LEA is thrilled to announce the expansion of its operations into Western Canada. As of September, LEA obtained its Permit to Practice in British Columbia and Alberta, marking an exciting new chapter. With a local presence in Vancouver and Calgary, LEA is set to deliver sustainable and impactful solutions to contribute to the development of communities across the region.
Western Canada is experiencing significant growth and development, with Vancouver and Calgary emerging as two of the fastest-growing cities in the country. This growth has driven an increased demand for improved transportation networks, resilient community infrastructure, and sustainable mobility practices. In major cities, land use policies and zoning regulations are experiencing substantial changes to meet these demands. This includes an increased emphasis on enabling additional density and reduced parking minimums to support transit-oriented communities. LEA has experience navigating similar land use policies and zoning changes, having supported similar policies across Ontario, and can offer innovative solutions to facilitate transit-oriented development in Western Canada.
LEA sees a tremendous opportunity to contribute our expertise on transportation developments in Western Canada and will focus on delivering Transportation Impact Studies (TIS), Parking Studies, Environmental Assessments and Transportation Master Plans, and Functional and Detailed Transportation Design to support the private and public sectors. This initiative is spearheaded by Robert Keel, Manager of Transportation Planning and Zara Georgis, Manager of Transportation Engineering for Western Canada.
Leading our efforts in Vancouver is Robert Keel, who joined LEA in 2018 and has played a key role in leading several major transportation and parking studies, as well as several large master planned developments. While based in Vancouver, Robert brings a wealth of experience working on projects from different parts of the world. In 2019, he relocated to Oman to develop Regional Spatial Strategies for the capital region of Muscat and Al Batinah South. The spatial strategy was supported by a transportation analysis of the road and public transport network based on the future population distribution and employment. He also recently worked in Iqaluit, conducting a Parking Study to support the City’s projected growth and the mobility needs of future residents and visitors. LEA is excited for Robert to lead planning projects in Western Canada, because of his commitment to ensuring the highest quality of work and exceeding client's expectations. He prioritizes building relationships with local communities to ensure the projects he leads are aligned with the needs of the clients and residents.
Zara Georgis, who joined LEA in 2021 and has successfully led several major transportation projects for public and private sector clients, has been promoted to lead the Western expansion in Calgary. “Zara has been an exceptional team member from day one, consistently showing her commitment to our goals and values here at LEA,” states Christopher Sidlar, SVP of Transportation. Her willingness to take on new challenges and push boundaries, combined with her passion for innovative solutions, makes her an ideal fit for the role. In the coming months, Zara and her team will be visiting a number of clients and municipalities across British Columbia and Alberta, showcasing our commitment and approach to addressing their unique challenges.
LEA is also excited to begin operations in British Columbia with a Parking Modernization project for the City of Prince George. LEA will be providing recommendations for modernizing the city’s parking system, with a focus on enhancing its ability to manage parking resources effectively. The City's existing parking design includes multiple large-scale parking structures that are underutilized. To address this, LEA’s Transportation team will develop a strategy to repurpose and better utilize its existing parking supply, aligning with the City’s desire to promote growth and business activity in the downtown area. LEA’s Security team will also provide a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) review to address perceived safety issues that may be deterring users.
As LEA pursues new opportunities in British Columbia and Alberta, the firm remains committed to supporting local organizations, municipalities and communities. With an emphasis on collaboration and forming strong relationships, LEA aims to make a positive and lasting impact on the development of Western Canada.
For more information about LEA or to discover how LEA can support your transportation planning and engineering needs, contact:
Robert Keel, M.Sc. Pl, MCIP, RPP
Manager, Transportation Planning – Western Canada
rkeel@lea.ca
Zara Georgis, M.Eng., P.Eng.
Manager, Transportation Engineering – Western Canada
zgeorgis@lea.ca