Better Neighbourhoods Inc.

Better Neighbourhoods Inc. Better Neighbourhoods Inc., formerly Barr Associates, has over 40 years of experience in development consulting with land owners, developers and builders.

As specialists in urban infilling and intensification using New Urbanist principles, we believe the development of diverse, mixed-use, walkable, neighbourhoods is essential to increasing property value and fostering sustainability. With a strong bias towards good urban design, we design undeveloped or under-developed sites and manage the approvals and development of projects from concept to comple

tion. We believe mixed-use, walkable, diverse neighbourhoods are the cornerstone of sustainability. This approach creates the greatest land value, which benefits the developer, the local municipality and the neighbourhood. At Better Neighbourhoods Inc. we put the neighbourhood first. This neighbourhood focused design approach enhances the value of the public realm and, in turn, the buildings within it. We believe good urban design is the key to solving many of the complex problems the built environment faces today. Our goal is to provide expertise to create great urban environments that not only add value but are built for people, not just their cars. Located in downtown St. Catharines, much of our work is focused in the Niagara Region. Accordingly, we have developed excellent working relationships with local municipalities and related consulting firms in Niagara. By understanding the local land development context, we can assist our clients by providing good advice, even before planning approvals are sought.

06/15/2026

Shamrock Common was envisioned as a diverse collection of homes nestled within a richly landscaped setting, preserving many of the mature trees that give the site its character.

Four distinct housing styles, enhanced by unique porches, verandas, and material choices, create a vibrant streetscape and a true sense of place.

By minimizing garage-dominated architecture through strategic setbacks and landscaping, the community puts people, greenery, and neighbourhood character first. 🌳🏡

urban planning l urban design l neighbourhood development l new urbanism l development firm GTA

Aspen Common demonstrates how Better Neighbourhoods transformed two challenging infill lots into a high-value, market-re...
06/06/2026

Aspen Common demonstrates how Better Neighbourhoods transformed two challenging infill lots into a high-value, market-ready development. Through strategic planning, innovative design, and smart engineering, the team maximized ROI while respecting the existing streetscape and adding long-term value to the neighbourhood.

We vetted multiple development scenarios and identified a 12-unit configuration as the strongest economic outcome.

Swipe to read more about this successful project!

06/04/2026

Better Neighbourhoods designed Aspen Common as a compact neighbourhood that maximizes both unit count and value.

By introducing simple home footprints and varying setbacks, each residence feels distinct.

This intentional variation enhances curb appeal, strengthens the streetscape, and creates a market-ready offering that buyers are willing to pay more for.

Learn more about this project with Dan!

urban planning l urban design l development firm Niagara l development l town homes l community design

Located just south of the Pelham Community Centre in the East Fonthill neighbourhood, this 0.7-hectare greenfield develo...
06/01/2026

Located just south of the Pelham Community Centre in the East Fonthill neighbourhood, this 0.7-hectare greenfield development introduces a thoughtfully designed 35-unit residential community rooted in Traditional Neighbourhood
Design principles.

With convenient access to Highways 20 and 406 and walkable proximity to shops, services, and recreation, the project provides several different housing types to support a variety of housing needs and accomodate a mix of people.

urban planning l urban design l urban development l development firm Niagara l new urbanism l greenfield development

05/27/2026

We don't shy away from challenging lot sizes.

Through land severance, this project retains an existing heritage home while introducing a small infill lot within a historic neighbourhood.

Alongside a neighbouring project, it demonstrates how heritage restoration and contemporary design can work together - strengthening neighbourhood character while expanding housing diversity.

The outcome? A contemporary home that makes the most of a compact site, offering new housing choice without compromising the fabric of the community.

urban development firm l urban design l urban planning l development firm Niagara l new urbanism

Village on the Twelve is a 6.5 ha master planned development in St. Catharines, based upon our commitment to the New Urb...
05/24/2026

Village on the Twelve is a 6.5 ha master planned development in St. Catharines, based upon our commitment to the New Urbanism design philosophy.

It is not a conventional subdivision, but a demonstration that better neighbourhoods are a viable alternative with the right vision and ex*****on.

Swipe through to learn more about this project.

05/21/2026

What if cars didn't have to be the focal point of your neighbourhood?

Village on the Twelve features laneways that keep cars out of sight, thereby improving the relationship between homes and the sidewalk.

We dont design the rear areas as an afterthought either - patios and other design features make these areas feel inviting.

urban design l development firm Niagara l development firm l urban planning l new urbanism

268 Oakdale is an innovatively designed infill development project that addresses unique site constraints while compleme...
05/18/2026

268 Oakdale is an innovatively designed infill development project that addresses unique site constraints while complementing and enhancing the surrounding neighbourhood.

Located along a transit corridor and within cycling distance of daily amenities, the project introduces micro-units as a more affordable housing option in an appropriately scaled building.

Despite the challenging narrow lot, we were able to maximize land value.

Swipe to read more project details!

urban development l developer Niagara l development firm l urban planning l urban design

05/13/2026

Complex site geography requires creativity and a client willing to think outside the box.

268 Oakdale offers micro-units, built on a very narrow lot that has been sitting vacant for over 30 years.

The single lane access was certainly a challenge, but we crossed each hurdle sucessfully.

The project stands as an excellent example of what you can do when you take a challenging site and apply an innovative concept.

urban design l development firm Niagara l urban planning l site approvals l developers GTA

Rising costs, shifting demand, and outdated assumptions are leaving developers stuck.With the right approach, existing a...
05/08/2026

Rising costs, shifting demand, and outdated assumptions are leaving developers stuck.

With the right approach, existing approvals can be reworked into viable, buildable projects - unlocking value that’s already there.

At Better Neighbourhoods, we help developers rethink their projects through concept development, economic forecasting, and strategic land use approaches.

If your project no longer works, don’t walk away. Reimagine it.

Visit our website or reach out to start the conversation.

urban development l urban design l housing market l urban planning l development firm Niagara

Address

190A Ontario Street
Saint Catharines, ON
L2R5K9

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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