what we do
Our team at ZEL takes pride in supporting our clients throughout the full land development lifecycle from preliminary design through construction to final assumption, ensuring their vision is realized. We provide comprehensive consulting engineering services, including Due Diligence and Feasibility Studies, Subdivision Engineering, Site Plan Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, and Contract Administration.
Due Diligence and Feasibility Studies
We recognize the critical importance of identifying opportunities and constraints at the earliest stage of a project. Our team supports clients with comprehensive Due Diligence and Feasibility Studies to inform decision-making and establish the foundation for project success.
Our typical services include:
- Background Investigation
- Brief Planning Status
- Conservation Regulatory Policies
- Municipal Servicing (water supply, sanitary and storm sewer, and stormwater management)
- Transportation and Road Right-of-Way
- Probable Cost Estimate
- Insights and Suggestions
Subdivision Engineering
At ZEL, we support our clients’ vision of creating complete and livable communities through our extensive expertise in Subdivision Engineering.
Our team delivers innovative, practical and cost-effective design solutions that address the complexity of the land development. We work collaboratively with multidisciplinary project teams, and guide the projects from conceptual planning through to final approvals.
Emphasizing quality, efficiency, and timely delivery, we prepare detailed design drawings and technical reports, while proactively managing key project milestones to facilitate streamlined approvals.
Our typical services include:
- Functional Servicing Reports
- Subdivision Servicing Design
- Subdivision Road Design
- Subdivision Grading Design
- Stormwater Management Facility Design
- Best Management Practice (BMP) Design
- Low Impact Development (LID) Design
- Earthworks Balance Modeling and Analysis
- Composite Utility Plan Design
- Erosion and Sediment Control Design
- Municipal Road Improvement Design
- Traffic Management Plan Design
- Construction Management Plan Design
- Opinions of Probable Costs
- Project Management
- Securing of Regulatory Permits and Engineering Approvals
- Support of Subdivision Agreement
- House Siting Design
Site Plan Engineering
We understand the distinct requirements of site plan development. We support clients in maximizing development potential on constrained land parcels while ensuring integration with the surrounding context.
Our team provides comprehensive engineering services for both greenfield developments and urban redevelopment projects. Our expertise extends a wide range of land uses, including industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential developments, such as low-rise homes, condominiums, and apartment buildings.
We are involved at every stage of the planning and development process, from Official Plan Amendments (OPA), Zoning By-law Amendments (ZBA), and Site Plan Applications (SPA), through to Building Permit Applications.
Our team delivers innovative, cost-effective, and practical engineering solutions. We coordinate closely with multi-disciplinary project teams and guide developments from initial planning through to final approval. With a strong focus on quality and efficiency, we produce detailed design drawings and technical reports and proactively manage key milestones to ensure efficient delivery and timely approvals.
Our typical services include:
- Functional Servicing Reports
- Site Servicing Design
- Site Grading Design
- Best Management Practice (BMP) Design
- Low Impact Development (LID) Design
- Sewer Impact and Capacity Analyses
- Erosion and Sediment Control Design
- Municipal Road Improvement Design
- Traffic Management Plan Design
- Construction Management Plan Design
- Public Utility Plan Design
- Dry Hydrant and Alternative Water Storage Design
- Opinions of Probable Costs
- Project Management
- Securing of Regulatory Permits and Engineering Approvals
- Support of Site Plan Agreement
Water Resources Engineering
Stormwater management plays a critical role in enabling sustainable development and mitigating flood risks.
At ZEL, we develop and apply practical water resources engineering solutions that address development constraints, safeguard natural systems, and remain economically viable.
We provide a comprehensive range of services from preliminary assessments to detailed design, including engineering studies and technical reports. Our work contributes to both subdivision and site plan applications, helping clients meet regulatory requirements and advance their projects efficiently.
Our typical services include:
- Stormwater Management Report
- Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeling
- Stormwater Management Facility Design
- Best Management Practice (BMP) Design
- Low Impact Development (LID) Design
- Erosion and Sediment Control Facility Design
- Hydraulic Grade Line (HGL) Analysis
- Water Balance Analysis and Design
- Phosphorus Balance Analysis and Design
- Floodplain Analysis and Design
- Sewer Impact and Capacity Analyses
- Watermain Network Analysis
- Hydrant Flow Test Calculation
- Alternative Water Storage Facility Sizing
- Project Management
- Securing of Regulatory Permits and Engineering Approvals
- Support of Subdivision / Site Plan Agreements
Contract Administration
Contract administration serves as the bridge between design and construction, transforming design on paper into reality on the ground.
At ZEL, we provide a full range of contract administration services, covering all phases of construction, from constructability review and tendering, through field inspection and coordination, to deficiency correction and final assumption.
We act as a central liaison among clients, contractors, municipalities, and regulatory agencies, ensuring that each project is constructed in accordance with approved design drawings and specifications, regulatory requirements, and client objectives.
Our typical services include:
- Constructability Review
- Opinions of Probable Construction Costs
- Tendering and Contract Documentation
- Contract Administration
- Field Review and Site Inspection
- Payment Certificates
- Security Deposit Release
- Letter of Credit Reduction
- As-Built Drawings and Documentation
- Assumption