Founded on customer service, active communication, and integrity, Urban Options Planning Corp. advocates at the municipal level for individuals and developers with small to mid-size development projects. With a pragmatic and realistic approach to regulations, the Urban Options team works to find the best solutions for both project and community.

With over 30 years of combined planning experience, Urban Options will skillfully navigate the municipal application process, shorten approval times, and alleviate frustrations associated with Zoning Bylaws. Placing a high value on community, Urban Options effectively connects with and understands the municipalities with which they work.

“We stay on top of development issues and trends, not just in Kelowna but also within our surrounding municipalities. It’s important to recognize and understand the larger picture so that we’re all working toward the same long-term effect for our community.”

A network of expertise adds to Urban Options’ efficiency and effective navigation of your development project applications.

Birte’s experience as a land use planner with the City of Kelowna equips her with the knowledge and strategy it takes to submit a successful development application. She uses her highly specialized knowledge to help people achieve their development dreams, working to alleviate the confusion and intimidation often felt by those navigating the legislation and application process on their own.

Birte’s management of over 500 small- to mid-sized development application files while working with the City revealed that many people were ill-prepared, resulting in approval delays for the applicants. She recognized that people needed advocacy; they needed to understand and relate to the regulations they came up against. And so Urban Options Planning & Permits came to be.

A quest for knowledge and a desire to be helpful motivates Birte; she has always immersed herself in distinct careers, hobbies, and activities resulting in a diverse professional path.

Birte’s training and experience, multifaceted perspective, and understanding of various fields gives her a unique and highly developed skill set for urban planning, community consensus building, facilitating negotiations, and cooperation. As a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) and member of the Canadian Institute of Planning (MCIP), Birte demonstrates her knowledge of legislation and current industry practice. Continual education maintains Birte’s designation and affirms her commitment to responsible planning and to the sustainability of safe, healthy, and secure urban environments.

Birte is a former member of the Central Okanagan Heritage Society Board, where she plays a role in the maintenance and sustainability of heritage buildings in our community.

Jack started with Urban Options as a Junior Planner in 2019 and has developed his planning skills with our team. His specialty is infill development throughout the Okanagan and enjoys the challenge of creating unique and functional projects. The path to urban planning was inspired by an interest in geography, maps, and land development. Jack completed the geography degree at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. He is currently working towards becoming a registered professional planner.

Athletics play a significant role in Jack’s background. From a young age, he was immersed in the culture of team sports, learning discipline, how to handle pressure, and how to work alongside others to achieve a mutual goal. Jack credits his communication skills and ability to collaborate and work well with others to growing up in a team environment. He excels at writing, composition, and communication and finds these three skills invaluable to his Urban Options Planning Corp.

Urban Options Planning Corp. serves a diverse clientele of builders, developers, and landowners; while working alongside many professionals such as engineers, surveyors, architects, and local government staff. Meeting and making connections with these people are Jack’s favorite part of working with the Urban Options team. When he’s not working, Jack enjoys golf, skiing, relaxing on the lake, and working out—he’s active and social, enjoying these activities with friends and family.

Corine (Cory) Gain is a seasoned professional in community planning and corporate records & information management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economic Geography and a Professional Specialization Certificate in Local Government Management. With over twenty-five years of combined experience in planning and corporate administration, Cory has developed extensive practical knowledge and skills.

As a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners, Cory’s unique perspective and problem-solving abilities are highly valued. She works as a consultant, assisting local governments and other organizations in navigating the complexities of local government processes. Cory is passionate about developing policies, procedures, and land use bylaws. She focuses on creating context-sensitive planning and regulatory solutions, and is dedicated to producing communication materials that improve user comprehension and enhance community engagement. In her free time Cory likes to explore BC and be creative.