Team
Heather is a highly trusted, compassionate and passionate Plangineer (Planner / Engineer) who has dedicated the last 20+ years to being an ally and accomplice, amplifying Indigenous voices and raising challenges and opportunities in places where she has the privilege to hold space and in her circle of influence. Her unique dual training and experience in planning and engineering supports an appreciation of varied viewpoints and consensus building, working tactfully and effectively with multiple and diverse individuals and organizations. Clients and coworkers recognize Heather’s technical skill, work ethic, organizational skills and ability to bring together different views. Her expertise lies in all the areas of services provided by Swan Planning Consultancy Inc., and she has a deep passion for supporting reconciliation journeys.
Heather is settler of Irish, German and English descent. She was born in Haida Gwaii, and has lived in cities, towns and rural areas across Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. She currently resides in Stouffville Ontario and considers Nova Scotia to be her home as much of her family has been there for several generations and continue to live there.
Heather Swan, MCIP, RPP, PEng, PMP, Founder, President (she/her)
“I have always wanted to make a positive change in the world. Becoming an Engineer became my dream in Grade 5, because I knew it was a profession that would provide me with the skills to contribute to a better world. I credit my aunt with planting that seed as it was not a common career path for women... thanks Aunt Sue! During my Civil Engineering program, I took a course in Site Planning and saw an amazing opportunity. I imagined bringing together Engineering and Planning to facilitate conversations, influence the built form and improve communities and the environment for all living beings.
About 5 years into my career, I worked on a project that included engaging with 22 First Nations leaders and Elders. This was an amazing and life changing opportunity where I started my learning journey about reconciliation, traditional knowledge, connections to mother earth and relationship building. I have been privileged to learn so much through my work, from Elders and through ceremony. It influences my life and work as I focus on allyship, amplifying voices and being an accomplice!”
— Heather Swan, Founder, Director
Affiliates
Swan Planning Consultancy works with several other amazing women-owned and/or Indigenous-owned firms to deliver services to our clients in a way that best meets their needs. Some of the companies include:
