Consultant Selection – Natural Heritage System and Natural Hazards Review

The City of St. Thomas has issued Request for Proposals No. 2026-060 to select a qualified consulting firm to conduct a Natural Heritage System and Natural Hazards Review. This technical project is designed to support the City's Official Plan update and long-range land use planning by providing an evidence-based framework for environmental management and infrastructure planning. The scope of work includes a comprehensive inventory and evaluation of woodlands, wetlands, watercourses, and Environmentally Sensitive Areas, as well as the determination of provincial or local significance. Additionally, the consultant will evaluate hazard lands related to flooding, erosion, and unstable slopes in coordination with local Conservation Authorities. Key deliverables include policy recommendations for the Official Plan and the delineation of natural heritage and hazard areas provided in ESRI shapefile GIS formats. The contract will be awarded to the top-ranked respondent based on a weighted evaluation consisting of non-price rated criteria (80 points) and pricing (20 points). Evaluation factors include the consultant's understanding and approach, project team and corporate experience, and the provided work plan and schedule. The project is expected to start on September 15, 2026, with a submission deadline of September 21, 2026. The successful firm must comply with the Planning Act, the Provincial Planning Statement 2024, and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Professional services will be governed by a consulting agreement requiring adherence to the Construction Act R.S.O. 1990 c.C.30 for invoicing and payment, and the consultant must provide a Certificate of Insurance and WSIB clearance.