Anthony Biglieri

MCIP, RPP

Managing Partner

Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning, Ryerson University

tbg@thebiglierigroup.com

Anthony has over 30 years of experience in land use planning, development and project management. After beginning his career working for a large engineering firm, he began The Biglieri Group Ltd. in 1994 and built it from the ground up. His commitment to his clients, respect for the public process and creative vision makes him the ideal professional planner and project manager to have on your side.  In his many years, Anthony has built impressive relationships with communities, developers, and public officials alike. The advantage of being at the helm of a dedicated and focused team means that Anthony has worked on a large variety of projects, both private and public. With a specialty in land development and public engagement, he has been involved in writing the Official Plan for Owen Sound, Ontario, developing Site Plans along major corridors, providing expert witness at the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (formerly the Ontario Municipal Board), amending Zoning By-laws and Official Plans, as well as designing communities all over Ontario.

Anthony is an active member in the professional planning community. Anthony created the Ryerson Planning Alumni Association (RPAA), and was instrumental in bringing together the professional planning and development community in a collegiate environment with the university, faculty and students, in addition to creating an Alumni award for graduating students. After serving on the RPAA for over a decade, Anthony then served on the Board and as President of Ryerson University Alumni Association (RUAA), which brings together all alumni associations on campus. Over the years, Anthony has played a major role in raising funds to support the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Ryerson and the University at large. In recognition of his work, he has won two G. Raymond Chang Outstanding Alumni Volunteer Awards from Ryerson - in 2008 for his work with the RPAA and in 2017 for his work with the RUAA.

Chief Operating Officer

Master of Education in Human Development and Applied Psychology 
Bachelor of Science in Nursing  

tbg@thebiglierigroup.com

Sue has been an integral part of The Biglieri Group from the very beginning. As former manager at Toronto Public Health, she employs seasoned leadership skills to motivate, coach, and develop staff, and fosters an effective operational environment within the firm. With over 30 years of experience as a public health nurse, Sue has a rich history of serving communities, and inspires the team to thoughtfully serve the public good across project areas. Her passion for people and good process is the driving force behind her many innovations at TBG, propelling the firm’s strategic growth, its investment in people, and its capacity to deliver results for clients and communities. 

 As Chief Operating Officer, Sue oversees TBG’s strategic planning, operational practices, human resources, marketing and communications, finance, and learning and development work areas. 

B.U.R.PI.

Partner                            

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Mike has experience in the home building industry combined with extensive AutoCAD skills and studio work.  He is a dedicated professional planner and project manager with an interest in public engagement and urban design.  He is a huge supporter of public transit and park space and believes that they are essential to the health and well-being of our cities and towns. Mike enjoys the professional challenge involved in the negotiation of innovative solutions that planners create through working with stakeholders.  He sees planning as one of the only professions that tap into everything - politics, health, the environment, community, economy - and serves as a meeting place for those ideas to facilitate sustainable development.

MCIP, RPP

Partner

tbg@thebiglierigroup.com

Michael brings with him an academic background in Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Studies and Political Science from Ryerson University and the University of Toronto. He has several years of experience in the private planning practice and has worked in multiple GTA municipalities. He has navigated both large and small-scale residential, commercial, institutional and employment projects from the due diligence stage through approval, agreement execution, and registration. In doing so he has developed a focus on communication to coordinate professional teams comprised of individuals from various disciplinary backgrounds; streamlining the preparation, submission and approval of land use planning applications inclusive of Site Plans, Condominiums, Subdivisions, Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-Law Amendment, Minor Variance, and Consent Applications. His Master's research at Ryerson University focused on evaluating the efficiency of large-scale transit infrastructure planning and governance in Toronto and he has also contributed to papers on sustainable brownfield redevelopment research for the University of Illinois at Chicago. Michael is proficient with many technical computer software programs including Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Adobe Suites (Illustrator, and InDesign) and is an adept writer, having prepared multiple Planning Justification Reports and Draft Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments.

BES, M.Sc., MCIP, RPP

Partner

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Rachelle has over 15 years of planning experience in both the public and private sectors, dealing with a range of applications from minor variances and consents to plans of subdivision and urban boundary expansions, as well as extensive experience appearing as an expert witness at Ontario Land Tribunal hearings (formerly Ontario Municipal Board and Local Planning Appeals Tribunal).  She holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo in Urban and Regional Planning (Co-op) with a minor in Political Science and a Master of Science from the University of Guelph in Rural Planning and Development.  She is a full member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (RPP) and the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP).  Rachelle’s pragmatic, collaborative, and straightforward approach to planning has assisted her in navigating numerous contentious applications.      

