n a significant move set to reshape the consulting landscape across British Columbia, Chartwell Resource Group Ltd. (“Chartwell”) and DWB Consulting Services Ltd. (“DWB”) have announced that they are joining forces through a strategic merger. This partnership will create the province’s leading multidisciplinary consulting firm, combining decades of expertise in environmental sciences, resource management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), engineering, and sustainable forest stewardship.
The newly formed entity will operate with a workforce of nearly 300 employees and will offer province-wide service coverage, enabling it to better serve a growing and increasingly complex set of needs across both the natural and built environments. The merger represents a natural evolution for both companies, who share aligned missions, complementary capabilities, and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and community collaboration.
A Shared Vision for a Stronger Future
The merger, while a major operational milestone, is grounded in a shared vision to strengthen client service, enhance staff development opportunities, and build a resilient business that can adapt to the rapidly evolving needs of industry and government clients.
“Merging our teams will not only strengthen our business but also create new opportunities for our people, our clients, and our future,” said Kevin Bedford, CEO of DWB. “As one company, we can better share and grow our industry knowledge, talent, and relationships. Together, we are stronger, smarter, and more capable of tackling complex, multidimensional challenges.”
“This merger empowers us to meet the evolving needs of our clients while continuing to innovate and future-proof our business,” added Cliff Roberts, CEO of Chartwell. “Our priority is to ensure our clients, partners, and employees continue to receive the high-quality support they’ve come to expect, while we remain steadfast in our commitment to open, honest communication throughout this transition.”
Strengthening Core Services and Expanding Geographic Reach
The merger will significantly expand the breadth and depth of services offered by both companies. Chartwell has long been recognized for its leadership in forest and land management, wildfire risk mitigation, and geospatial services, while DWB brings deep expertise in civil and environmental engineering, First Nations relations, and multidisciplinary resource assessments.
By combining their complementary service offerings, the new organization will be uniquely positioned to serve a broader array of clients across sectors including forestry, energy, infrastructure, conservation, municipal planning, and Indigenous governance. Furthermore, the merger increases the new firm’s reach across British Columbia—from remote field operations to urban planning environments—offering local expertise at scale.
Commitment to Clients, Communities, and Employees
Both Chartwell and DWB have built reputations not only on technical excellence but also on trusted relationships with communities, Indigenous Nations, and industry partners throughout the province. That legacy of trust and engagement will continue to be a cornerstone of the new organization’s operating philosophy.
As the merger unfolds, the organizations will gradually transition toward a unified brand identity, but in the interim, both the Chartwell and DWB names will be retained to maintain continuity and familiarity with clients and stakeholders. Leadership teams emphasized that the transition will be managed with transparency and minimal disruption.
In a show of continued stability and future-focused leadership, Cliff Roberts will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of the newly merged entity, while Kevin Bedford will become the Executive Vice-President. Together, they will oversee the integration process and drive the long-term strategic vision for the organization.
Additionally, employees from both firms will continue to hold significant ownership stakes in the combined company. This employee-shareholder model has long been a hallmark of both Chartwell and DWB’s corporate cultures and reflects a mutual belief in long-term growth driven by staff engagement and empowerment.
Navigating Growth and Environmental Challenges
The merger comes at a time when B.C. and Canada face increasing environmental and resource-related pressures, from climate change and wildfires to infrastructure resilience and sustainable development. Clients are seeking consulting partners with the capacity to provide end-to-end solutions, integrate innovative technologies, and operate across disciplines with agility.
The newly formed company will be well-equipped to respond to these needs with integrated services, deeper technical benches, and a culture of innovation that encourages cross-functional collaboration. By investing in data-driven decision-making, field-proven methodologies, and capacity building, the firm aims to set a new benchmark for multidisciplinary consulting in Canada’s resource-rich regions.
The firm’s leadership has also signaled a continued emphasis on Indigenous engagement and reconciliation, areas where both Chartwell and DWB have already established strong foundations through collaborative projects and meaningful partnerships.
A Platform for Future Innovation
Looking forward, the combined firm plans to deepen its investment in technology, training, and strategic partnerships to further enhance service delivery. This includes expanding geospatial analytics capabilities, advancing climate risk modeling, and fostering talent development through internal mentorship programs and external recruitment of top-tier professionals.
“By coming together, we are not just creating a bigger company—we are creating a smarter, more capable, and more connected team,” said Roberts. “This platform will allow us to attract the best talent, deliver better results, and provide greater value to our clients and communities for generations to come.”
As British Columbia continues to experience significant shifts in land use, environmental regulation, and development priorities, the newly merged Chartwell-DWB organization is positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for the province.
About Chartwell Resource Group Ltd.
Chartwell is a British Columbia-based consulting firm that specializes in forestry, wildfire management, geospatial services, and environmental planning. With a reputation for innovation and excellence, Chartwell works with industry, government, and communities to advance sustainable land and resource use.
About DWB Consulting Services Ltd.
Founded in 1990, DWB provides multidisciplinary consulting services across forestry, engineering, and environmental management. With offices across northern and central British Columbia, DWB is known for its client-first approach, technical rigor, and strong relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike.
