Our Team

What sets us apart is our tenant-centered approach. We customize our services to each individual, taking time to understand their needs and desires while supporting positive outcomes alongside redevelopment. Our team of five brings together diverse skills to deliver thoughtful and efficient tenant supports.

James Tod

In 2020, James founded Sommerville Community Relations with a vision to build a team focused entirely on tenant supports during redevelopment. His work centres on policy advancement and collaboration with stakeholders in our community to strengthen tenant supports.

Founder & Director of Engagement

Matthew Thiesen

Matthew is managing partner at Sommerville Community Relations, with a focus on operationalizing tenant relocation plans and overseeing day-to-day project operations, supporting projects and tenants through clear coordination and consistent follow-through. Outside of the day-to-day he advocates for the advancement of tenant protections in policy and by-law.

Managing Partner

Appreciation & What People Are Saying

  • "I absolutely appreciate every single step of the way that the team did in assisting me and others too!"

    — Vancouver Tenant, Broadway Plan & TRPP

  • “I am writing this email as a ty for the excellent service that we received from Sommerville. As you can imagine this was a very stressful time and could have been very hard on my family but it was ok thanks to the tireless effort the Sommerville team put into it finding place after place making appointments for us and finally finding us a new home . I must say I have not often had any service as good they went above and beyond being available on weekend and whenever I needed it. Even on Sun morning present and polite checking in on us to make sure everything was in order. That kind of service is way beyond what I expect nowadays and very refreshing.”

    — Surrey Tenant, O-61 Tenant Policy

  • "I wanted to specifically thank the team for their efforts in helping us with the whole process. They were always patient, helpful, and had all the information we needed. Without them, things would have been much more difficult."

    — Burnaby Tenant, Tenant Assistance Policy

  • "Sommerville is the conscience of our project."

    — Applicant, Broadway Plan & TRPP

  • "I am very happy and can't express my gratitude enough to both of you. Thank you so much for finding us such a great place and all the works you've done to make this happen. You're passionate, very responsive and patient during the whole process. I'm glad to know you guys and have you as our relocation consultants."

    — Burnaby Tenant, TAP

  • "I'm glad I chose to have you and Sommerville and the foundation help with this move it's not at all stressful!!"

    — Vancouver Tenant, TRPP

  • "I just wanted to send my note of appreciation in case I don't see you when you're here tomorrow talking to my mom"

    — Surrey Tenant, O-61 Tenant Policy

  • "Thank you again to you and your team for all your support throughout the process and for getting this completed. You guys ROCK!"

    — Vancouver Tenant, Broadway Plan & TRPP