Senior Consultant

PhD, MCIP, RPP 

Doctor of Philosophy in Planning 
Master of Planning in Urban Development 
Honours Bachelor of Arts

tbg@thebiglierigroup.com

Samantha connects research with her background in practice to create fully accessible, inclusive and meaningful places that enhance health and well-being. Leading an active portfolio of research projects, she applies data and learnings from several ongoing studies to practical city building applications at TBG. Her published and ongoing work on dementia-inclusive urban planning and age-friendly policies has been featured in academic journals, international conferences, and industry publications like Plan Canada, the Canadian Library of Parliament and on CBC Radio. She received the 2023 PlanON Innovative Research award from the Ontario Institute of Planners for her work on dementia-inclusive communities.  

 At TBG, Samantha has conducted several practice-focused research projects involving the review and evaluation of municipal + provincial policies and academic literature, including downtown revitalization strategies, age- and dementia-friendly cities, universal design, property tax policy, incentive programs and land leasing. She has also prepared several site investigations, planning justification reports, RFPs and public consultation workshops for residential, institutional and mixed-use development projects, and telecommunication infrastructure. Samantha has provided support regarding provincial policy changes, Committee of Adjustment and OLT Hearings. 

 In addition to her role at TBG, Samantha is an Assistant Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Urban and Regional Planning and is Director of the Health, Access + Planning Lab. She teaches undergraduate- and graduate-level courses on planning research design, methods and analysis, healthy community planning, accessibility and planning for aging communities, as well as client-based and land use studios. 

 In the media: 

 CBC Spark: How urban design can help people with dementia navigate neighbourhoods and public spaces 

The Developer Podcast: What can people with dementia teach us about the liveability of our places? 

Dense City Podcast: People Living with Dementia and Public Engagement 

Think Upstream: Aging in Suburbia 

 Published work: 

 Dr. Samantha Biglieri on Google Scholar 

MES, MCIP, RPP

Associate

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Mallory has several years of experience in land use planning, consulting, community development, and project management. She has led a range of projects that vary in scale, from Minor Variance applications to complex, multi-phase developments requiring Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, Plans of Subdivision and more. Mallory has managed and navigated the planning process in a variety of municipalities in and around the Greater Golden Horseshoe, including rural and urban contexts. Mallory works closely and strategically with the client and consultant team in order to achieve client objectives, from property acquisition to final approvals.

Mallory has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto and a Master’s in Environmental Studies, Planning, from York University. Her Master’s research at York University examined the relationship between the development of healthy cities and privately-owned public spaces and her final paper was included within the Outstanding Papers selection.

HBASc, MA, CAHP, RPP, MCIP

Associate

tbg@thebiglierigroup.com

Evan brings over a decade's experience within the development industry, spanning various fields, including land development, long-term strategic planning, heritage conservation, and project management. His experience includes securing development approvals for an array of projects – from subdivisions and condominiums to consents and minor variances, waterfront developments, and infill/intensification initiatives. He has been involved in shaping public and stakeholder consultation strategies and has steered the design and execution of various projects, including Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments, employment conversions, block and master plans, greenfield developments, adaptive reuse ventures, expropriations, and projects that featured affordable and supportive housing elements. He also brings some experience as an expert witness before the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Evan is a registered Heritage Professional (CAHP) with the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals, a Registered Professional Planner (RPP), and a full Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP). He brings specialized knowledge in the conservation and stewardship of cultural heritage resources, having previously co-founded and managed Bright Past Heritage Consulting Inc., a boutique consultancy focused on the conservation and stewardship of cultural heritage resources across Ontario. His academic background underscores this proficiency, bearing a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Planning from the University of Waterloo, complemented by an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science (HBASc) degree in Geography from Lakehead University.

PMP, CPT

Senior Planner

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Ashley Minns is a Project Management Professional (PMP), in good standing, and a Certified Planning Technician (CPT) with over 9 years of experience as a project coordinator and project manager. Ashley completed her undergraduate degree at McMaster University, graduating with a Major in Geography and a Minor in Environmental Science. From there, she received her diploma from the Urban and Regional Planning Technician- GIS program at Mohawk College. She is responsible for representing the interests of private sector clients and coordinating all aspects of the development process starting from due diligence in the land acquisition phase of a project, through the planning approval process, to registration and construction. Ashley has a thorough knowledge of the land use planning system in Ontario with experience preparing, reviewing and analyzing development applications including Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-Law Amendments, Draft Plans of Subdivisions, Site Plan Approvals, Minor Variances and Consents. She also has experience in the use of AutoCAD software throughout the design process. 

