District of North Saanich
Website Redesign
A comprehensive proposal for modernizing North Saanich's digital presence—creating an accessible, WCAG 2.2 AA compliant, and community-focused website that serves all residents effectively.
Submitted By
L&H Web Solutions
Submission Date
December 12, 2025
Proposal Valid Until
March 12, 2026
Your New Website — Live Demo
We've built a fully functional prototype to demonstrate our vision for North Saanich's digital presence.
Drupal CMS Integrated
Full CMS backend included. Staff can edit content, manage pages, and publish updates.
WCAG 2.2 AA Compliant
Full accessibility with keyboard navigation, screen reader support, and high contrast.
Mobile-First Design
Responsive layout optimized for all devices.
Sub-2 Second Load
Optimized performance with Next.js and modern image delivery.
Letter of Introduction
L&H Web Solutions
December 12, 2025
Dan Moreton
Procurement Coordinator
District of North Saanich
purchasing@northsaanich.ca
Re: RFP 2025-01-CS - Website Redesign Proposal
Dear Mr. Moreton,
Thank you for the opportunity to propose on the District of North Saanich's website redesign.
I'm Lina, Project Lead at L&H Web Solutions. My team has built some fairly demanding systems over the years, including control tower software for airports like Hong Kong International and New York JFK, healthcare management platforms, and business systems with payment processing and multi-user environments. The kind of projects where reliability and precision aren't negotiable.
This project isn't just a visual refresh. You need a complete rebuild: new information architecture, full WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility compliance, modern CMS implementation, meeting and payment integrations, and a system your staff can confidently maintain long-term. We understand that. I've delivered similar solutions in environments with complex workflows and high expectations.
Our Technical Lead, Hugo, manages infrastructure for MTW Services, which works closely with government bodies. He built their website where multiple staff collaborate on essentially the same multi-editor environment the District requires. I've delivered complex management platforms including Yosrart Art School's system (Stripe payment processing, instructor dashboards, student management, role-based permissions) and previously worked in cybersecurity roles at Nokia, a large telecom company, which makes me acutely aware of the security threats and protections a municipal website needs.
One practical detail: while our office is in Ottawa, our workday is flexible, meaning we can align to Pacific Time business hours (9 AM–5 PM PST) for North Saanich project communications, so we're available when you need us. Full team details, references, and portfolio links are provided in Section 05.
We'd be honored to partner with the District of North Saanich on this project. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Best regards,
Understanding of Project Requirements
A comprehensive analysis of the District's needs based on our thorough review of RFP 2025-01-CS and assessment of the current website.
The District of North Saanich is seeking a full redesign of its corporate website (northsaanich.ca) to strengthen service delivery, improve citizen access to information, modernize the visual identity, and ensure full compliance with accessibility and privacy standards.
From our review of the RFP and our assessment of the District's current website, we understand this project is not simply a visual refresh—but a complete redevelopment of the website's information architecture, user experience, technical infrastructure, and long-term maintainability. The RFP clearly identifies specific technical requirements, integration needs, security standards, and ongoing support expectations that form the foundation of this project.
