Founded on strong customer service, active communication, and integrity, Urban Options Planning Corp. serves as the bridge between project planning and approval. Our team advocates at the municipal level for individuals and developers with small to mid-size development projects. We skillfully navigate the municipal application process, shortening approval times and alleviating frustrations often associated with zoning and development regulations. With a pragmatic and realistic approach, the Urban Options team works to find the best solutions for both the project and the community.

Placing a high value on community, Urban Options effectively connects with and understands the municipalities with which they work. Our strong network of strategic industry partners adds to Urban Options’ expertise and effective management of your development project.

BIRTE DECLOUX, RPP MCIP

ALLEVIATING THE ONEROUS PROCESS OF REZONING AND DEVELOPMENT

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.

Jordan Hallam, RPP MCIP

practical, strategic advice

Jordan is a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) and Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) with five years of municipal planning experience in British Columbia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Regional and Urban Planning and began his career in local government, working as a planner in both a mid-sized municipality and a regional district before transitioning to consulting. His municipal experience provides valuable insight into the development approval process, enabling him to deliver practical, strategic advice that helps clients navigate regulatory requirements with confidence.

Jordan's experience includes multi-family residential and infill development, development permits, Official Community Plan and zoning bylaw amendments, subdivision applications, environmental and riparian permitting, long-range planning, and Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) applications. He has worked collaboratively with developers, property owners, local governments, provincial agencies, and multidisciplinary consulting teams to advance projects across both urban and rural communities.

Drawing on his experience reviewing applications and preparing recommendations for Council and Regional Boards, Jordan understands the priorities of approving authorities and is committed to delivering collaborative, solutions-focused planning services that create value for clients and communities.

CORINE GAIN, RPP MCIP

FACILITATING SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

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.