What Development Management Actually Includes in BC
Development management is one of the most important parts of any project, yet it is often misunderstood. In British Columbia, where regulations, market conditions, and site-specific challenges can shift quickly, reliable development management helps keep projects viable, coordinated, and moving forward.
This guide outlines what development management really includes, and why it is essential for successful residential, mixed-use, non-profit, and staff housing development projects.
What Is Development Management?
Development management is the process of guiding a project from the earliest concept through design, approvals, construction, and final handover. In BC, this work requires strong technical knowledge, coordination experience, and a clear understanding of the province’s regulatory environment.
A development manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing a project from the moment a site is considered until the keys are handed over. The goal is to protect the project’s budget, schedule, and vision while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Key Components of Development Management in BC
Below are the core responsibilities involved in development management, with a specific focus on how they apply to projects in BC.
1. Project Visioning and Site Selection
Every successful development begins with understanding what is possible.
This includes:
Reviewing zoning, overlays, and long-term planning policies
Assessing site conditions and servicing requirements
Determining highest and best use
Aligning project goals with community context and funding pathways
In BC, where geography, hillside conditions, and complex zoning can shape feasibility, early insight is essential.
2. Feasibility and Financial Planning
This is one of the most important phases of development management, especially in BC’s ever-evolving housing market.
Key tasks include:
Preparing development pro formas
Analyzing construction costs, soft costs, and operating costs
Identifying funding and partnership opportunities
Scenario planning for different density options
Supporting relationships with lenders, partners, BC Housing, and CMHC
Strong feasibility planning helps confirm whether a project should move forward, pivot, or be phased differently.
3. Process Mapping and Team Building
Development is by nature collaborative. A well-structured process is essential for keeping a project on track.
This includes:
Defining roles and responsibilities
Assembling architects, engineers, planners, and other professionals
Ensuring efficient communication between team members
Creating a predictable project roadmap
Facilitating collaboration across all disciplines
Process mapping outlines responsibilities, timelines, and key deliverables so the team stays aligned from idea to asset.
4. Design Coordination
Design management ensures all disciplines work toward the same goals.
This involves:
Coordinating architectural, structural, and mechanical designs
Aligning design decisions with budget targets
Integrating sustainability or community-focused design goals
Reviewing drawings for constructability and compliance
Keeping the design process efficient and accountable
Effective coordination reduces delays and avoids costly changes later.
5. Municipal Approvals and Regulatory Navigation
Municipal processes in BC can be complex.
Development management includes support with:
Zoning and land use considerations
Development permit, building permit and rezoning applications
Public engagement and community communication
Navigating requirements from public, private, and non-profit stakeholders
6. Funding and Cost Management
Keeping budgets aligned is essential for long-term success.
This includes:
Budget development and management
Funding strategy
Grant coordination
Cash flow planning
Procurement strategy
Contractor selection and tender oversight
Development management ensures financial discipline from the start.
7. Construction Administration
Once construction begins, consistent oversight is critical.
Development management covers:
Monitoring progress on site
Reviewing change orders
Coordinating with the contractor
Managing schedules and key milestones
Troubleshooting issues as they arise
Ensuring quality and compliance
This keeps the project aligned with its goals and reduces surprises.
8. Completion and Handover
A project is not complete until it is functioning as a long-term asset.
This stage includes:
Final inspections
Occupancy coordination
Warranty review
Deficiency tracking
Operational readiness
Documentation handover
Clients transition smoothly into ownership, operations, or tenancy.
Why Development Management Matters in BC
BC’s development landscape includes rising construction costs, shifting regulations, and complex approval processes. Without structured development management, projects risk delays, budget overruns, and unclear decision-making.
A development management team brings:
Predictability
Accountability
Professional oversight
Strong communication between teams
Clear direction from idea to asset
The result is a project that meets client goals while navigating local realities.
Move Your Development Forward with Clarity
Development management brings structure and confidence to the entire project lifecycle. NDY provides development management for multi-family residential, mixed-use, community housing, and complex projects across the province.
We lead with clarity, build strong teams, and deliver outcomes that stand the test of time.
Visit the NDY Development page or connect with us to discuss your project goals.