Planning + Approvals

The process begins with understanding what is possible.

Stoneridge on the Park

Stoneridge on the Park

McIntosh Estates

McIntosh Estates

Long Lake Village

Long Lake Village

Bringing Clarity to the Process

We read zoning by-laws and municipal plans for fun! (okay, only some of us do). Our team conducts in-depth policy analysis to figure out what’s permitted on your property today and what other development opportunities are within reach. Our planning reports assess site realities, zoning restrictions, and development opportunities early, helping clients make informed decisions before committing significant capital.

Approvals

Going beyond what is permitted as-of-right

Municipal planning applications, including development agreements, rezonings, plan amendments, and variances, can unlock greater density, building height, or new property uses. We manage the entire application process from start to finish, combining planning, architecture, and real estate expertise to provide valuable insights early and guide you every step of the way.

  • 1

    Groundwork

    Background research and foundational studies.

  • 2

    Application

    We prepare and submit the application package to the municipality.

  • 3

    Review

    We work with municipal planning and development staff through the review.

  • 4

    Public hearing

    We present the proposal to Council at public hearing.

99.3%

Approval rate on planning applications

100% human expertise.

We do not use artificial intelligence to interpret policy, data or generate reports.

Feasibility Studies

What can I build on my property? Are there any red flags?

We will find the best way to unlock the opportunites of your property. Here are some of our reports:

  • Planning Brief

    Look into the current permitted ueses as-of-right under the current zoning and a preliminary investigation of potential options to achieve highest/best use.

  • Letter of Planning Opinion

    Discover all the development opportunities for the subject property including paths to a discretionary planning applications that can achieve a different use or more density than allowed as-of-right.

  • Preliminary Concept Planning

    Explore multiple layout options and find a preliminary unit count to determine if the project is feasible.

  • Land Suitability Analysis

    Identify property and terrain features early that can impact a proposed project like steep slopes, wetlands, watercourses and more.

Some of our Clients

Sightline CommunitySightline CommunitySightline Community

Community Engagement

Sightline delivers tailored community engagement through open houses, neighbourhood meetings, online surveys, FAQ mailouts, and social media campaigns. We prioritize transparency and open communication to build trust between developers and the communities they serve.

The Sightline team has superior communication skills and are experts in interacting and presenting to councils, advisory groups and the public to build support for a development concept. They are very good at managing a team of consultants and their comprehensive knowledge of land beyond the approval process makes them well qualified to evaluate opportunities and determine a property’s highest and best use.”

David Graham | President, Atlantic Developments

“We have had the privilege of working with Sightline for over 15 years on numerous planning and approval projects. Their professionalism and expertise have consistently exceeded our expectations. Throughout our long-standing partnership, Sightline has demonstrated an exceptional understanding of local regulations and the complexities of the approval process, providing clear and actionable guidance at every stage. Their ability to communicate complex requirements in an easily understandable way, along with their tailored solutions, has helped streamline our projects, saving time and reducing risk. With a proactive approach and unwavering commitment to securing the best outcomes, Sightline has ensured that every project moves forward smoothly and efficiently, always meeting our approval needs in a timely manner.”

Bassem Iskander | Managing Partner, Vanguard Developments

“Sightline has been a trusted partner on major projects. From the initial planning stages to final construction, they have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, expertise and professionalism. They have the ability and experience to navigate complex regulation and approvals. The Sightline team remains engaged for the duration of the project and provides assistance with any challenges that may arise. They show care for your project success and all the stakeholders involved.”

David Wood | CFO of Dexter, The Municipal Group of Companies

“Sightline’s extensive knowledge of the land development process, ability to see the big picture , excellent public relations and negotiating skills, helped us reach our goals. I trust they can resolve any conflict that may arise in any project.”

Hossein Mousavi | Principal, Cresco

“Sightline was not only successful with our planning application, they remained in touch and added additional direction and value throughout the process, right through to the actual permitting stage. Sightline has proven that they are in a class of their own given their decades of experience, key stakeholder relationships, passion for solving problems, and proactive client communication. I especially appreciate how Sightline makes themselves available anytime to their clients to field questions and offer insight on any real estate related questions. I look forward to working together again in the near future.”

Mark Bergman | President, Milestone Properties

“Few of the many talented and successful people I have done business with over the past decade in the real estate, development and consulting industry have the combination of knowledge, skill, experience and high integrity that Sightline possesses. Their depth of knowledge in the real estate development is unmatched in this region. Sightline’s ability to skilfully negotiate difficult deals under very trying circumstances is a testament to their skill. Perhaps the most impressive of Sightline’s many attributes though is their sterling integrity.”

Dave McCulloch | Multi-Unit Client Solutions Specialist, CMHC

“Sightline has been nothing short of FANTASTIC in support to pursue our dream of providing affordable housing in our community of Rockingham with our redevelopment known as ‘Rockingham Station’! Even though the process took longer than expected, Sightline honored their flat rate fee and went the extra mile every time a new obstacle was presented. Sightline never wavered and worked tirelessly to get the Regional Council unanimous approval passed through a Site-Specific Planning Amendment to the MPS. The Rockingham Station final approval saw an approval above the as-of-right maximums with an increase in height from 5 to 8 stories and an increase in density from 31 apartment units to total of 55. Sightline is known in the industry as a “closer” and follows through to close the deal! This is a rare quality that sets them apart from the competitors. Their commitment to their clients and the communities they represent is commendable! To the Sightline Team, a sincere thank you!”

Nick Stappas | President, Pathos Properties

Our Planning Team

Paul Sampson, LPP, MCIP

Paul Sampson, LPP, MCIP

Senior Planning Advisor

Learn more →

Isabelle Choumiline, LPP, MCIP

Isabelle Choumiline, LPP, MCIP

Planning Manager

Learn more →

Jane Rideout, LPP, MCIP

Jane Rideout, LPP, MCIP

Planning Manager

Learn more →

Victoria Dickson

Victoria Dickson

Planner I

Learn more →

Ellie Parr

Ellie Parr

Planner I

Learn more →

Reid Delaney

Reid Delaney

Associate Planner

Learn more →

Meet the team

The people behind Sightline Planning + Approvals.

MEET THE TEAM

Explore our projects

Projects filtered to Planning + Approvals.

VIEW PROJECTS

Learn More

Sign up for our newsletter