RPP, M.E.S (Pl)

Planner

 tbg@thebiglierigroup.com

Merve is a Registered Professional Planner who supports clients, manages consultants and coordinates with municipalities in all stages of the planning process. She is known by clients and colleagues as an effective communicator with a strong focus on the efficient delivery of project objectives and deadlines. Merve completed a Master of Environmental Studies specializing in Planning at York University with research focused on trauma-informed planning consultation practices in Toronto. She is passionate about community development, public participation in the planning process, and creating accessible, equitable and inclusive public spaces.  

 Merve has experience coordinating submissions for various planning applications including Due Diligence, Minor Variance, Consent Severance, Site Plan Approval, Draft Plan of Submission and Condominium, Heritage Building Approvals and Permits, Zoning By-Law and Official Plan Amendment. Merve has worked with TRCA, LSRCA, CLOCA and MTO during due diligence, application processing, and through to the release of building permits. 

 As an Intermediate Planner, Merve manages client files related to large-scale manufacturing and industrial plants, residential subdivisions, mixed-use high-rise residential development, and clearing conditions of Draft Plans of Approval,  

RPP, MPl, BDes

Planner

tbg@thebiglierigroup.com

Laura is a Registered professional Planner and Urban Designer. Her background in planning and design enables her to support clients in visualizing the possibilities for development in various contexts. Laura draws on a broad range of experience in design, planning, landscape architecture, and facilitation, She believes that flexible processes and good communication are at the heart of every successful project, and aims to bring the iterative problem-solving process of design thinking to the wider spatial, political, and community-based scope of planning as an Intermediate Planner Laura leads client files including Official Plan and Zoning By-Law amendments, site plan applications, minor variances, consents, and more.

B.U.R.Pl, B.Sc.

Planner

tbg@thebiglierigroup.com

Morgan is an Intermediate Planner 1 at The Biglieri Group. She is a graduate of the Urban and Regional Planning Program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Previously, she completed a degree in Environmental Sciences at McMaster University. She is passionate about sustainable development and public engagement. Throughout her planning education, Morgan participated in two studio projects focused on community-led planning and sustainability. In her second year she was a research coordinator in the planning department researching micro-mobility solutions for older adults in suburban areas. Before joining the Biglieri Group, her previous roles were in the research, public, and private environmental consulting sector where she honed her skills in leadership, problem-solving and collaboration.

Planner

Master of Planning in Urban Development 
Honours Bachelor of Commerce   

tbg@thebiglierigroup.com

Robert is an Intermediate planner 1 at The Biglieri Group. An enthusiastic about building walkable, transit-oriented, sustainable communities that enhance the lives of those who live in them. His range of project experience includes mixed-use master-planned community proposals, academic research related to accessibility, disability and the planning profession, and social planning for culturally specific long-term care. With a background in communications and change management, Robert rallies diverse groups around shared goals. He received the Canadian Institute of Planners’ Outstanding Graduating Student Award and Toronto Metropolitan University’s Dennis Mock Student Leadership Award for exceptional contributions to the university and planning profession during his master’s degree.  

Planner

tbg@thebiglierigroup.com

Shilpi has over 10 years of planning and policy development experience in the public sector and in-depth knowledge of provincial government decision-making processes. She has worked in several provincial ministries including Municipal Affairs and Housing, Transportation and Natural Resources and Forestry, providing advice and guidance to municipalities and other ministries with respect to provincial planning processes, conformity to provincial policies and the review of Minister’s Zoning Orders. She also undertook consultations with a range of stakeholders.

She has a Bachelor of Environmental Studies undergraduate degree from Queen’s University and a Master’s in Environmental Studies, Planning, from York University.  Her Master’s research at York University examined the relationship between planning, food systems and the Provincial policy development process to determine how Ontario’s land use planning framework could be adapted to support the achievement of comprehensive food security in the Greater Golden Horseshoe area. 

Senior AutoCAD

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Eric Crapsi started post-secondary at Mohawk College for Environmental Technician before transferring to university where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Geography at Brock University. After Brock, Eric went back to college where he obtained his Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning at Mohawk College and is a full-time member of the Canadian Association of Certified Planning Technicians (CACPT).

Eric specializes in AutoCAD work and design with a strong focus on efficiency to provide the most for our clients. His keen eye for optimization and proficiency with each design ensures effective land use with the least amount of waste. Eric has been in the industry for several years and has worked on dozens of projects across multiple municipalities.

