PGL is a place where smart, helpful, friendly, professionals enjoy their work and advance their careers. Our work reflects the diversity of the Canadian geography and economy. Our clientele includes big and small private real estate firms, federal, provincial and municipal governments, First Nations, developers, construction firms, financial institutions, and a variety of businesses in the energy, resource, and industrial sectors.
We have offices in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. While much of our work is in urban centres across Canada, much of our work is in remote areas. We offer the expertise, depth, risk management, and insurance of a larger firm, with the focus and customer experience of a smaller firm.
We are proud to be 100% Canadian employee-owned. PGL offers shares to all staff because we believe that owners provide better service. Established in 1991, PGL has over 100 employees and tens of thousands of projects on our resume.
Our founders Ned Pottinger and Will Gaherty had a unique corporate vision. Their principles, listed below, continue to guide us today.
Be trusted advisors—not just sample collectors. Create a company that approaches consulting as a team sport: everyone, at all levels, contributes to the client experience. A workplace where success and adversity are shared.
Provide large firm expertise with small firm care. Clients know the people working on their projects and trust those people will treat them fairly.
Create a meaningful and enjoyable place to work and grow. A place where people feel connected to the organization and empowered to build their careers.
Consulting firms can seem pretty interchangeable, but PGL is different. We believe the following sets PGL apart from the other firms. By design we are:
Strategic: We keep our clients' objectives at the forefront. Our project teams always include the right subject matter experts and staff to ensure the best results.
Creative: We like to be challenged and take on even the most complex projects with a ‘can do’ attitude. We don't follow the standard approach by default and are not afraid to push the envelope.
Customizers: We adjust our approach to suit our clients’ individual needs and tailor our communications for a range of audiences.
Experienced: We have the technical knowledge, project management expertise, and industry experience to fulfill environmental requirements and complete projects on time and on budget.
Consistent: Over six months or six years, you will likely be dealing with the same people.
Invested: We build long-lasting relationships with our team members as well as our clients. We are proudly 100% Canadian and employee-owned.
Team players: We foster a supportive, collaborative culture where individuals work together, share expertise, and support one another to deliver results.
Learn more about our project experience here!
PGL holds permits to practice/certificates of authorization from these credentialing bodies:
We are also registered on the following platforms:
An environmental consultant helps their clients understand environmental risks and meet environmental requirements. An environmental consultant typically has a background in plants, animals, soil, water, air, chemistry, or engineering. They can work as individuals or as part of a larger team of specialists. They represent both the interests of the client and the intent of the regulations.
Their work can include:
Testing soil and groundwater for contamination
Cleaning up contaminated sites
Guiding clients through permit and approval processes
Assessing plants, wildlife and habitats for risk and impact
Supporting development and infrastructure projects
Providing practical advice to reduce environmental risk and long-term effects
Overall, an environmental consultant helps clients make informed, responsible decisions using their specialized knowledge in applied science or engineering, industry or commercial experience, and government regulatory insight.
Our most commonly requested assessment is a Phase I (or Phase 1) Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). It consists of a desktop study and site visit conducted to identify the potential for environmental contamination on a property. It evaluates whether current or historical activities on the site or neighbouring properties may have caused environmental impacts that could affect the property’s value or use.
A Phase I ESA does not involve sampling or laboratory testing. Instead, it is based on a comprehensive review of information, including a site visit, historical aerial photographs, land use records, business directories, fire insurance maps, government databases, title records, and interviews. The goal is to identify environmental risks and determine whether further investigation (such as a Phase II ESA) may be warranted.
Phase I ESAs are commonly required for property purchases and sales, financing and refinancing, lease agreements, permit applications, and general due diligence, and are widely relied upon by lenders, purchasers, and regulators to support informed decision-making.
PGL provides cross-disciplinary services in contaminated sites, environmental planning, hazardous materials, strategic advice, and support for Indigenous Clients.
Learn more about our services here!
PGL serves the following sectors:
Learn more about our sectors here!
Below is a sample of projects representative of the work we do:
Learn more about our project experience here!