Current Website Challenges (As Identified in RFP)
Navigation is difficult for both new and returning visitors
Accessibility compliance does not meet WCAG 2.2 AA standards
Key services and high-traffic tasks are not easily discoverable
The mobile experience is limited
Search functionality does not support task-driven lookup
Policies, bylaws, and meeting information are hard to browse
The homepage layout is cluttered and visually dated
The meeting portal is not user-friendly and lacks clarity
RFP Requirements & Project Objectives
1. Improve User Experience & Usability
- Intuitive navigation and reconfigured menu structure
- Modern, visually appealing design using staff-provided images
- Clear presentation of key citizen services (payments, permits, meetings)
- Search tools including general search and 'I Want To' search functionality
- Flexible page layouts and design components that staff can update
2. Accessibility, Compliance & Device Optimization
- Meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility standards where possible
- Accessible design features for all users
- Full mobile device optimization and responsive design
- Compatible with all major browsers (Edge, Chrome, Safari, Firefox)
- FOIPPA compliance with Canadian data residency
3. Compatibility with Existing Municipal Tools
- Seamless integration with iCompass for meeting management
- Integration with Vadim for online payment services
- Templates for pages hosted by related systems
- Coordination with District's IT contractor for third-party integrations
4. Security, Authentication & Backup Requirements
- Full HTTPS security across entire site
- Premium security plugins (e.g., Wordfence Premium)
- Hidden or obscured login screen
- MFA enforced for all CMS and hosting control panel logins
- Unique credentials for all control panel access
- External Web Application Firewall (WAF)
- Daily offsite backups stored for minimum of 30 days
- 24/7 reachability for critical issues (downtime, security incidents)
5. Technical & CMS Platform Requirements
- Built on open, well-supported CMS (WordPress, Drupal, or equivalent)
- Easy for District staff to update and maintain content
- Modern, maintainable technology stack
- Regular security updates and patching (critical updates within 24 hours)
- Printer-friendly page layouts
6. Forms, Communication Tools & Integrations
- Forms with reCAPTCHA protection (CMS-based or FormAssembly/Formstack)
- Email subscription tools for residents
- Emergency alert banner system
- Social media embeds as needed
- Option for users to sign up for page change notifications
- Tools to showcase projects with engagement/feedback capabilities
7. Content Migration & Site Transition
- Content inventory and mapping from old to new structure
- Assisted migration of content from current to new site
- Clear explanation of migration costs
- Ability to keep current site fully functional during migration
Training & Post-Launch Support
- Editor and administrator training for three staff members
- Both live training sessions and recorded sessions for future reference
- Customer support included at no added cost for six months after launch
- Clear explanation of ongoing support options and annual costs, including hosting
Cost & Transparency Requirements
- Hourly rates for each team member and all sub-consultants
- Number of hours anticipated for each team member
- Total upset price (maximum fee)
- Clear breakdown of upfront, annual, and optional costs
- Separate costing for any recommendations beyond current scope
Our Understanding Summary
This project is a full-scale redevelopment combining user experience improvements, accessibility modernization, technical platform migration, security hardening, content migration, and staff enablement. The District requires a website that is not only visually modern but also technically robust, fully accessible, easy for staff to maintain, and compatible with existing municipal systems (iCompass and Vadim).
Having successfully delivered similar projects for healthcare platforms like Oryx Medical and educational institutions like Yosrart Art School, and having studied extensively from BC municipal sites including sidney.ca, sooke.ca, and saanich.ca, our team understands both the technical requirements specified in this RFP and the operational realities of municipal web management. We're prepared to address every requirement outlined in the Scope of Work with our proven methodology and experienced team.
Methodology & Proposed Solutions
Our project methodology and proposed solutions to address each element of the Scope of Work, informed by best practices from similar municipal websites.
1. Platform & Technical Foundation
CMS Platform: Drupal (Fully Self Hosted on Canadian Servers)
Enterprise-Grade Open-Source CMS
Drupal is a fully open-source, enterprise-level CMS used by governments across Canada due to its strong security model, scalability, and long-term stability. It is completely self hosted, giving the District full control of all data, all code, and all infrastructure. Drupal is ideal for large content teams, complex page hierarchies, and municipal workflow requirements.
Our recommended deployment includes hosting on Canadian servers to meet data residency requirements and internal IT policies.
If the District prefers WordPress or a modern headless alternative, we are prepared to build with those platforms as well. Our recommendation is based on long-term stability and governance needs.
