Building Stronger Communities Through Cost Sharing

What originally sparked your interest in planning, and how did that lead you to your current work in development engineering and cost sharing at DSEL?

I’ve always been interested in the blend of infrastructure, policy, and building strong communities. My journey started back in the ninth grade during “Take Your Grade 9 to Work Day,” when I was taken to a land development engineering firm. It was eye-opening to see how planning and engineering influence our spaces and interactions! This experience led me to a co-op position at the same firm while I was in university. My supervisor emphasized how important it is to be a good planner alongside technical skills, which really resonated with me. Over time, I discovered my true passion for land development engineering, especially when it comes to cost sharing and due diligence – both key for making projects work and fostering collaboration. At DSEL, I’ve had the chance to support clients with intricate cost sharing strategies while keeping everything aligned with larger planning goals. It’s been a rewarding experience! 

Can you describe your role at DSEL and the types of projects you typically oversee?

At DSEL, I get to work with landowner groups to coordinate cost sharing and develop strategies for exciting projects from the Waterloo to the Ottawa Region. I love collaborating with developers early on to figure out what infrastructure is needed and how costs will be shared. My goal is to help guide these projects from the initial idea all the way to servicing approvals. By ensuring that the financial and engineering aspects of cost sharing are aligned, I aim to help clients make informed decisions right from the start. 

What aspects of Cost Sharing work do you think clients often overlook, but that make a big impact long term?

A really important consideration is how the timing and sequencing of servicing align with nearby developments. Sometimes, clients might focus solely on their own parcel and overlook the upstream and downstream dependencies related to things like capacity, access, or funding. Another aspect that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves is negotiating cost sharing agreements. These agreements can take time to work out, but they play a crucial role in setting a positive tone for future interactions among developers. When done well, they can help prevent conflicts down the line. Taking the time to lay a solid foundation at the beginning can make a significant difference in the long-term success and profitability of a project! 

You’ve worked on a wide range of files. Are there any project types or challenges you particularly enjoy?

I really enjoy working on projects that bring together different stakeholders or landowners, especially when we need to get creative with servicing challenges. It’s rewarding to find ways to resolve issues while keeping everyone on the same page. I love the sense of teamwork that comes from finding common ground as we advance the project. Plus, tackling infill sites in busy areas is a fun challenge for me, where limited servicing requires us to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions! 

What’s one thing you wish more developers or builders understood about the Servicing Investigation process?

It’s more than just a box to check—it’s an important part of managing risks. A good servicing investigation doesn’t just find connection points; it also looks at feasibility, sequencing, capacity, and financial aspects. If this step is overlooked or hurried, you might run into surprises during the project that could have been sorted out earlier. A little bit of time and effort spent here can really pay off in the long run! 

What’s something unique about the way DSEL approaches this work that sets us apart from other firms?

DSEL is all about inspiring creative thinking throughout every stage of a project, and I absolutely love it! One of my favourite parts of the company is the automation department, where over 15 amazing software engineers are working hard to make the land development engineering process smoother and faster. Their Easy Share program is a fantastic example of this! It allows me, as a project manager, to spend more quality time with my clients while the program takes care of all the details in the background. Just brilliant! 

How do you approach collaboration across teams, both internally at DSEL and with external consultants or approval agencies?

I really love creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere! We have awesome communication within our team, through project administrators, designers, and contract administrators, who keep each other in the loop through regular updates. One of the best parts of cost sharing is the chance to work with everyone on the project team! I also enjoy getting to know municipal staff and fellow consultants. By anticipating what others might need and providing clear information on time, I help us stay on track and tackle any challenges together. 

What keeps you motivated or excited about the work you do each day?

The impact. Knowing that what we do helps shape communities – whether it’s a new neighbourhood, school, or community centre – is really rewarding. I also enjoy the problem-solving aspect. No two projects are the same, and every day brings a new set of questions to work through. That keeps the work fresh and engaging. 

Any advice you’d give to someone starting out in this line of work?

Be curious and don’t hesitate to ask questions, especially at the beginning! The industry can be quite complex, so understanding how planning, engineering, and finance work together will greatly improve your problem-solving skills. Remember, they don’t teach cost sharing in school! Effective communication is also key – whether in writing or speaking. While having strong technical skills is important, the ability to explain concepts clearly and confidently is key to building trust with clients and teammates. Keep a friendly approach, and you’ll go a long way! 

Explore how DSEL partners with developers to create effective cost sharing solutions. Find out more about our work.