Introducing DPS North:
Strengthening Our Commitment to Central & Northern Ontario
Supporting Growth Across Central & Northern Ontario
As development activity continues to expand across Central and Northern Ontario, Design Plan Services (DPS) is pleased to introduce DPS North—our dedicated initiative focused on supporting developers, landowners, businesses, municipalities, and institutions throughout the region.
For more than 40 years, Design Plan Services has provided professional land use planning and development consulting services across Ontario, helping clients navigate complex planning approvals from early-stage due diligence and development feasibility through to municipal approvals and project completion. Through DPS North, we are building on our established experience in communities such as Simcoe County, Barrie, Grey County, Huntsville, Muskoka, and surrounding areas by dedicating additional resources to support the region’s continued growth.
Central and Northern Ontario continue to experience increasing demand for new housing, employment lands, commercial and industrial development, institutional facilities, and supporting infrastructure. As these communities evolve, successful projects require planning professionals who understand both Ontario’s provincial planning framework and the unique planning policies, Official Plans, and administrative processes of individual municipalities.
“Growth happens when experienced professionals, strong communities, and forward-thinking clients come together around a shared vision. We are excited to increase our focus in this region, build lasting partnerships, and continue helping shape the communities where people live, work, and invest.”
– TJ Cieciura, President, DPS
Our Services
Our team provides a full range of planning and development consulting services, including:
• Planning Due Diligence and Development Feasibility
• Official Plan Amendments (OPAs)
• Zoning By-law Amendments (ZBAs)
• Draft Plans of Subdivision and Condominium
• Site Plan Approval
• Minor Variance and Consent Applications
• Project Management
Whether supporting a landowner exploring development potential or a developer advancing a complex project through the approvals process, our approach remains the same: practical advice, responsive service, and collaborative solutions that help move projects forward efficiently.
As part of the DPS North initiative, we’ve also launched a dedicated webpage showcasing our experience across Central and Northern Ontario, including project locations and information about the services we provide throughout the region.
We invite you to explore the new DPS North page to learn more about our regional experience and discover how Design Plan Services can support your next development project.
If you’re planning a project in Central or Northern Ontario, we’d be pleased to discuss how our team can help you navigate the planning and development approvals process.
Project Management
Bridging the Gap from Planning to Execution
At Design Plan Services (DPS), we believe a vision is only as strong as its implementation. For over 40 years, we have mastered the complexities of land-use planning and subdivision design. Now, we are proud to offer formal Project Management services to help ensure those plans become a reality.
By providing a unified point of contact, we guide projects through the intricate regulatory landscape of Ontario.
Our Leadership Team
Our Project Management division is anchored by industry expertise and a commitment to client success:
• Kimberley Harrison-McMillan | Practice Lead
With an eye for detail and extensive experience in the development lifecycle, Kimberley both leads the division’s strategic direction and remains actively involved in day-to-day project delivery. She works directly with clients and consultant teams to ensure every project aligns with the client’s vision, municipal requirements, and overall approvals strategy.
• Steven Qi | Project Manager
Providing technical oversight and coordination, Steven ensures that multidisciplinary consultant teams remain synchronized and that project milestones are clearly defined, monitored, and achieved efficiently.
Comprehensive Management Services
We manage the “heavy lifting” so you can focus on the big picture. Our end-to-end oversight includes:
• Multidisciplinary Team Coordination: Leading and coordinating consultants, such as engineers, architects, lawyers, environmental specialists and other technical experts, to ensure cohesive project execution aligned with planning objectives.
• Strategic Approvals Pathway & Milestone Management: Defining the optimal approvals strategy and actively planning and tracking key milestones, including client deadlines, municipal submission and approval timelines and legislative requirements, to keep applications moving efficiently through the approvals process.
• Agency & Stakeholder Liaison: Serving as the primary point of contact and representative in discussions with public authorities, agencies and community stakeholders to support clear communication and timely resolution of issues.
• Budget and Fee Management: Establishing and monitoring planning and consultant budgets, tracking change drivers and supporting cost-effective, transparent decision-making throughout the approvals process.
• Operational Risk Mitigation: Proactively identifying potential bottlenecks and approval risks early in the development pipeline and recommending practical strategies to protect project timelines, budgets and client investments.
Why Choose DPS for Project Management?
• Single Point of Contact: No more managing a dozen different consultants. We handle the coordination, communication, and deadlines so you can stay focused on project outcomes.
• Concept-to-Completion Expertise: Because we understand the planning rationale behind your project, we are uniquely qualified to manage its execution from vision through to building permit.
• Proven Ontario Experience: Our deep rapport with municipal partners across the GTA and Southern Ontario gives your project a distinct advantage in navigating approvals.
Ready to move from “Vision” to “Building Permit Ready”?
Let Kimberley Harrison-McMillan, Steven Qi, and the DPS team lead your next development to successful delivery.
PIR – Planning Investigation Report
Know before you build.
PIR Package with DPS includes
✔ Project Diagnosis call with one of our professional planners at no cost.
✔ Research of applicable and relevant planning policies/regulations from provincial to municipal.
✔ High level review and analysis of relevant and applicable policies and regulations.
✔ Determine planning feasibility of the potential development.
✔ Recommendation of appropriate development options.
✔ Identify applicable planning application and processes required for development options.
✔ Highlight next steps and recommendations.
✔ Face to face or virtual meeting to walk you through all of the above.
Contact us now to discuss your site, acquisition, or upcoming project.