Why We Recommend Drupal
- • Mature Security Model: Trusted by Government of Canada and BC municipalities
- • Full Self Hosting: All data and code reside on Canadian servers
- • 2-Factor Authentication: Enforced through Drupal's core authentication system
- • Extremely Scalable: Designed for hundreds or thousands of pages
- • Stable for 10+ Years: Designed for long-lifecycle public sector sites
- • Powerful Workflow: Drafts, moderation, reviews, and role-based access
- • Rich Ecosystem: Over 10,000 open-source modules, no vendor lock-in
- • Editor Friendly: Layout Builder, drag and drop editing, flexible page tools
Technology Foundation
- • Open Source: No licensing fees, full control, long-term independence
- • Proven in Government: Used by municipalities, universities, and federal agencies
- • Role Based Access: Two or more permission levels fully supported
- • Complex Hierarchy Support: 300+ pages, deep nesting, structured navigation
- • Automatic Navigation: Breadcrumbs, side navigation, and menus update automatically
- • Form Building: Webform module handles advanced forms, reCAPTCHA, conditional logic
- • Reusable Components: Custom blocks, global elements, templates
- • Developer Availability: Large talent pool familiar with Drupal
Security & Compliance
- • Full HTTPS/SSL encryption
- • FOIPPA-compliant Canadian hosting (AWS ca-central-1)
- • Critical security patches within 24 hours
- • Regular dependency updates and security audits
Technical Standards
- • Mobile-first responsive design
- • Cross-browser compatibility (Edge, Chrome, Safari, Firefox)
- • Latest Node.js LTS with TypeScript
- • Clean, semantic HTML5 with React/Next.js
2. Design, Usability & Accessibility
Our design prioritizes task completion over information display. Residents visit to pay taxes, find meeting agendas, or check bylaws—our architecture surfaces these pathways immediately.
Navigation & Search
- • 3-tiered navigation: Primary departments, Quick Links, Contextual breadcrumbs
- • "I Want To..." task bar for common actions
- • AI-powered search with predictive suggestions
- • Mega menu (desktop), slide-out (mobile)
WCAG 2.2 AA Compliance
- • Full compliance at launch (not phased)
- • Keyboard navigation for all elements
- • Screen reader testing: NVDA, VoiceOver, JAWS
- • 4.5:1 minimum color contrast
Accessibility Testing Protocol
Testing Leadership:
Saad M. leads all accessibility audits, ensuring compliance with WCAG 2.2 AA standards through rigorous testing protocols. His experience at Goldman Sachs and American Express in highly critical production environments ensures enterprise-grade quality standards.
Automated Testing:
- axe DevTools: Automated accessibility scanning during development
- WAVE: Web accessibility evaluation tool for comprehensive audits
- Lighthouse: Performance and accessibility scoring (target: 95+ accessibility score)
Manual Testing:
- Keyboard Navigation: All pages tested with keyboard-only navigation (Tab, Enter, Arrow keys, Escape)
- Screen Reader Testing: NVDA on Windows, VoiceOver on Mac/iOS, JAWS validation for Windows users
- Focus Indicators: Visual focus states tested for all interactive elements
- Color Contrast: All text/background combinations verified against WCAG 2.2 AA standards
User Testing:
Minimum 2 sessions with residents using assistive technologies (if District can facilitate). This real-world testing ensures the site works for actual users, not just compliance checkboxes.
Third-Party Validation:
Optional external WCAG audit by certified firm available for $2,500. We recommend this for additional assurance, though our internal testing meets all compliance requirements.
