Peer Review
Reliable peer review and expert witness testimony for environmental policy, natural heritage assessment, and issues of ecological significance.
We offer science-based expert opinions that are respected by clients and agencies in Ontario and beyond. We review natural heritage reports for regional landscape and watershed-based studies, Official Plan policies, Environmental Impact Studies, OLT mitigation, and more.
Be confident that you have the best information to support and defend critical decisions of ecological significance
We offer expert review of technical work undertaken by other consulting companies and support clients with custom deliverables related to ecological expertise.
With a commitment to accuracy and thoroughness, we make assessments based on current policy supported by up-to-date scientific research.
Common projects we assist with include:
- Literature reviews related to ecology, species-at-risk, planning and development, GIS, spatial analysis, and more
- Hearing preparation including report writing and mapping for supportive evidence
- Peer review and expert witness testimony for municipalities, agency review teams, conservation authorities, and private clients (including natural heritage components of larger studies such as aggregate extraction applications, and block plan applications)
- Interpretation of municipal, regional, provincial, and agency environmental policy and legislation
- Recommendations for environmental policy compliance
- Expert witness testimony for Local Planning Appeal Tribunals (LPAT) and Ontario Municipal Board hearings and court proceedings
More than 40 years of experience
Our senior staff, including Jim Dougan, Karl Konze, Todd Fell, and Steve Hill, have been providing Expert Witness Testimony since 1978, and are well-respected and thorough witnesses. Karl Konze, Senior Wildlife Biologist, and Todd Fell, Landscape Architect, regularly provide witness and support at Ontario Municipal Board hearings.
Where necessary, our team collaborates with experts in other disciplines such as hydrology, hydrogeology, aquatic biology, engineering, and planning.
We have experience testifying as expert witnesses at:
- Local Planning Appeal Tribunals
- Ontario Land Compensation Board
- Ontario Provincial Court
- Ontario Energy Board
- National Energy Board
- Niagara Escarpment Commission
Our experience demonstrates credibility and familiarity with the full range of options to support clients.
Your work matters. Your projects leave a legacy. Let us be your experts.
You are stewarding projects to create resilient, naturally thriving places for the generations to come. Dougan Ecology is here to stand by you with ecological expertise.
Frequently asked questions about peer review
Dougan Ecology provides independent, science-based peer reviews for ecological assessments, including Environmental Impact Studies (EIS), Official Plan policies, and natural heritage evaluations. Our expert reviews ensure the work meets policy standards, reflects sound science, and is legally defensible. We support municipalities, conservation authorities, and private developers by offering impartial evaluation of ecological submissions.
As a recognized ecological consultant, Dougan Ecology helps clients interpret municipal, regional, and provincial environmental policies. We offer practical recommendations to align projects with the latest legislation and streamline the approval process, whether for residential, commercial, or industrial projects.
Expert witness testimony involves providing professional, unbiased opinions in legal settings. Dougan Ecology's team has extensive experience testifying at hearings such as Local Planning Appeal Tribunals and Ontario Municipal Board proceedings, supporting clients in defending ecological decisions.
Yes. Dougan Ecology assists with hearing preparation by delivering clear, defensible reports, visual aids, GIS mapping, and written summaries. We ensure that ecological information is presented in a professional, accessible manner, critical in both formal and informal dispute resolution.
Literature reviews are essential for understanding existing research and data related to ecology, species-at-risk, planning, and development. Dougan Ecology conducts comprehensive literature reviews to inform our peer review process and provide well-rounded assessments.
Absolutely. We routinely help clients navigate complex environmental policy and regulation, translating technical and legal language into actionable recommendations. This service is particularly valuable for clients in the mining, industrial, residential and commercial development sectors.
Independent peer reviews ensure ecological studies are accurate, defensible, and aligned with policy. They reduce the risk of project delays and legal challenges, especially when part of an EIS or official plan submission. As an ecological consulting firm, Dougan Ecology brings credibility and rigour to this process.
Our team stays current through ongoing professional development, policy consultation work, and collaboration with government agencies. Several of our staff have participated in the drafting of key environmental legislation in Ontario, making us a recognized authority in the field.
