Workflow and Process Reviews
We are all about process and flow improvement. Nethery Planning can assist in your planning journey by walking through existing workflows and preparing the documentation and confidence for teams to take ownership over new and improved processes. (Joe holds a Lean Green Belt certification to back up his experience.)
Municipal workflow development and document preparation
Project management
Process improvement and digitization
We are currently providing planning services to the following municipalities:
Brant County
Puslinch
Bradford East Gwillimbury
Hanover
Caledon
Case Study
Whitchurch-Stouffville Site Plan Process Review and Manual
Scope of Work
Nethery Planning has been retained by the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville to complete a comprehensive review of the Site Plan Control process as part of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) initiative. The project includes a detailed review of the Town’s existing Site Plan Control By-law, application processes, fee structure, and supporting materials, alongside a broader legislative and policy scan.
Building on this analysis, the project involves the preparation of updated process maps, internal and public-facing manuals, and a new Site Plan Control By-law aligned with recent provincial changes, including Bills 109, 23, and 185. The work also includes the development of alternative review tools for residential and small-scale developments, as well as the creation of a Concierge Service program to improve coordination, communication, and overall applicant experience.
Challenges and Solutions
Key challenges include navigating ongoing Provincial legislative changes that limit municipal authority while imposing stricter review timelines, as well as addressing inconsistencies in application quality, internal coordination, and communication with applicants. Nethery Planning is addressing these challenges by focusing on front-end process improvements, including clearer submission requirements, standardized templates, and enhanced pre-consultation practices. The introduction of alternative tools and a Concierge Service model further support a more efficient and predictable application review.
Outcomes
Through this project, Nethery Planning is helping the Town establish a more streamlined, transparent, and user-focused Site Plan Control process. The updated by-law and supporting materials will better reflect current legislative requirements while improving clarity around what is reviewed through site plan control. The introduction of new tools and service models is expected to reduce review timelines, improve submission quality, and enhance coordination between departments and agencies. Overall, this work will provide applicants with clearer expectations and more predictable processes, while equipping staff with improved tools to manage development review efficiently.
Case Study
Town of Caledon Supplementary Aggregate Policy Study
Scope of Work
Nethery Planning was the lead consultant for the Town of Caledon’s Supplementary Aggregate Policy Study, which involved project management, policy creation, and extensive public engagement. The Study generated out of an Interim Control By-law Process and ran parallel to the Town’s Official Plan Review. Both staff and the public sought a hands-on project manager to ensure delivery of the project within legislative timelines and in an environment of transparency, collaboration, and mutual trust.
This process involved the development, alongside a professional facilitator, of an engagement program involving online and in-person events, Council reports and presentations, meeting with project stakeholders, facilitating conversations with Provincial planning staff—all within a set nine-month period. Additional project components include a Council training workshop, facilitation of a project open house and statutory public meeting, and organization of “small group” technical discussions for a resident working group.
Challenges and Solutions
Key challenges included the contentious subject matter and balancing of various stakeholder perspectives. Nethery Planning addressed these challenges by creating and delivering a comprehensive, thoughtful public engagement program that checked in with residents and proponents at every stage of the policy development process.
Outcomes
The Study culminated in Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments, which contained innovative, legislatively sound aggregate policy.