Demystify the Development Review & Approval Process

As an ambitious project leader, you’re committed to finding a clear channel forward—one where you can get your project approved in a way that minds all of the municipal, provincial, and federal regulations AND your team’s timeline. 

…But you have no idea where to turn for guidance from someone who’s been through the process many times before and understands how to navigate it. 

Submitting a COMPLETE application that…

→ Satisfies land use regulations and policies. 

→ Provides a thoughtful, holistic plan for navigating the web of challenges that impact your property.

→ Comprehensively answers all the questions government officials will have about your project.

→ Is rooted in collaboration with government officials and leverages real communication and trusting relationships. 

→ Gets moved to the top of the stack & avoids the back-and-forth of comments—rather than gathering dust on someone’s desk or having to be resubmitted dozens of times.

…That’s where most project leaders run into difficulty.

Having worked in British Columbia’s land development industry myself for more than two decades, I know how difficult, complex, and frustrating this process can be…

…And I’ve learned how to navigate it with ease and confidence.

I’ll never forget that sinking feeling in my stomach. I was working on my first major project—a government infrastructure project worth about $200 Million. We were in the weeds, trying to get approved when I realized I’d missed a crucial detail:

The land—like so many properties in British Columbia—was considered an environmentally protected area. This was the kind of news that stood to derail our timeline by years. 

I had done my due diligence and significant research into this area… but as any project leader can attest—it’s difficult to know what you don’t know until it’s right in front of you. 

We were sent back to the drawing board to resubmit (and resubmit, and…) our application over and over again until the project finally got clearance from the province. 

Long story short, we made it work. The project was completed and everyone moved forward. But even now, more than a decade later, I think of that experience often. 

These days, having worked as both a government official for City of Richmond, TransLink, District of North Vancouver, and Port of Vancouver—AND with a private equity firm that invests in real estate…

… I understand the review and approvals process with MUCH more clarity than before. 

I may not be able to go back and tell my past self what key information she was missing. 

But I can ensure that today’s British Columbia project leaders understand exactly what’s needed to get your project across the line…

…Even if you’re dealing with complex regulations, protections, and stakeholder engagement. 

Getting your project past review & across the finish line doesn’t have to be a slog. 

→ If you’re overwhelmed by land use regulations and policies…

→ If you’re tired of feeling like you don’t know what’s coming next…

→ If you’re done with waiting for the other shoe to drop…

It’s time to invest in personalized support & clear the channel for your project’s success.

To supercharge your progress and help you get results as quickly as possible, you’ll get…

2X Monthly 1:1 Coaching Sessions With Tegan Smith

Twice per month, we’ll meet privately for a one-on-one coaching session to navigate review and approvals. We’ll dive into confidential project issues and develop specific solutions to challenging project issues. You’ll also get introductions and speaking points to build your network and create an intentional plan for engaging government staff, so you can get the support you need to move your project through with ease. 

Unlimited Voice Memo Consulting with Tegan Smith via Voxer

Access to My Project Leadership Resource Vault

Over more than 2 decades of working in this industry, I have compiled an extensive collection of project leadership resources. Throughout your 90-days of support, you’ll have exclusive access to my entire vault, including:

→  Templates to help you navigate the development and review process

→  Workbooks to inventory land use regulations

→  Sample meeting agendas

→  Checklists of key items to address in your speaking points

→  Project Management Plans

→  Government Engagement Plans

→  Public Engagement Plans

→  Advocacy Plans

…and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

>> Project Deep Dives to uncover specific problems and solutions in every coaching session.

>> Personalized resources and direction on specific land use policy to watch for based on your unique project, as well as the best ways to approach indigenous reconciliation.

What Makes This Opportunity So Unique?

We’re living through a uniquely frustrating (and opportune) moment in the British Columbian development landscape. While it’s perhaps never been more challenging to get a project passed through quickly—it’s also never been rewarding. 

As a project leader, you’re tasked with navigating unique obstacles like ever-evolving land use and stakeholder engagement policies. Especially for leaders who live outside of British Columbia and are new to our development approach—this can feel like an insurmountable challenge. 

However, you also have a beautiful opportunity to create real change in British Columbian communities. In the light of our current housing crisis + staffing shortages across virtually every industry, you have the chance to…

• Provide meaningful solutions that create housing in areas of significant need.
  
• Create new commercial developments that empower and support our economy.
  
• Form bridges between real estate officials and government officials, so we can collaborate across party lines and create real change. 

What most developers and project leaders don’t understand is—we cannot succeed in a vacuum. 

• There are no easy sites left.
• Every application is more complex than the last.
• There are no “simple”, cookie-cutter solutions.
• Everyone is dealing with high levels of stress and pressure. 

If you’re going to get your project across the line—on a timeline that pleases your team & leads to easeful results within your project—you’re going to need to understand how to :

→ LISTEN to diverse perspectives to understand what’s happening behind the scenes in the community where your project is located.

→ CONNECT the dots between the BC government’s regulations and your team’s goals, in a way that makes sense for all impacted parties. 

→ FIND THE TRUTH through difficult conversations with all parties of what’s really required to get your project approved and constructed, so you can create the impact and revenue you desire. 

