|
Weston Consulting Group Inc. provides expertise in a variety of planning services, such as:
For additional information, please click on the service you are interested in from the list above.
Land Development Services
Land Development Services facilitate property development approvals required within Ontario. Weston Consulting Group Inc. (WCGI) will assemble a team, where appropriate, to obtain agency approvals necessary to permit the residential, commercial, industrial, institutional or recreational development of land.
WCGI has a thorough knowledge of the planning and approvals process and the legislation governing the land development process. Our firm recognizes that each project is unique and extensive consideration is given to anticipate and address development issues to ensure the goals and objectives of the client are met.
A typical land development exercise includes:
- Site Assessment and Evaluation
- Review of municipal, provincial and agency policy documents
- Options generation
- Selection of preferred development option
- Determination of an appropriate approval strategy
- Submission of complete application
- Representation
- Ontario Municipal Board Representation (if required)
- Fulfillment of Conditions of Approval
- Registration
- Building Permit Issuance
Back to top
Subdivision and Site Plans
Weston Consulting Group’s experienced design team prepares accurate draft plans of subdivision and site plans, together with detailed development analysis.
The firm liaises closely with Ontario Land Surveyors and the client in order to obtain the latest available surveys, obtain the authorizations required for submission of the plans and advises on when to proceed with the preparation of M-plans or R-plans.
Quality design graphics and coloured displays support and enhance the firm’s planning initiatives.
Back to top
Plans of Condominium
Weston Consulting Group’s experienced design team prepares accurate and detailed plans of condominium in close consultation with Ontario Land Surveyors.
The firm has actively led projects for residential, commercial and industrial condominiums for both new and existing buildings.
Back to top
Project Management Services
Project Management Services are an important cmponent of any development project. Weston Consulting Group provides an array of services related to the technical, administrative and financial management of the development project. Our firm acknowledges that each project requires efficient and effective management to expedite the fulfillment of the client’s objective.
Project Management Services typically include:
- Co-ordination:
- Project Budgeting:
- Monitoring and Authorization:
- Negotiation and Implementation:
- Fund Allocation:
Back to top
Options Analyses / 'Highest and Best Use' Reports
Options Analyses comprise a comprehensive evaluation of a property in order to properly assess the range of development / redevelopment opportunities available.
With careful consideration of economic factors, municipal documentation (such as Zoning By-laws and Official Plans), local development trends, environmental constraints, transportation and access issues and risk considerations, Weston Consulting Group will provide a detailed report of potential development options to the client.
This report will consist of detailed analyses of all the above factors, together with concepts which demonstrate the potential for the development of the lands under consideration, and a specific recommended approach which factors ‘highest and best use’, approval likelihood and good planning for the property.
Back to top
Asset Disposition Strategies / Real Estate Advisory Services
Weston Consulting Group Inc. will work closely with landowners / vendors and their real estate representatives, as appropriate, in an effort to properly “position” property for disposition. This could involve various types of exercises depending on a number of factors.
This type of work typically focuses on maximizing land value and liquidity for the owner given the property’s opportunities / constraints, economic issues and approval likelihoods / processes.
Back to top
Adaptive Re-use Analyses
Adaptive Reuse analyses identify the development and implementation strategies related to the reuse of vacant, underutilized or functionally obsolete commercial and industrial facilities. They provide an alternative means of achieving corporate objectives through the maximization of asset value and timely property disposition.
Weston Consulting Group, through the co-ordination of the project team, will prepare a strategy consisting of a market and land use assessment of the property, examination of market and land use trends, preparation of a financial proforma, and the development of a corporate business plan for value enhancement and disposition.
Adaptive Reuse strategies can be undertaken directly for corporate management interests or in conjunction with a real estate marketing firm. Weston Consulting Group will assemble a team with a range of expertise including: financial assessment, environmental remediation, traffic analysis, site servicing, architecture, and marketing.
An Adaptive Reuse Strategy typically includes:
- Site Assessment
- Preliminary Development Concepts
- Analysis of Financial Implications
- Options Report
- Implementation
Back to top
Financial Proformas and Evaluations
Financial Proformas consist of detailed cost / revenue analyses associated with implementation of a particular plan or plans for a property. All potential cost issues are factored in, including consultant costs, application fees, development charges, construction costs, site improvement costs, demolition costs etc., as well as revenue projections based on recent market trends.
Such analyses assist clients in determining which approach will be most beneficial.
Back to top
Ontario Municipal Board Representation / Expert Testimony
WCGI has a considerable amount of experience in providing representation and obtaining favourable decisions for our clients at the Ontario Municipal Board. Expert testimony at the Ontario Municipal Board and other judiciary bodies is supported through detailed witness statements and the use of creative and descriptive graphics.
Back to top
Expropriation Hearings
Weston Consulting Group Inc. (WCGI) represents private landowners to achieve fair market compensation when they are faced with expropriation of all or portions of their property.
WCGI typically works with a solicitor and an accredited appraiser to demonstrate alternative development possibilities and associated values in an effort to maximize results.
Back to top
Urban Design Studies / Guidelines
Urban Design Studies provide an evaluation of development form and the formulation of design objectives for the study area. A comprehensive urban design study is undertaken to achieve a consistent design character throughout an area while integrating with the surrounding fabric.
An Urban Design Study typically includes contextual analysis, statement of urban design intentions, design diagrams and descriptive text and proposed urban design guidelines.
Urban Design Studies have become a common planning tool and are often required by municipalities to establish and convey proposed building design and its relationship to the proposed streetscape and surrounding urban fabric.
Back to top
| 
