About

Based in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, our expertise is in local governance, planning and resource management. Using evidence-based decision-making and inclusive processes, we aim to build the skills and confidence of all participants. Together, with our extensive network of partnerships across Canada, PlanIt North has the experience and knowledge to help you achieve the future that you envision.
Our Services
Planning

We help you plan for the future. Whether planning a subdivision, a community program or a regional initiative, we help break complex decisions into a series of manageable steps.

  • Integrated Community Sustainability Planning
  • Land Use Planning
  • Climate Change Adaptation Planning
  • Community Economic Development Planning
  • Strategic Planning
  • Development Planning
  • Waste Management Planning
Research

We work with you to ask the right questions and to provide the right answers to those questions.

  • Best Practices
  • Policy Analysis
  • Mapping Services
  • Plain Language Science

 

Communication

We help you and your community deliver the right message to the right audience to ensure you move forward with your goals.

  • Report Writing
  • Facilitation & Rapporteur Services
  • Proposal Writing
  • Editing & Proofreading
  • Website Content Development

 

Our Values
Communities First
We believe decisions should be most strongly influenced by those most affected by them. Our work strives to help communities build and communicate strong, united visions.
Participatory Process
We know that in solving any problem, the process of researching, discussing and prioritizing solutions is a learning opportunity that holds its own value. We make our processes as transparent and inclusive as possible.
Foster Learning
We strive to ensure that each project provides as many learning opportunities as possible for all those involved. We will work with our partners and clients to leverage opportunities for internships and training opportunities.
Evidence-Based Decision-Making
We recognize that there are always several paths forward. We will use strong research and facilitation skills to bring the best available knowledge to bear on decisions.
Innovation
We believe communities are powerful and nimble. New ideas frequently grow from local examples. We research best practice but think outside the box to find solutions that fit unique local contexts.
Collaboration
We know that many hands make light work and many minds make for the best ideas! We actively seek out partnerships with other firms, independent consultants, universities and others to make sure that we are bringing the highest quality of services to our clients.
Our People
Christine Wenman, B.Sc., M.Sc.P

CEO

Christine brings fifteen years of combined education and practical experience in the fields of planning and environmental science. She has worked with communities across Northwest Territories, Canada and abroad in waste management, climate change adaptation planning, housing, resource management and communications. She has published material in book and chapter form, sharing effective processes and tools for public engagement and participation with other practitioners.
Sarah Bercu, B.Sc. (AgEnvSc), BEDS, M.Plan

Planner

Sarah is a community planner and designer holding a masters degree from Dalhousie University, a Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) and a Bachelor of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.  She has lived in a variety of cities including Montreal, West Palm Beach, Tel Aviv, and Halifax, and is excited to now call Yellowknife home. She brings a multidisciplinary background of environmental sciences, architecture, and planning. She has proven experience in facilitating community and public engagement sessions as well as designing in the public realm and has held positions with the City of Halifax and with private architecture and planning firms. She is especially passionate about using graphics to communicate planning concepts.
Michael Gilday, B.Comm.

Project Advisor

Born in Iqaluit and raised in Yellowknife, Michael holds a Commerce Degree from the University of Calgary and has worked in finance, economic development and program implementation in the private and public sectors. Michael competed as a member of Team Canada at the 2014 Olympics, and broadcast with CBC for the 2018 Olympics and for recent international short track speed skating events . Leveraging his experience and leadership gained as a coach and elite level athlete and through stints in mining, government, and broadcasting, he works passionately to develop made in the north solutions to issues that are important to Northerners.
Özgür Öner, B.Sc.

Administration

Born and raised in Turkey, Özgür has been a Yellowknife resident since 2004. Özgür holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Sciences and a diploma in Holistic Nutrition. She has extensive work experience in management, administration (government, non-profit and private sectors), customer service and sales. She has worked in diverse fields of Information Technologies, Arts and Culture, Education and Nutrition for over 20 years. She has huge love for our planet and its peoples with an interest in sustainable living, climate change and its effects on food systems.