Services – PlanLab Ltd.

PlanLab is committed to the idea that prosperous communities are built on a foundation of a healthy environment and a well-defined, authentic identity. Applying this commitment across Canada, we seek out projects that are culturally grounded, community-based and inclusive of local and expert knowledge. With a focus on regional planning and work with First Nation communities, PlanLab’s core competencies are applied in the following areas:

Cultural mapping for Aboriginal Rights and Title work
Map-based approach to Consultations and Accommodation
Building decision support tools, including local mapping capacity
Cultural inventories for negotiations with industry and the Crown
Comprehensive land use planning and economic development visioning
Land selection for Aboriginal claims and treaty lands entitlement cases

Our Tools

To support these services, PlanLab relies on a mix of proven tools and skill sets to bring a project through to success. These tools include:

Consultation tracking and management systems
Land use and occupancy mapping (traditional use studies)
GIS and mapping training
Comprehensive land use plans
Data libraries and geospatial databases
Research design and project management
Communications and fundraising

Mapping is a very deliberate form of narration. One of the important things to decide is what’s the story you want to tell.
If done well, maps can be strategic tools at the planning table, in consultations, negotiations and sometimes, in court.
Mapping plays a key role in Aboriginal consultations and accommodations. Assessing impacts and sharing results with decision makers can help in developing meaningful mitigation strategies.