3. Forms, Communications & Integrations
Forms & Engagement
- • Built-in Drupal forms with reCAPTCHA v3
- • PDF/paper form conversion to web forms
- • Workflow automation for approvals
- • Emergency alert banner system
Third-Party Integrations
- • iCompass (meeting agendas, minutes)
- • Vadim (property tax/payment)
- • Mailchimp (District's current platform)
- • RSS feeds for news distribution
Integration Experience & Technical Approach
Team Integration Expertise
Our team has successfully integrated complex third-party systems across multiple production platforms. Miguel leads integration architecture and testing, with proven expertise in:
- Payment Gateway Integration: Stripe integration for Yosrart Art School (PCI-DSS compliant, multi-currency support)
- REST API Integration: Secure authentication, rate limiting, error handling, and real-time data synchronization
- Webhook Processing: Event-driven architecture for payment confirmations and system notifications
- Iframe Embedding: Secure third-party portal embedding with proper sandboxing and CSP headers
- Multi-System Architecture: Experience coordinating multiple integrated services in production environments
iCompass & Vadim Integration Approach
- Early Engagement: Initial API discovery and documentation review in Week 1 of development phase, with early contact to iCompass/Vadim support teams
- Sandbox Testing: Sandbox environment setup for thorough testing before production deployment
- Secure Implementation: Secure credential management using AWS Secrets Manager, following best practices for government systems
- Robust Error Handling: Error handling and fallback mechanisms for API downtime scenarios
- Performance Optimization: Performance optimization to ensure integrations don't impact page load times
- Comprehensive Testing: Extensive testing with District staff during QA phase, including integration-specific test scenarios
- Vendor Support: Leveraging iCompass and Vadim's technical support resources throughout integration
4. Security, Authentication & Backup
Access Control
- • MFA required for all Drupal admin users
- • Custom admin URL (not default /admin path)
- • Role-based access control with granular permissions
- • Session timeout enforcement
Infrastructure
- • External WAF (AWS WAF) — network-level protection
- • DDoS protection (AWS Shield)
- • Third-party penetration test pre-launch
- • Canadian data residency required
Backup & Recovery
- • Daily automated backups with 60-day retention
- • Monthly backup restoration testing to verify integrity
- • Multi-region hosting (Vancouver + Montreal) for redundancy
- • District notified immediately of any critical incidents
5. Content Migration Strategy
Content Migration Scope
Migration Process
- • Complete content inventory (proponent-led)
- • Quality assessment (keep/revise/archive)
- • URL redirect mapping for SEO preservation
- • Up to 300 pages in base scope
Zero-Downtime Launch
- • Current site fully functional throughout
- • Parallel development on staging
- • DNS cutover during low-traffic window
- • Immediate rollback capability
Strategy & Schedule
A structured, phase-driven methodology with clear team assignments, ensuring capacity, accountability, and timely completion.
Project Timeline
Work Begins
February 2, 2026
Project Completion
August 28, 2026
Total Team Hours
394-589 hours
This 6-month schedule includes 4 team members working in parallel where appropriate. Each phase has dedicated specialists with overlapping skills for redundancy. The hour range (394-589) reflects our detailed task analysis, with flexibility built in to absorb scope adjustments.
Resource Allocation & Team Capacity
North Saanich will be our primary engagement during February 2026 - August 2026. Team members work on this project alongside maintaining expertise through select other work. Below is our weekly hour commitment per team member:
| Team Member | Weekly Hours | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Lina M. | 7-11 hrs/week | Project management, IA/UX design, visual design |
| Hugo B. | 6-9 hrs/week | Technical architecture, CMS setup, infrastructure |
| Saad M. | 4-6 hrs/week | Accessibility audits, UX research, testing |
| Miguel | 6-9 hrs/week | API integrations, backend development, content migration |
| Total | ~15-23 hrs/week | Flexible based on phase requirements |
Remote Collaboration Approach
Communication Structure:
- Bi-weekly video check-ins during Pacific Time business hours (9 AM - 5 PM PST)
- Shared Slack/Teams channel for real-time communication
- Project dashboard (updated daily) for transparency on progress and hours
- All team members operate on Pacific Time business hours for North Saanich project communications
While our office is in Ottawa, we've successfully delivered projects across Canada by structuring our workday around client time zones.
Change Order Management
We maintain complete transparency throughout the project. All scope changes require written approval before work begins.
Change Request Process:
- Change requests submitted via shared project tracker (Asana/Basecamp)
- Estimated hours and cost impact provided within 2 business days
- District approves/rejects before implementation
- Work begins only after written approval
Budget Tracking:
- Monthly budget tracking reports show hours used vs. remaining
- Real-time dashboard accessible to District project team
- No surprise invoices—complete transparency on all costs
- Early warning alerts when approaching phase budget limits
Project Initiation & Discovery
Feb 2026
Objective: Establish clear expectations, confirm project scope, gather information, and set the foundation for all subsequent work.
