We specialize in evidence-based design, planning and policy solutions to support sound and effective decision-making. We emphasize:
Quantitative and Spatial Analysis of Planning Scenarios
We believe that sound planning practice requires a thorough understanding of different planning options and their implications. We use numerical and spatial models and other quantitative tools to analyze town, regional and city planning scenarios and determine how today’s choices may impact future outcomes. Example projects include:
- QUEST- The capacity for integrated community energy solutions policies to reduce urban greenhouse gas emissions (Greater Toronto Area, City of Winnipeg, Fort McMurray)
- Community Energy and Emissions Plans, Victoria and Burnaby
Informed Stakeholder Engagement Processes
We believe that consultation with stakeholders must include credible, audience-appropriate information to effectively support knowledge sharing and informed decision-making. We use a variety of tools ranging from new digital imaging and visualizations, web-based modeling with real-time user inputs, to simply placing pen to paper–to ensure all relevant data is translated into useful information for detailed, informed, and meaningful discussion. As skilled planners and facilitators, we work carefully to ensure that project data and information is ground truthed through quantitative and qualitative assessment, stakeholder expertise and project participants’ local knowledge. Examples of our engagement tools include:
- Web-based Climate Action Navigator (CAN) Tool
- Citizen engagement workshops on neighbourhood energy and land use, for the UBC-SFU Greenest City Conversations Project, workshop channel
Visual Communication of Complex Planning Issues
We believe that planning issues should be communicated in a manner that illuminates key issues and supports informed discussion and evidence-based decision-making. As visual thinkers, we translate complex planning issues into accessible charts, graphs, drawings and visualizations. Examples include:
Given that climate change is the leading environmental public policy issue facing North American governments, institutions and businesses today, our work over the past decade has largely focused on helping local governments reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Our approach and skillsets are equally useful for a wide variety of current and emerging planning challenges, including sustainable transportation, neighbourhood planning and design, and regional adaptation to climate impacts.