Junior Planner

Master of Arts in Planning 
Bachelor of Arts in Geography 

tbg@thebiglierigroup.com

Jacob is a Junior Planner interested in sustainable planning and green development in urban areas. His master’s research focused on the effectiveness of Green Development Standard policy in the Greater Toronto Area. Prior to completing his master’s degree, Jacob was a summer intern at TBG, and developed a strong foundation for planning and project management work. His organizational, communication and interpersonal skills bring significant value to his clients and colleagues

Junior Planner

Master of Planning in Urban Development  
Honours Bachelor of Arts 

tbg@thebiglierigroup.com

Alex is a Junior Planner whose interest in planning stemmed from working in community health during the COVID-19 pandemic, an experience that highlighted the significant intersections between planning and public health. Through their work, Alex aims to plan for social and community infrastructures, effective community engagement, and the advancement of active transportation networks. With a background in research, community activation, stakeholder engagement, and client-based studio work developing culturally sensitive long-term care and supportive housing, Alex effectively engages in all corners of The Biglieri Group’s practice

Junior Planner

Master of Planning in Urban Development 
Bachelor Of Arts In Environmental Studies    

tbg@thebiglierigroup.com

Federico (Fed) Palacios brings with him a background in community development, inclusive engagement, and planning policy, and is looking forward to applying this knowledge to the range of projects at TBG. Fed’s personal experience, having travelled to and lived in various global cities, has cultivated in him a passion for livable, dynamic, and urban communities. Prior to joining, TBG Fed worked at MMAH, supporting municipal partners throughout the GTHA in their efforts to implement, and conform to, provincial policies. In this role, Fed provided analytical and research support on a range of provincial planning files, granting him insight into the provincial policy framework as well as on provincial planning approval processes.

 Fed has a Bachelor of Environmental Studies undergraduate degree from Queen’s University and a Master of Planning in Urban Development from Toronto Metropolitan University.  His Master's Research Project explored the role that young people can play in shaping urban spaces. With this project, he produced a youth engagement toolkit in support of planning professionals who wish to meaningfully engage with youth as part of the planning process.  

Junior Planner

Bachelor of Environmental Studies
Honours Planning   

tbg@thebiglierigroup.com

Giuseppe is a Junior Planner who is passionate about enhancing walkability, promoting transit-oriented development, and implementing effective urban design to foster safer and more sustainable communities. Before joining the Biglieri Group, Giuseppe gained valuable experience in planning in both the public and private sectors. His academic and professional background includes mid- to high-rise mixed-use development, policy research, review and analysis, and sustainable planning and design methodologies. With a solid foundation gained from previous roles and internships, Giuseppe brings strong organizational and communication skills to the Biglieri Group.

Junior Planner

Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning 
Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning 
Master of Planning in Urban Development

tbg@thebiglierigroup.com

Sidra Asif is a Junior Planner deeply passionate about crafting sustainable communities that significantly enhance residents' quality of life. With both undergraduate and graduate degrees in urban planning, Sidra brings a wealth of experience from the public sector, specializing in land use and development planning for community development. Her commitment to continuous improvement led her to recently complete a Master's of Planning at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Sidra's dedication to community engagement and development planning earned her the Downtown Yonge Award for excellence in Placemaking for fostering inclusive environments within social housing contexts. Sidra excels in mobilizing diverse stakeholders toward common urban development objectives. Driven to make a positive impact, Sidra strives to create sustainable urban landscapes prioritizing accessibility, equity, and community well-being.

Operations & Marketing Manager

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As Marketing and Operations Manager, Reana draws on her previous experience in office administration, and corporate and financial management, to ensure the TBG team is organized and enabled to effectively serve clients and communities. She expertly manages organizational tasks to ensure smooth operations, business success, and a well-supported team.

Finance Manager

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As the Finance Manager, Kiri leverages her years of experience as a project accountant to adeptly oversee budget management and invoicing for a wide spectrum of projects, ranging from small to large-scale. With a remarkable ability to identify and address project risks, she implements proactive measures for risk mitigation. Kiri's outstanding communication and organizational skills guarantee that payment-related matters are handled in a proactive and amicable fashion. 

Deputy Chief Operating Officer

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Emily is thrilled to join The Biglieri Group with many years of experience in office management, business development, communications, event planning and customer care. Prior to joining The Biglieri Group, Emily was the Executive Assistant to the Dean in the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto.  She has previous experience in office management at a consultancy firm specializing in government and public relations.