Key Activities
- •Kickoff meeting with District project team
- •Stakeholder interviews (communications, administration, IT, content owners)
- •User testing sessions with internal staff and small group of residents
- •Review of project goals, pain points, and priorities
- •Review of Google Analytics data (provided by District post-award)
- •Technical environment confirmation (Drupal CMS, Next.js, hosting, integrations)
- •Identification of key service workflows (payments, permits, public notices)
- •Full content inventory creation (proponent-led with staff support)
- •Review of District records retention policies for migration planning
Deliverables
- Discovery Report (summary of insights, requirements, risks)
- User Research Summary (top tasks, pain points, navigation insights)
- Complete content inventory document
- Initial IA & Navigation Blueprint
- Confirmed project schedule and communication structure
- Stakeholder interview summary
Information Architecture & UX Design
Feb – Mar 2026
Objective: Redesign the site's structure, navigation, and top-level UX patterns to ensure citizens can easily find key services.
Key Activities
- •Full content inventory and mapping
- •Consolidation and simplification of navigation categories
- •Development of task-based "I Want To…" structure
- •Wireframes for all core templates (homepage, services, news, bylaws, meetings)
- •WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility review of IA patterns
- •Feedback loop with staff committee
- •User testing with representative residents (optional)
Deliverables
- Finalized IA & Navigation Structure
- Wireframes for all major page templates
- UX specifications and interaction patterns
- Content migration mapping document
Visual Design & Component System
Apr 2026
Objective: Create a modern visual identity and reusable component library consistent with WCAG 2.2 AA standards.
Key Activities
- •Development of visual mockups for homepage and internal pages
- •Integration of staff-provided images and brand elements
- •Creation of component-based design system (headers, cards, forms, alerts, tables)
- •Printer-friendly layout design
- •Accessibility audit of color contrast, legibility, and UI elements
- •Mobile and tablet responsive design variants
Deliverables
- Two (2) design concepts for District selection
- Final approved design system and style guide
- Responsive mockups for key templates (desktop, mobile, tablet)
- Accessibility compliance checklist (Phase 1)
Technical Development & Template Implementation
Apr – Jun 2026
Objective: Build the CMS, templates, navigation, accessibility features, and integrations in a secure and scalable environment.
Key Activities
- •Drupal CMS configuration and Next.js setup
- •Homepage and service page template development
- •Meeting/agenda integration templates (iCompass)
- •Vadim property tax/payment integration
- •"I Want To" task navigation module
- •Emergency alert banner system with multi-channel notification support
- •Smart search implementation with AI-powered predictive suggestions
- •Security hardening (MFA, WAF, custom admin URL)
- •Performance optimization and caching
- •Google Analytics 4 implementation
Deliverables
- Fully built Drupal CMS + Next.js site in staging environment
- All templates and components installed
- All accessibility and security features implemented
- Integration testing complete (iCompass, Vadim)
- Emergency alert system tested and documented
- Staging site access for District review
Content Migration & QA Testing
Jun – Jul 2026
Objective: Populate the new website with reviewed, accessible content and conduct full QA, accessibility, and integration testing.
Key Activities
- •Full content migration as-is (District handles any rewriting)
- •Content reformatting for accessibility and readability
- •Verification of all links, files, PDFs, and external connections
- •Functional QA: forms, buttons, search, alerts, navigation
- •Cross-platform testing: desktop, mobile, tablet, all major browsers
- •Accessibility testing: WCAG 2.2 AA audit, NVDA, VoiceOver, JAWS screen readers
- •Third-party security penetration test
- •Performance testing and optimization
- •URL redirect mapping and implementation
Deliverables
- Fully migrated staging site
- QA Report (bugs found and resolved)
- WCAG 2.2 AA Compliance Audit Report
- Third-party penetration test report
- Performance benchmark report
- Redirect and launch readiness plan
Staff Training & Final Adjustments
Jul – Aug 2026
Objective: Ensure staff can confidently manage the website and finalize the site for launch.