You’ll be a great fit for The Approvals Accelerator If…

You are a project leader or in a similar role, including:

• Director of Development
• Development Manager
• Project Director
• Senior Project Manager

You are working on a project based in British Columbia.
You’re working on any type of real estate development or infrastructure project in one of the following types of organizations: 

• Developer or real estate investment organization
• Non-profit organization
• Government

You are actively engaged in a project that’s currently going through review & approvals.
You’re ambitious, bright, and willing to go the distance to see your project through.
You value relationships and networking within your industry.

The Approvals Accelerator Is NOT a Fit For…

Those who are not actively engaged in a project that’s going through review and approvals.

A note from your program leader, Tegan Smith. 

In more than two decades of working with land development industry leaders and government officials, I’ve learned a LOT about what it takes for a project to go from conception to construction—with as little friction as possible. 

I’ve been part of projects that went up like a dream…. And projects where we were stuck in purgatory for months without any sign of light at the end of the tunnel. 

The projects that went well were the ones where we were prepared with a solid knowledge of applicable land use policy. We navigated the hurdles easefully thanks to our in-depth understanding of the process and trusting relationships.

On the other hand, the projects that went poorly were the ones where the team didn’t know the land use policy and leaned too heavily on government officials for guidance and solutions to the problems we encountered. 

The Approvals Accelerator mentorship program was born from need. Especially in light of the current housing crisis and labour shortages, Project Leaders desperately need a safe, confidential space to:

• Get up to speed on land use policies in BC
• Get hands-on support and mentorship from someone with boots-on-the-ground experience
• Get their project across the line

I created this program because:

• BC needs a way to quickly, effectively educate project leaders on what’s required to move forward with development projects.
• Working together as a group and educating 12 project leaders concurrently allows for our group to have a greater net impact.
• To be candid—THIS is the level of support I deeply craved (but struggled to find) early in my career. 

You can get your project to the top of the stack if you are well-informed on land use policy, willing to work collaboratively, and proactive about bringing solutions forward. That’s what we’ll be doing together in this 90-day experience. 

• If you’re ready for a simpler approach to reviews and approvals…
• If you want to get your project across the line, ASAP…
• If you want to feel confident leading your team to the finish line…
• If you want a streamlined, collaborative approach to getting approved…

THAT is my offering to you through this experience. 

Throughout my career, mentoring others has always been an important part of my work. In 2023, I’m going all-in on mentoring as the ideal way to increase my impact and create real change in BC’s land development industry. 

The Approvals Accelerator is an exclusive opportunity to have a massive impact on your project, your organization, and our industry. We’re now accepting applications for this intensive mastermind program…

…But to ensure a high-value, transformative experience for all involved, space is limited to just 12 project leaders in BC. 

Want to be one of them?

Apply now to join me for 16 weeks that will supercharge your project’s progress, clarify British Columbia’s land use regulations, demystify the review process, and build your skills as a leader in the real estate space. 

See you inside,

Tegan

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m working on a major development, government, or nonprofit project worth several million dollars. Is this appropriate for projects at this level?

Yes, without question. This program is best suited for project leaders working on projects of $10 Million or more. I have decades of experience working on projects worth upwards of $200 Million or more. In other words, you’re in good hands. 

This sounds like a great opportunity—but my plate is already beyond full. How much time is this going to require?

The Approvals Accelerator is designed to take work and stress OFF your plate. As such, you can be successful in this mentorship experience with just a few dedicated hours each week for 90-days. The beauty of this experience is that you get personalized, 1:1 consulting support in an expedited container—so you can get the information you need, submit a winning application, and move your project across the line ASAP.

My project is based in British Columbia, but my experience stems from elsewhere. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes! In fact, you’re precisely the type of person I designed this program for. Many developers are partnering with project leaders from across the globe. Whether you’re a longtime BC resident, new to the area, or living somewhere outside of BC…  If you’re committed to leading your British Columbia based project effectively and need support with understanding our land use regulations and policies—this is exactly where you need to be. 

I am a subject matter consultant who is starting to lead more of the regulatory process. Is this for me?

If you are a senior architect, engineer, or environmental consultant who is starting to take leadership on development review and approvals for projects in BC, this program is a perfect fit for you. 

Do you offer scholarships for The Approvals Accelerator?

If you would like to fund a scholarship for a non-profit partner, please reach out to me at tsmith@channelconsulting.ca to facilitate this. Scholarship donations may be tax deductible and help to ensure that project leaders in BC have the education and support they need to support conscious development in BC. 

How much does The Approvals Accelerator cost?

The fee for the program is $12,950.  The Approvals Accelerator is a planning consultant service and, as such, can be expensed as a fraction of your project’s soft costs. Unless you wish otherwise, your invoice will quote the project name and that the fee is for planning consultant services. For more information, submit an application and let’s chat 1:1.

How are most participants covering the fees for The Approvals Accelerator?

The Approvals Accelerator is a planning consultant service and, as such, most participants will be expensing the program as a project soft cost. Unless you wish otherwise, your invoice will quote the project name and that the fee is for planning consultant services. 

Someone on my team would love for our project’s leader to be part of this program. Can I apply on behalf of someone else?

As long as that person is committed to and excited about completing this opportunity, absolutely! Submit an application and let’s hop on a call with your project leader to discuss this. Team members are welcome to submit an application and even fund this mentorship on behalf of their team’s project leader. Email me at tsmith@channelconsulting.ca for more information.

I have additional questions. Who can I speak to about this?

For more information, submit an application or reach out to me directly at tsmith@channelconsulting.ca. Hope to hear from you soon!