Our History
In operation for over fifty years, Runnalls Denby Land Surveying remains a locally owned business. The company began with Bob Runnalls in 1967. Bob pioneered surveying at Big White Ski Resort including establishing astronomic bearings using a 1927 Geodetic Triangulation Station. He was involved with many projects around Kelowna including the Kelowna International Airport, working with Rykon Developments at Somerville Corner and Manteo Beach, and working on the Crawford Road Subdivision. He also travelled across the Province to assist with projects such as the Mt Copeland Mine (Revelstoke) and the new lifts at Mt Kananaskis for the 1988 Winter Olympics.
In 2001 Neil Denby, who had been articling under Bob, took over the company. For 15 years Neil worked diligently to grow the business providing excellent customer service, and expertise and applying his local knowledge to service the greater Okanagan area. Under Neil’s leadership, Runnalls Denby Land Surveying grew into one of the largest surveying companies in Kelowna. Neil carried Bob’s legacy proudly, continuing to work with Rykon Developments including on the subdivisions at Southbay Landing and Wilden. Equally comfortable in the field, he was boots on the ground leading the development initiative at Big White Ski Resort with many Land Act surveys granting private tenure for development. Over the years Neil has had the pleasure of working with many private and public sector companies including Fortis, BC Hydro, Terason Gas, the Ministry of Forests, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the City of Kelowna, Telus, School District 23, San Marc Homes, and SNC Lavalin.
In 2016 Rob Macdonald joined the team as a partner with Neil. Rob brought with him over 18 years of experience working in Alberta as well as across British Columbia including Nelson, Cranbrook, Vancouver and Kelowna. Rob has managed the legal and construction surveys for some of the biggest projects that Kelowna has seen, including One Water, Sopa Square and Ella and Brooklyn towers.
In 2022 Jen Ashton joined the team becoming a partner in 2023. Jen brings over 15 years of survey experience from both the Kootenay region of BC as well as the Australian Construction industry.
Today, Neil, Rob, and Jen combine their varied expertise and continue to work diligently with companies and private clients to develop their projects and see them through to successful completion.
Surveyors
Neil Denby, BCLS
Deciding which company to hire for surveying work is paramount. Finding people you can work with and who work for you is key. They need to have the experience and expertise to handle all aspects of the job. Neil began his articling period with the original company R.R. Runnalls & Associates Ltd. in 1998, and by June 2000 was commissioned as a British Columbia Land Surveyor. In 2001, Bob Runnalls retired and Neil became the sole owner of Runnalls Denby Land Surveying. Neil has been immersed in project management, legal survey research, calculations, drafting, site planning and construction survey supervision ever since. Personable and knowledgeable he guides his clients through all stages of their projects.
With 32 years of construction and land surveying experience in British Columbia, Neil continues to enjoy being challenged on the job. Early in his career he focused on field surveying of construction, railroad and mining projects and the creation of hydrographic surveys. Being employed in the past by BC Hydro, Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans (hydrographic surveying) and Ontario Hydro, and having worked for land development and construction companies means Neil is well-versed in both how government organizations operate and the private sector works.
Neil maintains a dedicated practice of Yoga and enjoys golfing, travelling, and spending time with his family when not at Runnalls Denby.
Education
B.C. INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Diploma of Surveying Technology, 1989
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
BSc, Survey Engineering, 1992
Commission # 785
Partner
Rob Macdonald, BCLS
Born and raised in Nelson BC, Rob moved to Kelowna and joined Runnalls Denby as a partner in 2016. Having previously worked in Alberta, the East and West Kootenays, the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan for over 18 years on large land development projects, Rob brings a wealth of knowledge to Runnalls Denby Land Surveying.
Rob helps clients move their land development projects, big or small, smoothly from the conceptual stage to completion. He is proficient in survey calculations, legal survey research and planning, drafting, strata developments and construction survey layout. His past work on a variety of projects ranging from residential to transportation-based gives Rob a broad background to draw upon.
Rob enjoys working directly with customers building their own homes or with developers creating strata’s and subdivisions.
When not at work you can find Rob on the golf course, tennis or squash court, or travelling somewhere warm.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
BA, Geography, 1999
B.C. INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Diploma of Surveying Technology, 2003
Commission #873
Partner
Jen Ashton, BCLS, P.Eng.
Jen joined the Runnalls Denby team in 2022 and brings with her over 15 years of experience in the East and West Kootenays as well as time spent working in Melbourne’s downtown core and on high-accuracy construction projects across remote parts of Australia.
With a depth of experience both in the field and the office to draw from, Jen is comfortable with small and large-scale land development projects, as well as the field processes required to deliver accurate survey layouts on high-tolerance construction projects. Organized, personable, and experienced Jen efficiently assists clients in all required survey aspects for the timely completion of projects.
When not at work you’ll find Jen at the ski hill, riding her mountain bike, camping or on a hiking trail with her family.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
Bachelor of Geomatic Engineering (Hons), 2007
Bachelor of Science (Geography), 2007
Commission #984
Peter Goodier, BCLS, CLS
Peter’s first experience with land surveying involved assisting a field crew on a two-week project in the mountains above the Pemberton Valley. He enjoyed the experience so much that he enrolled in a Geomatics Technology program a few months later. Peter has surveyed in California, on the Sunshine Coast, and in the West Kootenays, where he has lived since 2008. Peter’s favourite aspect of land surveying has been the opportunity to work in interesting and out-of-the-way areas of the Province.
Peter obtained his BC commission in 2008, his commission with the Association of Canada land surveyors in 2013, and joined Runnalls Denby in 2023 after a nine-year stint working for the Association of BC land surveyors. Peter’s competencies include legal survey research, calculations, drafting, strata surveys and construction surveys. He lives and works in Nelson.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA
BA, History 1996
B.C. INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Bachelor of Technology Geomatics, 2006
Commission #829
Contact us Today
At Runnalls Denby we know that finding the right survey team to assist you is not a choice to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.