Canada's Top Small & Medium Employers (2026) Magazine - Magazine - Page 64
64
CANADA’S TOP SMALL & MEDIUM EMPLOYERS (2026)
Weston Consulting provides an open, engaged culture
T
hough Kyla Aly-Rigby
had experience
working in human
resources with a
diverse range of
industries when she joined
Weston Consulting Group,
planning and urban design was a
new field for her.
So was the workplace style.
“The way they embraced my
feedback and my ideas and
initiatives was very special,” says
Aly-Rigby, director of people and
culture. “We also have an annual
staff survey, where employees
can provide their feedback
anonymously. The level of
transparency from leadership and
the openness and willingness to
hear from everyone on the team
— I’ve never had that before.”
Weston, which has its headquarters in Vaughan, Ont., with
a Toronto office, also has a
year-round anonymous suggestion
box. “We pull some great ideas
from those unfiltered comments,
and while sometimes it may be
challenging to hear how people
feel, it is constructive for us as
well,” Aly-Rigby says. “It’s an open
culture, which I don’t think you
see everywhere.”
This culture extends to support
for all employees. While Sarah
Burjaw, an intermediate planner,
was interested in applying to
present at a Canadian Institute
of Planners conference, she did
not feel confident enough to do
so. “One of the associates looped
me into submitting a proposal for
affordable housing and we were
selected, which was amazing. We
also prepared a brochure that the
business development department
helped us with. So, it was very
collaborative,” Burjaw says.
“As an intermediate, you’re still
early in your career, and you can
lack confidence. So, it means a
lot for the associates to help you
and push you out of your comfort
zone, because otherwise you don’t
grow. I would have never had that
amazing opportunity if I wasn’t
given a healthy push.”
Weston Consulting also provides
opportunities for continuous
learning through programs with
the Urban Land Institute or
opportunities employees find on
their own. The firm also offers
funding for employees pursuing
their registered professional
planner (RPP) certification, as well
as an in-house mentor.
People at Weston also have a lot
of social opportunities, such as the
Weston Winter Olympics fantasy
league; a monthly diversity, equity
and inclusion calendar; a green
committee that participates in
activities like planting trees; and a
giving back committee that raises
funds for charitable organizations.
Burjaw is on the fun committee,
which plans events throughout
the year, such as a holiday party
and summer barbecue, as well as
outings such as a cooking class,
painting and mini golf.
“It’s easy to stay within your
department and socialize with just
those people. But at those events,
The level of transparency from leadership and the
openness and willingness to hear from everyone on
the team — I’ve never had that before.
— Kyla Aly-Rigby
Director of People and Culture
Employees at Weston Consulting Group attend the organization’s monthly staff birthday and work anniversary
celebration.
