Land Development Consulting and Approvals Expertise
ABOUT OUR COMPANY
About Ascend Development Partners
What We Do
Ascend Development Partners focuses on front-end land development strategy in Kelowna, the Okanagan, and across British Columbia. We support land development projects with:
- Land use strategy and feasibility analysis
- OCP amendment and zoning amendment applications
- Subdivision applications and preliminary layout review (PLR) coordination and approvals
- Development permit applications, service agreements and bonding administration
- Coordination of request for proposals (RFPs) and qualified professionals selection
- Coordination of required technical studies for applications
- Submission packages prepared for efficient municipal and provincial permitting approvals
We act as the central contact between developers, landowners, sub-consultants, contractors, legal teams, and government agencies, making sure the right information is prepared in the right way, at the right time. Our team builds a clear approvals strategy, manages timelines and deliverables, and uses project management systems and AI tools to reduce rework and keep development approvals moving forward. Explore our complete land development services or view recent projects where we’ve applied these capabilities.
How this helps your project
- Fewer surprises in the municipal and provincial approvals process
- More predictable timelines and milestones
- A smoother path from early concept to approved plans
Our Purpose
Ascend was founded by Erika Kretchmer, a Development Manager and Licensed Real Estate Professional with experience across residential, commercial, and multi-phase land development projects in Manitoba and British Columbia, including Kelowna and the Okanagan. Her work includes driving complex permitting applications, rezoning and subdivision files, development permit applications, and hands-on development and project management.
Our Vision
Our vision is to set a new standard for clarity and certainty in development approvals by combining expert guidance with innovative tools and AI, so our clients can move from concept to approval with confidence and efficiency.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help developers and landowners move projects forward with confidence by leveraging strategic insight, professional collaboration, and intelligent systems that simplify complex approvals and keep projects on track from concept to completion.
Our Expertise
Led by Founder, Erika Kretchmer, Ascend Development Partners combines over a decade of operations leadership with land development project management and development approvals experience in Manitoba and British Columbia since 2021. Erika’s background as a former Vice President of Operations provides a strong foundation in leading organizations, improving business processes, and aligning teams toward strategic growth, an approach that carries through every client engagement at Ascend and underpins our strategic execution on land development files.
In addition to guiding projects from the outset, Erika is often brought in when applications are already in-stream but stalled, off-track, or lacking a clear approvals strategy. She quickly assesses the issues, provides practical guidance to owners and consulting teams, and establishes a realistic path forward so momentum is restored.
Erika’s expertise includes:
- Coordinating multidisciplinary consultant teams across planning, civil and geotechnical engineering, environmental, land surveying and civil contracting
- Managing civil engineering scopes and design milestones, and review of submission reports and packages
- Leading rezoning, subdivision, and development permit applications
- Re-engaging stalled or delayed development applications by diagnosing issues, realigning development strategy, and coordinating course corrections with consultants and government staff
- Guiding municipal and provincial approvals and permitting, including responses to technical review comments
- Collaborating with civil teams, contractors and engineers, to maintain design intent and address constructability issues on land development infrastructure projects
- Facilitating neighbourhood and First Nations consultation and engagement
- Designing and implementing efficient project management and tracking systems for Owners to view clear timelines and deliverables
Our Values
At Ascend Development Partners, our values guide how we show up for our clients, consultants, and communities on every land development project. Erika has guided multidisciplinary consultant teams and has worked closely with municipal and provincial staff to resolve detailed technical issues within mid-stream applications, while advocating for her clients who are navigating the approvals process.
Erika is known for a client-first approach, clear communication, and the ability to turn complexity into practical next steps. Ascend reflects her belief that successful land development approvals come from clear communication, development strategy, disciplined strategic execution, and strong relationships with all project stakeholders.
Strategic
We design every project around a clear approvals and development strategy.
Collaborative
We bring owners, consultants, and municipalities together to solve problems as a team.
Precise
We focus on the details so submissions are complete, compliant, and ready for review.
Dependable
We do what we say we’ll do, communicating proactively and owning our commitments.
Innovative
We refine our systems and use smart tools, including AI, to make the approvals process more efficient and predictable.
Professional Memberships & Community Involvement
We believe in contributing to the growth and collaboration of our professional community in Kelowna and the Okanagan. These memberships reflect our commitment to continuous learning, meaningful collaboration, and giving back to the communities and networks that support our work.
Ready to move your land development project forward?
Book a consultation to see how we can streamline your path to approval.
