Rethink Urban is a collaborative and flexible consulting team that works under the auspices of Grandview Consulting Inc. Grandview has been providing specialized services to public and private sector clients across Canada since 1997. We started out with a focus on writing (very first gig – writing copy for signage at a car wash) and communications, evolved through marketing, training and brand work, and found our passionate niche in urban communications and pubic engagement.
We are fortunate to have received awards from the International Downtown Association, the Canadian Institute of Planners, and the Health Care Public Relations Association for Canada, among others. We work now as an affiliation of like-minded consultants – bringing in the right specialists as needed for each project.
Partial client list: Aldrich Pears Associates, The City of Red Deer, Safe Harbour Society, Red Deer College, Central Alberta AIDS Network, Alberta Child Care Network, Red Deer Chamber of Commerce, Canmarc REIT (Calgary), Peavey Mart Industries, Sunreal Property Management, Alberta Transportation
WHAT WE OFFER
Urban Change Consulting
- Place & Activity Audits – a status report on the design features and human activities that make an urban street, plaza, or neighbourhood what it is
- PlaceShift Redesign – a plan to reduce risks, prevent crime and open up opportunities for positive urban experiences
Public Engagement Services
- Engagement Plans – complete strategic map for an effective public engagement project
- Public Consultation Facilitation – planning, conducting and reporting on charrettes, meetings, walking tours, and more – all with a focus on solutions
- Stakeholder Engagement – from one-on-one conversations to customized methods for each diverse demographic
Communications Planning, Writing and Public Relations
- Communications Plans – complete with objectives, audience analysis, key messages, situation analysis, action plan and budget
- Writing and Editing – content for diverse readers to be used in print, web, social media, public presentations, video and other media
- Public Relations – development and implementation of public communication tools, including media relations
Crime Prevention Analysis and Action Plans
- CPTED Studies – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design studies, using on-site analysis and applying professional crime prevention best practices
- Risk Assessments
- Community Crime Prevention Initiatives – engagement with community groups, people in the street community, businesses and others to reduce crime
We welcome opportunities to collaborate with other consulting firms and municipalities on urban development project teams.
Plus, as noted on our Speaking page, we love to get involved in talks, workshops and ‘walking consultations’ – especially with communities and clients who believe like we do that collaboration and mutual learning is the route to great cities.
Lead Team
Lorne Daniel – Managing Partner
Managing Partner Lorne Daniel is an urban ideas enthusiast, an experienced communications professional, and a community engagement advocate. With writing and communications consulting awards in hand, he became involved in urban planning initiatives to help make cities better places. His work as a lead consultant on a variety of projects has since won awards from the International Downtown Association and Canadian Institute of Planners. Combining the ability to see multiple perspectives and to integrate diverse interests, he is committed to helping move urban development towards more sustainable, more livable communities. In his former home city he was the founder of the highly influential ReThink Red Deer citizens’ group. He now lives in Victoria, BC, Canada. Lorne holds a Masters degree in Communication Studies (Calgary) and is a member of the International Association for Public Participation and American Planning Association.
Steve Woolrich - Consultant
Steve Woolrich is the principal of SeCure Consulting Solutions Inc. Over the past 25 years he has established a reputation for excellence in policing, corrections and security. As a certified Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) practitioner, Steve has a keen interest in social issues and community development in the communities he serves and abroad. Steve is actively involved with many groups dedicated to crime prevention, community safety, high-risk youth and social planning, helping create safe communities and neighbourhoods. He specializes in helping communities develop positive strategies for gang reduction, graffiti abatement. Steve has made a personal commitment to creating better urban spaces by initiating a Street Piano initiative in his home city of Red Deer that has inspired other cities to ‘pick up the tune.’
Shannon Kernaghan – Researcher / Writer
Word wizard Shannon Kernaghan would probably want to edit that description of herself. But it’s true: she does wonders with information, ideas – and words. Shannon has been our principal researcher / writer since 2000, during which time she has created clear and creative content in the form of web content, news releases, annual reports, newsletters, advertising and more. Our clients in many industries, private and public sector, unanimously say that Shannon is a delight to work with. Shannon lives in Alberta, Canada during the glorious summer months and in the western desert states of the U.S.A. during their sweet winter months.
Tanya Gadsby – Graphic Recording specialist
Tanya is a graphic recorder and visual specialist based in Victoria, BC. Graphic recording is the creation of hand illustrated “infographics” on large sheets of paper – this is done live during meetings, conferences, and events. Tanya synthesizes conversations into concise images and text that keeps the audience engaged and inspires new ideas. She has collaborated with governments, corporations, community groups, and small businesses. She also specializes in illustrated videos and small-scale infographics. Her Bachelor of Fine Arts and background in community engagement contribute greatly to her work. Visit Tanya’s website at Drawing Out Ideas.
In addition to our Lead Team, we work with a diverse group of colleagues – urban planners, architects, landscape architects, engineers and social planners. We bring the right blend of people and skills for each unique project.
Plus, of course, we rely on the insights of Our Urban Explorers: people like Ben Ziegler, Yasuko Thanh, Yuri Artibise and guest bloggers.