Established in 2012, the Institute was created to focus on research, teaching, engagement and communication on issues relevant to city regions nationally and globally.
Since the early 2000s Merchant has played some key roles in developing and shaping Ontario’s award-winning[6] growth management framework and urban planning policies and projects.
On 1 July 2014, Merchant was featured in the Toronto Star's Canada Day edition of 24 Canadians whose ideas will shape the future.
"[7] In the article, he discusses his views on evolving identities, Canada's relationship with the oil sands and the challenges that an ageing nation faces.
[14][15] He also serves as an advisor to the Metcalf Foundation's Enabling Solutions[16] program and sits on the advisory council[17] of ProudPolitics.