GIESBRECHT & COMPANY
ABBOTSFORD VANCOUVER EDMONTON PRINCE GEORGE
ABOUT US
Giesbrecht & Company is a public and local government relations firm, serving First Nations and medium to large organizations in British Columbia and Alberta.
Our team of consultants has expertise in the following areas:
Land-Use Consulting
Environmental Stewardship
Rezoning and Development Management
Agricultural Land Reserve
First Nations, Provincial, Local and Regional Government relations
Stakeholder Engagement
Development and Diligence Studies
Public and Media Relations
"Our team, takes property development projects from conception to the final approvals, and on to construction, in a timely and results-oriented manner. Our firm's world view determines we execute each project through the lens of Ingenious reconciliation.
​
Our clients' visions align with ours, and together, we build sustainable communities"
​
- Patrick Giesbrecht, Principal Consultant
OUR TEAM
CLIENT PROTFOLIO
PROPERTY OWNERS/DEVELOPERS
Land Use Consulting and Advocacy
-
Rezoning and sub-division applications
-
OCP amendments
-
Social housing advocacy
-
Full spectrum market housing advocacy
-
Employment land creation advocacy
FIRST NATIONS
-
Land development management services
-
Land development strategic partnerships
-
Negotiating municipal servicing agreements
-
Land use planning - Community engagement
-
Execute 99 year lease and partnership ratification campaigns
-
Economic development support and partnerships
OUR EXPERTISE
Indigenous Relations
Giesbrecht & Co. offers comprehensive services related to First Nations, including strategic partnerships with land developers, negotiation of municipal servicing agreements, community engagement, execution of 99-year leases and partnership ratification campaigns.
​
​We also provide economic development support and establish partnerships to facilitate sustainable growth.
Land Use Consulting
While determining the highest-and-best-use of individual properties is central to what Giesbrecht & Co. does, we believe in building complete, sustainable communities, whether on-reserve or in municipal jurisdictions.
Due-Diligence Reports
Having the knowledge of whom to approach and how to inquire effectively prior to initiating an application can often save a project proponent time and money. In a short amount of time, we can create a report showing options for highest and best use on any given property. Providing both current and prospective clients these reports can be critical in making key investment decisions.
Land-use Planning and Community Engagement
Whether it is a Comprehensive Community Plan, Neighbourhood Plan, or simply a Land-Use update, community participation in the process is the cornerstone of an effective and holistic plan. Through various events as well as direct communication with neighbours and stakeholders, we are able to ensure that the communities affected by potential changes in land-uses are included in the planning process.
Rezoning and Development Management
Giesbrecht & Co. oversees rezoning and subdivision applications comprehensively, handling technical sub-consultants, engaging stakeholders & neighbourhoods and collaborating with Councils & staff throughout the process.
​
​By crafting compelling narratives and advocating for clients, we ensure decision- makers recognize the value in proposals, address misinformation and prioritize client needs in interactions with both the community and various government entities.
Political Consultation
Landowners, including First Nations and property developers often seek to understand the optimal use for their property and gauge the political stance of the local City or First Nation Council.
​
They also aim to engage with staff to gather insights. Our extensive network within First Nation, City Councils and Planning Departments allows us to initiate discussions regarding potential highest-and- best uses without compromising the public process.
Local and Regional Government Relations
Giesbrecht & Co. primarily deals with municipal-level and First Nation land use issues, but recognizes that other government levels may also have jurisdiction or interest depending on the specifics.
​
To secure approvals, we maintain strong relationships with senior staff, selected officials, and councils in various Nations and municipalities (including ALC permits), selectively choosing projects to support.
​
We have connectivity to many First Nations and municipalities in BC and Alberta.
​
CASE STUDIES
A curated selection of our projects
Resolving Water Crisis:
A Success Story of Collaboration and Strategic Advocacy
During a critical juncture, Semiahmoo First Nation faced the imminent threat of having their water services terminated by the City of White Rock. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, our team was enlisted as political and governmental affairs consultants to navigate this complex challenge.Our initial task was to construct a compelling narrative that would not only bring attention to the issue but also mobilize governmental support and kick-start discussions toward a feasible service agreement. Our strategic approach proved pivotal, as it not only raised awareness but also galvanized the necessary stakeholders to address the crisis head-on.
ne of the key advantages we leveraged was Semiahmoo’s unique geographical position, bordering both Surrey and White Rock. This strategic location allowed us to engage in constructive negotiations with White Rock. However, the turning point came when Surrey extended its support to Semiahmoo.
Surrey’s decision to assist Semiahmoo was influenced by several factors. They successfully secured federal funding earmarked for infrastructure expansion, which aligned perfectly with the initiative to meet Semiahmoo’s water requirements. Furthermore, this collaborative effort presented Surrey in a positive light, showcasing their commitment to addressing pressing community needs.
The impact of this collaborative endeavour was profound. With Surrey’s support, Semiahmoo First Nation was able to overcome a prolonged boil water advisory, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward sustainable water access. Beyond this immediate relief, the availability of reliable water infrastructure opened doors for Semiahmoo to explore development opportunities across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
In essence, what began as a crisis evolved into a triumph of cooperation and strategic advocacy. Our team’s ability to navigate complex political landscapes and foster mutually beneficial agreements resulted in a win- win scenario for all parties involved. Through perseverance and strategic maneuvering, we transformed adversity into an opportunity for positive change, leaving a lasting impact on the communities we serve.