Our Services

Research

We conduct fulsome and efficient research, including for First Nations’ Specific Claims, Treaty Land Entitlement claims, and Highest and Best Use analyses, providing the foundation and support for current and historical appraisals, loss of use, and damages reports. We strive to use numerous sources and methods to present the most accurate summary of the past:

  • Provincial, national, and local archives
  • Censuses of Population and Agriculture
  • Elder and Knowledge Keeper interviews
  • Local history publications, museums, and newspapers
  • Land title research
  • Statistics

Mapping

We produce compelling visuals to complement our research and analyses, using both GIS methods and analyzing historical surveys and plans. This includes examination of historical air photos to determine land use over time. One map often replaces a thousand words, and our maps are integral in telling the story of the land:

  • Topographic
  • Satellite/aerial imagery
  • Elevation/hillshade
  • Land capability
  • Historical air photos
  • Drone imagery

Appraisal

We specialize in valuations and appraisal reviews (both current and retrospective market values) of land throughout Canada. Our product services range from full compensation reports, addressing all heads under relevant legislation, to benchmark market analysis providing general valuation indicators and/or rent rates, to highest and best use analyses. We focus on valuations of various types of land:

  • Agricultural
  • Recreational
  • Future development
  • Country residential
  • Conservation and parks
  • Partial and leasehold interests
  • Rights of Way including railway, highway, pipeline and powerline corridors

Loss of Use

We use our strong foundation of research and mapping to complete complex loss of use analyses, which can span over long periods of time and multiple highest and best uses. We are industry leaders in developing novel economic models and estimating historic losses to the owner-operator and/or lessor. Loss estimates under various legislation can be related to:

  • First Nation Land Claims
  • Transportation infrastructure
  • Utility companies
  • Oil & Gas
  • Flooding

Damage Assessments

We assess disturbance damages, incidental costs, special economic advantage, and injurious impacts, if any, relating to partial or full land surrenders, expropriation, or insurance claims relating to equipment malfunctions, crop input misapplications, fires, floods and personal injuries. An analysis of before and after the taking could include:

  • Land severance
  • Relocation costs
  • Home for a home
  • Improvement costs
  • Fixed and variable operational costs
  • Crop and livestock loss

Advising

We provide technical advisory services based on case law to assist clients in making informed decisions. Clients benefit from our range of expertise and services, including our multifaceted compensation approaches, and our research and mapping capabilities. We can assist with:

  • Terms of reference development
  • Present valuation of nominal estimates
  • Appraisal and agrology review
  • Sensitivity analysis
  • Property tax and assessment review
  • Pattern of dealings/settlement analysis of compensation paid by others