About Us
Built on Experience. Focused on Progress.
Urban Initiatives was founded on over 40 years of first-hand development experience, evolving from a legacy of successfully shaping communities. Unlike traditional planning firms, our expertise is built not just on planning principles, but on the real-world complexities of taking projects from concept to completion. We understand what it takes to navigate approvals, align with market conditions, and execute successful developments.
Our strength lies in understanding land and its full potential—assessing opportunities, anticipating challenges, and crafting strategies that bring lasting value to landowners, developers, and municipalities. Whether managing urban infill projects, site plan approvals, or large-scale greenfield developments, we integrate land strategy with development execution to deliver projects that thrive.
Why Experience Matters
Boutique Expertise. Proven Results.
We don’t just plan projects—we position them for success. Our decades of first-hand experience as developers give us a distinct advantage over traditional planning firms. We know how to anticipate challenges, simplify approvals, and ensure successful outcomes for landowners, developers, and municipalities alike.”
Our expertise extends beyond regulatory approvals—we understand how shifting policies, financial feasibility, and development timelines impact a project’s success. Whether navigating site plan approvals, urban intensification, or large-scale land development, we align strategy, policy, and execution to ensure long-term value.
Deep Roots in the Region We Serve
The Waterloo Region Advantage
With decades of experience in the Waterloo Region, Urban Initiatives brings an unmatched understanding of local policies, zoning regulations, and community needs. We don’t just work here—we’ve helped shape the region’s growth through strategic land development and planning solutions that balance economic viability with community integration.
This deep regional expertise means we can provide hyper-specialized solutions tailored to the realities of the Waterloo Region’s evolving landscape. Whether managing urban intensification or creating greenfield developments, we ensure projects are practically viable and fully integrated into their surrounding communities.
Planning smart developments across Southwestern Ontario communities.
What Sets Us Apart
We work closely with landowners, developers, municipalities, and stakeholders, bridging the gap between planning and execution. Whether guiding projects through approvals or positioning land for market success, we tailor strategies that align with your vision and maximize the potential of every project.
More Than a Planning Firm
Key Differentiators:
- Developer-Led Expertise: Over 40 years of experience managing successful developments.
- Hyper-Specialized Regional Knowledge: Unmatched insight into Waterloo Region’s regulations, community needs, and development opportunities.
- Proven Process: Streamlined, results-driven solutions for complex projects.
- Boutique, Hands-On Approach: Personalized service with a focus on efficiency, collaboration, and execution.
Our People
With over 40 years of direct involvement in shaping Waterloo Region’s communities, our team navigates site plan approvals, urban intensification, and land development with unmatched expertise. We collaborate with landowners, developers, and municipalities to deliver efficient, thriving spaces that stand the test of time.
Matthew Warzecha
With over 15 years of experience in urban planning, land development, and project management across both the public and private sectors, Matthew has developed a deep expertise in planning principles and the complexities of land development. He has successfully led projects of various types and scales through to completion, always prioritizing high-quality design and thoughtful planning.
As a key leader at Urban Initiatives, Matthew oversees all planning applications and land development projects, collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure seamless execution.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Urban Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Master of Planning from Dalhousie University, and is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.
Gursimran Saini, MCIP RPP
Planner
Gursimran is an Intermediate Planner with a diverse background in urban development planning.
She came to Canada in 2017, after successfully completing her Bachelor of Technology in Urban Planning from Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar, India. She furthered her education in Canada at the University of Waterloo, receiving her Masters of Arts in Urban Planning with a focus on developing a mode choice model to understand the potential impacts of the LRT ON Mode Shares in the Waterloo region.
Gursimran has demonstrated diverse experience working on a range of public and private sector planning projects, as well as the real estate industry.
Gursimran is also a candidate member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.
Ruth Tregenza
Ruth brings a strong background in urban planning and design. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Urban Planning from the University of Waterloo, specializing in Urban Design.
Since 2015, Ruth has worked in the planning industry, taking on a versatile role that blends planning and design expertise. She is experienced in coordinating development projects, conducting research, and preparing plans and reports. Her consulting background includes working with rural communities in southern Ontario before focusing on projects in Kitchener-Waterloo and the surrounding region.
Ruth is a member of the Canadian Association of Certified Planning Technicians and is currently working toward full accreditation with the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute as a pre-candidate member.
Grant Eveleigh
Grant joined the team in 2023 as a Planning Technician & Designer, bringing a strong foundation in land-use planning, GIS, and cartography. Passionate about public transportation and climate-resilient communities, he is eager to apply and refine his technical skills while contributing to impactful planning initiatives.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resources Science and Physical Geography from Trent Universityand an Ontario College Diploma in GIS and Urban Planning from Fanshawe College. Throughout his academic journey, Grant demonstrated a strong aptitude for scholarship and research, and he aspires to become a fully accredited land-use planner.
An active community member, Grant is dedicated to building relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and diverse communities, ensuring that planning solutions are both effective and inclusive.
Our Advisory Board
Paul Puopolo
Senior Counsellor
Joseph Puopolo
Advisor
Mike Puopolo
Advisor
David Butler
Advisor
Have a Project In Mind?
Reach out today, and let’s collaborate on bringing your project from concept to completion. Your dream space starts with a conversation—let’s get started!