TDB Consultants Inc., a leading land resource management firm based in Prince George, has acquired NorCan Consulting Ltd., an archaeology and heritage consulting company serving Western Canada. The acquisition was finalized in June 2025.
Both consulting firms have been established leaders in their respective fields — resource management and archaeological consulting—across northern British Columbia.
The acquisition aims to expand the companies’ service offerings to more diverse areas, while remaining rooted in the strong local relationships built over the past 35 years with First Nations, government agencies and industry partners.
Dick Mynen, CGS, president and CEO of TDB Consultants Inc., and Normand Canuel, president and senior archaeologist at NorCan, have each worked in the field for more than 30 years. Their firms have long shared similar foundations, clients and values.
Those clients include, but are not limited to, the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, Canfor, Dunkley Lumber, Lakeland Mills and the provincial government.
“This new partnership means nothing but good things for the North,” said Mynen. “Among the benefits are a greater local presence with no interruptions to current service, a ‘one-stop shop’ combining archaeological assessments, land management, forestry and geomatics, and continued growth for our staff.”
Canuel spoke with The Citizen about why this was the right time to partner with TDB.
“The quickest way for me to say anything is I’m turning 70 next week,” said Canuel. “My goal for the past four or five years has been to find another company to either partner with or to take over NorCan — one that values the team I’ve built, operates in a similar field, and isn’t a direct competitor.
“Knowing what TDB does, and knowing what we’ve done at NorCan, the combination is a great opportunity. We’re not competing — we can collaborate on multiple contracts. We’ll stay independent, but work together.”
Mynen added that the benefits go beyond the companies themselves.
“I think it will provide stability in the sector,” he said. “We’re here for the long term, both TDB and NorCan. We continue to believe in the North and its ongoing resource developments. This partnership strengthens existing capacity and provides security for workers in a turbulent time.”
The firms bring together a unique mix of disciplines including archaeology, mining, energy, renewables, geomatics, forest management and cultural heritage.
“There’s a growing need for integrated management,” said Canuel. “Whether it’s environmental studies, road or rail development, timber cruising or archaeology, it’s all interconnected. Even for a subdivision, you need comprehensive knowledge.
“Combining our forces is a real positive. It gives NorCan staff the chance to learn about forestry and infrastructure, and it helps forestry and land managers understand the importance of protecting cultural and archaeological resources.”
Mynen said the integration of services also benefits clients.
“We’re all about adding value,” he said. “This merger allows us to do that through logistics improvements and by strengthening NorthCan’s already impressive management team. Their deep experience and industry commitment made the partnership a natural fit. We believe this will bring measurable value to our clients.”
Although the partnership is still in its early stages, clients can already expect to see expanded services.
“We’re working alongside other groups, including First Nations, to find new ways of managing resources as a team,” said Canuel. “It’s a long process, but with both companies bringing different strengths and opportunities, we’re positioned to offer even more to prospective clients — especially as the landscape shifts with increased Indigenous involvement.”
Mynen said he is optimistic not only for the future of the companies, but for the entire region.
“These are exciting times, not just for us but for all of northern BC,” he said. “It’s always been an exciting industry, but now it feels even better.”
Canuel echoed that sentiment and said the combined company is ready to grow.
“One thing our clients and the community should know is that our quality isn’t going to change,” he said. “We’re growing, and we’re only going to get better.”
