Sightline navigates municipal planning processes and provides project management services to achieve your development goals.
Introducing Sightline
20 years of proven experience
Sightline is a municipal planning, urban design, and land development consultancy firm. Previously KWR Approvals, we continue to evolve and grow anticipating the market and our community’s needs. We streamline and navigate technical complex, political sensitive, and bureaucratic regulatory processes for diverse industries.
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20 Years Growing Cities
Founded in 2004 by Kevin W. Riles, Sightline stands as the trusted partner for all your planning approvals, land development, and real estate needs, bringing you a holistic approach to every business dealing, saving you time and money in the process.
Having worked with a diverse range of clients, from developers and corporations to governments and not-for-profit organizations, Sightline has garnered nearly 50 years of combined experience and successfully completed over 1500 projects. Our interdisciplinary team excels in working with all stakeholders, including municipal planning staff, government departments, builders, engineering and architectural firms, community groups, political leaders, media, and the public.
Meet with us! Together we will create a customized plan and execute your success together.
Committed to Equity
Sightline Planning + Approvals is located in Halifax, also known as Kjipuktuk, situated in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.
We acknowledge the unique identity of African Nova Scotians, whose histories, legacies, and contributions have greatly enriched the region of Mi’kma’ki, now recognized as Nova Scotia, for more than four centuries.
As planners, designers, and community engagement specialists, we acknowledge the roles our professions have played in perpetuating unjust systems that still affect the Indigenous and African Nova Scotian communities. While we may not have all the answers, we are dedicated to ongoing learning and engagement in the journey of truth and reconciliation. Our commitment encompasses:
- Working in collaboration with Indigenous and African Nova Scotian clients to support their vision for their community’s growth.
- Advocating for community projects that are outside the neat lines of municipal processes and navigating the system with those who have been historically excluded.
- Seeking meaningful community engagement that results in people having a genuine impact in shaping their neighbourhoods.
Mission
Sightline supports clients by managing their development projects, from housing to commercial and beyond. We work collaboratively with our clients to navigate the technically challenging, politically sensitive, cumbersome municipal approval processes to overcome the bureaucratic red tape.
Land Evaluation Consulting
Sightline assesses land development potential, providing Planning Briefs, Letters of Planning Opinion, feasibility studies, and market analysis for informed decision-making.
Urban Design
Sightline offers impactful visuals like aerial photography, GIS analysis, architectural massing, 3D renderings, and concept plans to enhance property presentations.
Community Engagement
Sightline strives to engage communities beyond municipal requirements, representing clients at public meetings, hearings, and fostering stakeholder involvement for an inclusive planning process.
Our Team
Meet the dedicated team behind Sightline, a group of passionate and highly experienced professionals.
Kevin W. Riles
President & CEO
Kevin W. Riles, brings over three decades of dynamic leadership in land development, municipal planning, real estate, and business.
With a proven track record of senior management, Kevin has successfully led over 1500 projects, demonstrating expertise in government approvals, project management, public speaking, and business coaching.
As a former Municipal Director of Planning and Development and Vice President of a leading land development firm in the Halifax Regional Municipality, Kevin has navigated the intricacies of government interactions and complex business decisions. His role as a consultant further showcases his ability to leverage resources and outside expertise for optimal results.
A distinguished alumnus with degrees from Dalhousie University and the Nova Scotia College of Geographic Sciences, Kevin’s commitment to community service is evident in his leadership roles as Chair of Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia and the Urban Development Institute. Despite surviving six near-death experiences, Kevin is still an avid adventurer, lover of sports, chess, and the outdoors.
Isabelle Choumiline
Planning Manager
Isabelle holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a minor in Environmental Studies from Mount Allison University. Building upon this foundation, she graduated from Dalhousie University’s Master of Planning program. Isabelle is passionate about climate change adaptation and improving the built environment through sustainable urban design practices. Isabelle is a self-proclaimed foodie and an avid traveler.
Jane Rideout
Planning Manager
Jane graduated from Western University with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences before pursuing her Master’s in Planning from Dalhousie. She is passionate about developing projects that increase community character and value. Jane brings a keen eye for design and a focus on collaboration within her projects. Outside of work, Jane enjoys playing sports and crafting.
Chris Walsh
Development Manager
Chris holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Acadia University and a Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing from Nova Scotia Community College’s Centre of Geographic Sciences. He is currently completing his Masters degree in Planning at Dalhousie. Chris spent two years volunteering abroad in Tanzania and Sri Lanka with projects focusing on small business management and economic development before returning to school in 2021. His professional interests lie at the intersection of geomatics and planning practice. He enjoys golfing, camping and spending time outdoors.
Caleb Nakasaki
Planner II
Caleb graduated with a BA in Geography (2018) and a Masters in Planning (2024) from Dalhousie. His specialties are census analysis, BRT system research, and development planning. Passionate about community engagement, Caleb brings precision and dedication to every project he undertakes. This MS Excel wizard hails from Honolulu, Hawaii, and spends his free time volunteering and spoiling his bunny, Nobu.
Anna Garrido
Architectural & Design Co-ordinator
Anna graduated from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology’s Architectural Technology program in 2021. Passionate about environmental sustainability, her Capstone project focused on designing a Passive House rowhouse and is now pursuing her Masters of Architecture at Dalhousie University. She joined Sightline in 2023, specializing in massing models and project coordination. Originally from Manila, Anna has been collecting vintage cameras since age 15, using them to create location-themed photo books, reflecting her diverse interests and creative pursuits.
Kate Sullivan
Administration & Operations Manager
Kate graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a focus on HR and is a Certified Director of Operations and Online Business Manager. With over 30 years’ experience working with both private industry and all 3 levels of government, Kate brings a wealth of knowledge to complement the team. She enjoys continuing professional development having recently achieved Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, AI Strategist and will soon be Certified as a Director of Marketing. She enjoys hiking and spending time with her soul pet cats, Rocci & Rolli.
Laura Trevelin
Marketing & Business Development Manager
Laura joined the team for her Corporate Residency during her MBA program at Dalhousie University. Spearheading the transition from KWR Approvals to Sightline, she manages the marking, branding, and PR efforts. She is passionate about Halifax history and is a keen advocate for accessibility and inclusive urban design in her favourite city. Laura is a fashion enthusiast, who loves boardgames and almond croissants.
Unlocking Opportunities
Sightline collaboratively manages and navigates your projects and applications to unlock a world of opportunities.
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