Past, Present, and Future: Kathy Shantz

As I sat in a recent Peritus strategy meeting, contemplating the trajectory of our company in the coming years, it struck me that Peritus is gearing up to celebrate its 15th anniversary in March. The discussion about our future goals and evolving nature prompted me to reflect on how far we’ve come since our incorporation in March 2009.

Back in those early days, March 2009 to be precise, it was just me holding the fort as the sole full-time employee. We had brought in two summer co-op students from the University of Waterloo and the University of Guelph. Our “office” was former President Keith Metzger’s basement, and we were in the gradual process of moving our files and technology over to Breslau to solidify our place within the C3 Group. I can recall wrestling with some substantial files, many of which involved risk assessments. In those days, we often collaborated with other environmental consulting firms, handling risk assessments on their behalf. Some of these assessments made their way to the Ministry of Environment, while others were private risk assessments tailored for financing purposes.

Shortly after our incorporation, I decided to head back to school to pursue my master’s degree. When I returned after my two-year hiatus, I discovered A LOT had changed. Between 2009 and 2011, our numbers had grown from a one-person team to a dynamic crew of four full-time employees. We had also extended contracts to four more professionals who eventually joined us as permanent staff. While faces changed, a dedicated core group remained, offering consistency and leadership across various projects. A pivotal change in 2017 introduced Naz Ritchie as the General Manager. Her presence infused fresh energy and direction into our journey. This shift also freed up Keith Metzger to focus on amplifying Peritus’s strengths to an even broader audience.

Our ranks of qualified individuals have swelled as well. Back in 2009, Keith stood as the sole bearer of the “Qualified Person or QP” designation from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. During my tenure at Peritus, I successfully achieved my QP designation for risk assessments, and shortly after Erin Janzen joined these ranks as well.

Though faces have come and gone, some elements have remained constant. Peritus continues to excel in risk assessments, both for our clients and in collaboration with other environmental consulting firms. With a modest team of just 10 full-time members, we’ve managed to secure a spot among the top five companies in Ontario who have completed the most number of risk assessments and corresponding records of site conditions since 2011 under the revised Ontario Regulation 153/04. This feat is not to be taken lightly, considering the rigorous technical review process faced by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Peritus’s core strength lies in delivering high-quality technical reports. This commitment has enabled us to garner Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks approvals time and again. As we chart the course for the next 15 years, my sincere hope is that we stay true to our legacy of producing top-notch reports that seamlessly meet our clients’ needs. Here’s to the journey ahead!

 – Kathy Shantz, Senior Project Manager