12 Watson and Associates in Canada

Team 18 Poster

Team Reflection

Our COIL team chose to speak with Watson & Associates, a land use planning firm, about their role in supporting sustainable growth in Canadian cities. The company focuses on managing regional expansion while creating a balance between social well-being, environmental conservation, and economic growth. It is led by a group of land economists, urban planners, and municipal finance experts. One significant project they worked on was in the Waterloo Region, which aimed to minimize rural development and environmental impact while supporting substantial population expansion. Among the company’s innovations includes consulting with stakeholders, growth management strategies, and density programs meant for building sustainable and resilient communities. This planning strategy supports many of the Unite Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Our team’s initial interest in the organization came from its focus on incorporating social, economic, and environmental sustainability into urban planning. The complex issues of sustainable development are demonstrated from the balance of stakeholder interests, including interests of developers, locals, and activists. As such, we became intrigued by the challenges that the organization faces as it operates and respect the work they do.

Salient Points and Reactions

During our discussion with Watson & Associates, several key elements of their story stood out and resonated with the team, highlighting their impact and the challenges they face in urban planning. The firm’s dedication to sustainability and improving residents’ quality of life was particularly inspiring, reflecting a holistic approach that balances environmental preservation with community needs. One surprising statistic shared was the loss of 600,000 acres of farmland in Ontario each year due to urbanization, emphasizing the urgency of their mission and the vital role they play in proactive planning. The focus on stakeholder engagement as a means to build consensus was thought-provoking, illustrating that successful urban planning requires collaboration among diverse groups, which can often be complex. Additionally, the potential resistance from communities regarding significant changes to urban landscapes was a concern, as balancing development with the needs of existing residents can create tension and make effective communication essential. Overall, the conversation left us feeling optimistic about the potential for innovative planning to create sustainable communities while recognizing the complexities involved in this vital work.

Deeper Analysis

Sustainability and the Triple Bottom Line: Watson & Associates serves as an exemplary model of the triple bottom line, which integrates economic, social, and environmental priorities into one cohesive strategy. Their urban development projects focus not only on financial viability but also on environmental preservation, as seen in their efforts to limit urban sprawl and protect agricultural land. This reflects a forward-thinking approach where profitability is balanced with ecological sustainability, showcasing that economic growth does not need to come at the cost of environmental degradation.

In line with stakeholder theory, Watson & Associates demonstrates an inclusive approach that values the input and needs of multiple stakeholders, including landowners, developers, environmental advocates, and community members. Their consultative process highlights that urban planning isn’t just about growth metrics but involves creating a community that aligns with diverse interests. This model promotes trust and collaboration, emphasizing that sustainable development requires buy-in from all parties involved, which strengthens both the planning outcomes and community relationships.

Watson’s urban planning aligns well with SDGs, particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Their commitment to compact city growth, accessible public transit, and the preservation of natural spaces illustrates how urban planning can advance global goals. By embedding sustainability into their frameworks, Watson not only addresses current urban needs but also supports international efforts to create more sustainable, resilient urban centers, bridging local action with global impact.

Knowledge Gaps and Challenges

We discovered that our previous understanding of the complexities of urban land management was inadequate when considering Watson & Associates’ approach to sustainable urban planning, especially when it came to striking a balance between environmental preservation and socioeconomic expansion. Although we were aware of the fundamental objectives of urban sustainability, Watson & Associates’ strategy for compact, mixed-use development contradicted our ideas about what constitutes good growth management. The company’s approach to curbing urban sprawl in order to protect natural resources and agricultural land while promoting economic expansion was a concrete example of sustainability that went beyond abstract concepts.

The narrative also emphasized the need for stakeholder participation, an area in which we became aware of our knowledge gaps. The company’s attempts to incorporate a range of community perspectives, from locals to environmentalists, highlighted how crucial reaching an agreement is to sustainability initiatives. We had always thought of urban planning mostly as a top-down process governed by laws, so this degree of involvement was unexpected. This presumption was contested by Watson & Associates’ study, which showed that multisectoral input is necessary for sustainable solutions to succeed over the long run. Our knowledge of how companies can incorporate global sustainability frameworks into regional projects has also expanded because of their connection with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 11 and 12. This experience highlighted the need for a more nuanced understanding of responsible business practices that prioritize both profitability and societal impact.

Future Implications

In essence, the Aim2Flourish project and analysis aims to develop a deeper understanding and knowledge of sustainable development within business. Through the project, our group was able to research in depth the different levels of Sustainable Development Goals and understand how the use of these goals directly impact business, especially for our analysis company Watson.

As land economist, Watson aims to build and continue to develop urban sprawl in the most sustainable and efficient way possible, ensuring vital resources such as land and water are maximized for use and last generations. The importance of this planning ahead is a clear factor in future sustainability, as well as ensuring that the actions we take as both students and employees are made with future generations in mind. As the future of the workforce and our own countries, it is imperative that we as students begin to adopt these habits and ensure that in whatever paths we take, sustainability remains at the forefront of our minds. Much like Watson, careful analysis must be made within each situation to ensure that guidelines and goals are met. It is only through careful planning and implementation that sustainability can be grown.

For all students, learning and training for sustainability should be an important goal. As work places begin to shift and take on more and more of these ideals and SDG’s, the importance for understanding is becoming greater. Not only this, but business is beginning to reach a point where sustainability must be one of the major pillars utilized to ensure success. It is likely this trend will continue as companies adopt these growing trends. The better versed in sustainability students become, the greater an asset they are to the work force.

