News and Announcements

We are pleased to announce that Andrew Grunda has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. This appointment is a significant milestone in our firm's journey towards continued growth and evolution.

Andrew has been a pivotal figure in our organization with more than 28 years of experience in the industry. Since 2012, he has served as the firm’s Principal, and his leadership has been crucial in advancing our mission. Under his guidance, we have fostered a strong corporate culture that nurtures talent and delivers innovative solutions and expert economic consulting services to our public sector clients.

We are confident that Andrew's vision and leadership will drive Watson to even greater heights. Please join us in congratulating Andrew on this well-deserved promotion.

Exciting News!

The Ontario government has announced a $1.3 billion investment to support new school buildings, expansions, and renovations across the Province.  This funding will create more than 25,000 new student spaces and over 1,600 new licensed child care spaces in 23 school boards.

Watson is proud to have assisted school boards that accounted for 50% of all successful business cases! 

Effective January 1, 2024, we are pleased to announce that Daryl Abbs has been invited to join the partnership at Watson & Associates Economists Ltd.

Daryl has been with the firm since 2015 and during his years of service has made significant contributions to the firm and its clients.  Daryl operates within Watson’s Municipal Finance Group specializing in all aspects of local government finance.

We are excited to welcome Daryl as the firm’s newest partner and look forward to his continued commitment to providing our clients with quality advisory services.

After 35 years with the firm, Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. is announcing the retirement of Gary Scandlan, Managing Partner, effective at the end of this year.  During his tenure as a Partner, the firm has experienced considerable growth and navigated significant changes and advancements. 

Gary’s distinguished career spans 45 years working in the municipal sector, including 10 years with the Regions of Hamilton-Wentworth and Halton.  He has been a leader in municipal finance in Ontario and across Canada, focusing his attention on development charges, water, wastewater and stormwater rates, the fiscal impacts of growth, municipal service delivery, and developer agreement negotiations.  His involvement in legislative matters and his participation in many provincial committees has led him to be an expert witness at approximately 50 tribunals over his career. 

Gary has been an important member of our firm for many years, and he has certainly left an indelible mark on the organization.  As he embarks on his retirement, Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. salutes him for his illustrious career in municipal finance and thanks him for his substantial contributions and commitment to the firm’s success.

Sean-Michael Stephen, Managing Partner

Effective January 1, 2022, we are pleased to announce that Sean-Michael Stephen has been invited to join the partnership at Watson & Associates Economists Ltd.

Sean-Michael has been with the firm since 2014 and during his years of service has made significant contributions to the firm and its clients.  Sean-Michael operates within Watson’s Municipal Finance Group specializing in all aspects of local government finance and leads the Conservation Authority consulting practice.

Peter Simcisko, Managing Partner

Effective January 1, 2021, we are pleased to announce that Peter Simcisko has been invited to join the partnership at Watson & Associates Economists Ltd.

Peter has been with the firm since 2013 and during his years of service has made significant contributions to the firm and its clients...

Watson has refreshed its brand, and we are excited to launch it with our community of clients and partners! Our established logo holds a lot of equity with our internal and external audiences. We wanted to stay true to those roots while aligning our...