Identification of Opportunities

We identify short term and long term land development opportunities, at the request of clients or pro-actively.

Feasibility Analysis

Identification of opportunities

Feasibility analysis

Planning

Preliminary engineering

Plan preparation

Public consultation

Approval processes

Subdivision design

Engineering design

Construction

Post-construction

We assemble and analyse information required to assess the feasibility of projects. We provide cost estimates required for pro forma analyses, assist our clients in negotiating land acquisitions, and identify areas in which a potential project can (or should) be improved. Factors which are examined include:

• Natural environment;
• Site contamination;
• Archaeological/historical factors;
• Access;
• Utility servicing capacities;
• Consistency with broader municipal plans;
• Existing and adjacent land use;
• Natural hazards;
• Natural amenities;
• Need for public services including schools and parks;
• Public perception of the project.

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Planning

We obtain the necessary planning approvals. Our land use planning services address:

• Current plans, policies, and regulations;
• The potential for site contamination;
• Potential natural hazards, including unstable slopes, poor soil conditions, and/or potential flooding;
• The potential impact of development on historical and/or archaeological resources;
• The potential for integration of natural heritage features such as the retention of existing trees and open space areas or the use of natural wetlands for storm water management purposes.

Where necessary, Scheffer Andrew uses specialized subconsultants to provide expert assistance in these areas.

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Preliminary Engineering

We identify servicing capacities and constraints, after a detailed review of existing information. We carry out field investigations including:

• Topographical survey;
• Hydrological and geotechnical investigations, and
• Identification of access opportunities.

We prepare conceptual servicing schemes and reports, consistent with high professional standards and the requirements of the municipality.

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Plan Preparation

We work closely with municipal approval authorities to help ensure an approvable plan. We involve the client in the process to ensure that his needs and aspirations are reflected in the plan.

We create efficient, imaginative development plans. Our plans include sections on:

• Background analysis;
• Plan objectives;
• Land use concept;
• Circulation pattern;
• Servicing scheme;
• Development policies;
• Development sequencing.

We provide effective, professional presentation of both the text and graphics that make up our plan documents.

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Public Consultation

We manage public consultation, which is a crucial part of today's planning process. Scheffer Andrew has extensive experience in soliciting public input and in responding to public comment.

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Approval Processes

We expedite the municipal review and approval process. We have over 25 years of experience working with municipal approval authorities and elected officials to create plans that achieve our clients' objectives.

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Subdivision Design

We prepare subdivision plans, in which road alignments and lot boundaries are specifically defined. Our planners work closely with our engineering staff to prepare subdivision plans that respond effectively to:

• Municipal development regulations and standards;
• The need for efficient, cost-effective utility servicing;
• Market demand.

We combine geo-referenced plans and computer assisted design to create accurate subdivision plans requiring a minimum of adjustment at the legal survey stage. This ensures the highest possible yield in terms of numbers of lots, frontage, and total building width. In fact, if specific building footprints are available, we can design the subdivision on a building by building basis.

We submit applications for planning and subdivision approvals and expedite the review process.

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Detailed Engineering Design

We design:

• Sanitary sewer collection systems;
• Water distribution systems;
• Storm water drainage systems;
• Electrical and gas utilities;
• Communication facilities;
• Arterial, collector, and local roads;
• Parks;
• Irrigation systems.

We co-ordinate the design of:

• Electrical and communication systems;
• Specialized landscape features, such as entranceways and streetscape.

As part of the process, we:

• Obtain approvals from government authorities;
• Negotiate development agreements with local authorities;
• Prepare tender specifications and documents; and
• Provide the client with an assessment of tenders received.

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Construction

We act as the agent for the project owner. We supervise and administer the construction, and provide liaison with financial institutions, providing them with estimates and certifications that will allow funds to be advanced.

Our services include:

• Survey layout;
• Co-ordination of contractors, utility companies, and others working on-site;
• Co-ordination of materials testing on-site;
• Issuing progress certificates; and
• Ensuring inspections and approvals are obtained when required.

At the completion of construction we provide the certificates and reports required by the approval authorities to indicate that the work has been done as previously approved.

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Post-construction

We follow up after the construction phase. We provide "as-built" drawings reflecting all changes that may have been made.

We provide marketing information, including lot grading and "street furniture" plans showing the details associated with lots, including amenities and services location.

We co-ordinate repairs and inspections as required during the maintenance period up to the final acceptance of the project by the local authority.

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