Cultural Experience

Working in a culturally diverse team added value and broadened our understanding of sustainability. Each member contributed distinct perspectives shaped by their cultural backgrounds, allowing us to see how different societies view and approach environmental and sustainability issues. This variety enriched our project, making our conclusions more inclusive and well-rounded.

We sometimes faced difficulties due to cultural differences between members. One challenge was determining when each team member wanted to complete tasks. While some preferred to work slowly, others were used to finishing tasks quickly and immediately. Initially, there was some conflict due to these differences. Despite these challenges, teamwork allowed us to balance these contradictions. Respecting others’ opinions and accepting cultural differences were key elements to achieving success. In addition, the distribution of roles was clear. We divided the tasks into three teams: an interview team, a story team, and a poster team. This division was based on the capabilities and experience of each member, which helped us work together.

Individual Reflections

Carson Cook 

Being a part of the COIL project was a rewarding experience that allowed me the chance to interact with classmates from various academic and cultural backgrounds. It was interesting and fun to collaborate with team members from nations like Spain and Saudi Arabia since they brought new perspectives to the table. Yet there were also difficulties with the activity, especially when it came to communicating across time zones. It was at times challenging to make sure everyone could attend without messing with their schedules, and meeting planning required a great deal of flexibility. We were able to use the World Time Buddy app, which made planning significantly easier and helped us coordinate our meetings by providing the exact times when everyone would be available. Additionally, by using universally accessible ways to communicate, we put inclusion first and promoted cooperation regardless of our international differences. Interviewing with a local company was one of the most interesting parts of the entire assignment. It was great to see our work come together as we developed a story for AIM2Flourish and learned knowledge about sustainable business solutions. Ultimately, this project was a great test of cooperation, flexibility, and global collaboration for me.

Carson Davis

The COIL project embraced a very different style of learning that created unique takeaways from the project for me. Working internationally proved to be an exciting but difficult challenge that required not only extensive communication but also understanding. Ensuring the needs of all of our group members, regardless of time zones or different due dates, created a very fast-paced and intricate environment for everyone involved. My understanding and perception of international business was greatly changed during this process as being able to experience all these aspects firsthand gave me real and useful experience in this field. Being able to work with students from all over the world, hear their stories, and work together to create something was very rewarding. The diversity in approaches created a unique final product that incorporates not only ideas from each individual, but also ideals from each country. Seeing how each member processed and went about completing the assignment was very interesting. It was great to see members of the team step up and take initiative for different tasks. Overall, my main takeaway was that cooperation and communication within an international group can prove to be your greatest asset but also your greatest weakness depending on how it is utilized.

 Ahlam Almutairi 

Looking back at the AIM2Flourish project, my overall experience was very positive. I gained many skills and experiences that positively impacted the way I think and interact with others on the team. I realized that cultural differences within the team can provide an opportunity for growth and expansion of my knowledge, and I gained a deeper understanding of the topic of sustainability by adopting views I had not previously considered and looking at things from multiple perspectives. This increased my appreciation for the benefits of collaborating with others from different cultures. My ability to manage my time and perform well under pressure improved through this experience. There were challenges in organizing and distributing tasks within the team, which led me to recognize the importance of good planning and adhering to deadlines to achieve a balance between quality and speed in completing work.

 Sadeem Alfuhaid

Working on the AIM2Flourish project was a unique experience for me. I collaborated with students from different universities and cultures, which enriched my perspective. Although we were not classmates, we shared a common goal, and this brought us together.

I learned to appreciate diverse viewpoints and how they can enhance creativity. It was fascinating to see how our backgrounds influenced our ideas. This experience not only improved my teamwork skills but also deepened my understanding of global issues. Overall, it was a valuable opportunity that I will cherish.

 Alfredo Lopez

Reflecting on both the interview with Watson & Associates and our team’s collaboration, I feel proud of how effectively we worked together to analyze and understand the company’s approach to sustainable urban planning. The interview highlighted their commitment to balance economic growth with environmental and social well-being, reinforcing key concepts we’ve studied, like the triple bottom line and stakeholder theory. This insight guided our team’s discussion, as each member brought unique perspectives and applied course principles to enrich our collective understanding.

I especially appreciated how each team member took responsibility for different parts of the assignment, which allowed us to dive deeper into aspects like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and community impact. This collaborative effort ensured that we not only covered all aspects of Watson & Associates’ approach but also connected it to our academic knowledge in a cohesive way. Through open communication and a shared commitment to quality, we supported each other and strengthened our final analysis.

Edgard Abouchedid 

Reflecting on our recent interview with Watson & Associates and the teamwork that followed, I feel a deep sense of accomplishment regarding our collective effort to explore the company’s strategies in sustainable urban planning. The discussion underscored their dedication to integrating economic development with environmental stewardship and social equity, echoing essential concepts we’ve examined in our studies, such as the triple bottom line and stakeholder engagement.

What stood out to me was the way our team members embraced their roles, allowing us to explore specific themes like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and community engagement more thoroughly. This division of labor enabled us to not only analyze Watson & Associates’ practices but also to connect them meaningfully with our theoretical frameworks.

Our collaborative dynamic fostered an environment of open dialogue and shared goals, which enhanced the quality of our final analysis. Each member’s unique insights contributed to a richer understanding of the complexities involved in sustainable urban planning. Overall, this experience not only deepened our comprehension of the topic but also reinforced the value of teamwork in academic pursuits.