In the face of funding pressures and growing community needs, school boards and municipalities across Ontario are reimagining how they build. The Ontario Education Collaborative Marketplace (OECM) recently hosted a virtual panel discussion on the topic of Navigating Joint Capital Development: A Roadmap for School Boards. Alongside panelists Rory Tuite, Principal and Ron Spina, Principal, we shared our experiences helping school boards and municipalities navigate opportunities to collaborate on shared infrastructure projects.
What is a joint capital project?
Joint capital projects take a collaborative approach where different entities including government bodies, school boards and/or private developers come together to deliver a joint, co-owned facility or asset.
Joint capital developments are about more than just co-building; they’re about maximizing value, reducing duplication and delivering inclusive, sustainable spaces that serve both students and the broader community.
Building a case for joint capital projects
To achieve success with a joint build project, you’ll need more than shared goals – this approach demands deliberate planning and mutual accountability. You and your partner(s) will ideally begin with aligned project goals, clearly defined roles and a solid governance structure. As we noted during the discussion, “A great build starts and ends with collaboration.” From pre-construction alignment to conflict resolution frameworks and operational agreements, one thing is clear: early planning is everything.
All projects come with risks. One of the biggest risk factors to consider in taking a joint approach to capital projects is conflict resolution. The good news? Conflict resolution can be managed proactively and built into the project plan.
When you and your partner(s) align on project goals, intended use and your roles, as well as the joint facility’s ongoing operations, the results will include maximized efficiency and resource use, streamlined processes and a sustainable, shared-used structure.
With early and proactive planning, a project manager or third-party facilitator can help ensure you have clear charters, conflict resolution frameworks, compliance leads, community support and operational agreements in place, so you can enter into a joint project partnership with clear expectations and a high level of transparency.
Six questions to help you evaluate joint project partnerships
As owners’ representatives, it’s our responsibility to help our clients determine the best methodology to deliver their capital project. That can include providing the information you need to decide whether a joint approach is best for your goals.
Having delivered several joint capital projects – including schools, daycares, community centres and more – below are six key questions that we often work through with clients to help them determine if a joint capital project approach is the right fit for their next facility.
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- Are all parties aligned on our desired outcomes?
- Who has decision-making authority for budget, scope and design?
- How will conflict be resolved?
- What approvals or permits are required?
- Have internal concerns been addressed?
- Do we need third-party support?
These questions help project owners (or co-owners) clarify unknowns and establish a strong foundation from the outset of the project.
Prioritizing low-risk, high-impact and shovel-ready projects can also help you deliver your joint capital project with a higher level of certainty and success. The best joint build projects address shared needs, elicit value from the partnership, have public and political support, as well as long-term operational feasibility. They also involve owners who fully embrace the spirit of collaboration to realize a strategic, well-planned and impactful community infrastructure project.
Interested in learning more about joint capital projects? Watch the full OECM panel discussion on YouTube or email info@colliersprojectleaders.com to connect with one of our infrastructure project experts.
