and supports applied student research through the U-LINKS Centre for Community Based Research. She feels that connections, real-world understanding and work experience are key. “I’m really happy to enable other students with something that I found to be so valuable for me.” 

At Trent she discovered volunteerism through Sustainable Trent and the Environmental Advisory Board. She also maintains enduring Trent contacts, including with Dr. Stephen Hill, professor of Environmental and Resource Sciences/Studies. Originally her first-year professor and thesis supervisor, they have remained in touch over the years. 

Although she studied at the Peterborough campus, Ms. Kilbourne brings a local perspective from Durham Region to her advisory role with the Strategic Advisory Committee. As a long-time Oshawa and Durham resident, she held many leadership and strategic positions on professional and community initiatives, and has also sat on boards for non-profits and social housing groups. Ms. Kilbourne regularly crosses professional paths with Trent University and its graduates through her daily work, and on collaborative projects such as an agriculture sector climate adaptation strategy. 

“I am proud to advise on initiatives that the Trent University Alumni Association is doing to better serve alumni,” reveals Ms. Kilbourne who was invited to join its Strategic Advisory Committee. “But also, to make connections between alumni and current students, and the activities that the university is doing from a research or partnerships perspective.” 

Whether participating in the 10,000 Coffees initiative through TrentUConnect offered by Trent’s Careerspace and Alumni Engagement & Services, or speaking at the Life After Trent series, Ms. Kilbourne enjoys sharing her interactions with students from a variety of disciplines. 

“It’s exciting to see. They are maintaining Trent’s core values while evolving and changing as well.” 

“Trent still feels like a place for self discovery,” explains Ms. Kilbourne who explored many academic areas such as Indigenous Studies, Women’s Studies, Politics and International Development Studies. “For me, the ability to understand different perspectives, have those conversations and be open minded to different opinions is a big part of Trent’s identity.” 

Ms. Kilbourne returns to the Peterborough campus for bike rides through nature with her young family. She is excited to see what is next in store for the University through the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan, and how it will grow through an Indigenous, environmental and sustainable lens.  

“I've met a number of wonderful current and past alumni,” she concludes. “That shared experience of having attended Trent has made for stronger relationships, great conversations and opportunities.”