Key Activities
- •Setup of training sandbox environment (duplicate site for practice)
- •Live training for 3 District staff (editors + administrators)
- •Delivery of recorded training modules
- •Creation of documentation (editor guides, content workflows, user-role definitions)
- •Final styling adjustments and content edits
- •Performance optimization and caching configuration
- •Final WAF and security configuration review
- •Pre-launch checklist completion
Deliverables
- Training sandbox environment (safe practice site)
- Training sessions (live + recorded)
- Administrator and editor manuals
- Quick-reference cards
- Updated staging site ready for launch
Launch & Post-Launch Support
Aug 2026
Objective: Deploy the new website, ensure a seamless transition, and provide support during the initial launch window.
Key Activities
- •Final pre-launch review meeting
- •Launch during approved window with zero downtime
- •DNS cutover and SSL verification
- •Monitor site performance and error logs
- •Validate all redirects, forms, and integrations
- •Provide priority support during stabilization period
- •Begin six-month no-cost support cycle
Deliverables
- Official site launch
- Launch validation report
- Redirect verification report
- Six-month maintenance plan
- Emergency contact procedures
Our Approach to Timeline Management
Parallel Workstreams: IA, design, and content planning progress simultaneously where dependencies allow, maximizing efficiency without rushing decisions.
Built-in Buffer: Phase 5 (Migration & QA) includes 2 weeks of contingency time to absorb delays from earlier phases without impacting launch.
Clear Review Windows: Every phase includes dedicated District review time. We don't proceed until you approve.
Transparent Progress: Bi-weekly status meetings, staging site access, and a live progress dashboard keep everyone aligned.
Experience, References & Portfolio
Team qualifications, project history, and links to recently designed websites. Specializing in accessible, secure platforms for organizations serving diverse communities.
Project Team
Each member is allocated dedicated hours weekly to this project, ensuring consistent progress.
Lina M.
Co-Founder & Project Lead
Computer Science graduate from uOttawa. Software Engineer at Searidge Technologies (airport control tower software - Hong Kong International, JFK). Frontend Developer at Nokia. Led business platform development for Yosrart Art School (Stripe payments, multi-role CMS) and Oryx Medical's healthcare platform. Specializes in frontend architecture, accessibility, and project management.
Hugo B.
Co-Founder & Technical Lead
Computer Engineering graduate from uOttawa. Manages infrastructure for MTW Services (multi-editor environment). Expert in various CMS integration, server optimization and AWS infrastructure.
Saad M.
Accessibility & Backend Specialist
Engineering background with experience at Goldman Sachs and American Express in highly critical production environments. Expert in accessibility compliance, screen reader testing, keyboard navigation, and building accessible web applications for regulated industries.
Miguel
Full-Stack & Integration Specialist
Computer Engineering graduate from uOttawa. Full-stack developer specializing in API integrations, payment gateways, and frontend-backend coordination. Led integration testing and deployment for complex platforms requiring secure third-party connections.
Transferable Expertise to Municipal Projects
While our portfolio includes education and healthcare platforms rather than municipal websites, the core competencies required are identical:
Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration:
Yosrart Art School required coordinating content from 8+ instructors, similar to municipal departments. Our experience managing multiple content contributors translates directly to municipal multi-department workflows.
Payment Integration Security:
Oryx Medical processes sensitive healthcare payments under HIPAA-equivalent standards, same rigor required for property tax payments. Miguel's experience with secure payment gateways ensures Vadim integration meets all security requirements.
Regulatory Compliance:
Healthcare platforms must meet strict privacy laws (PHIPA), transferable to FOIPPA requirements. Our team understands the importance of data residency, access controls, and audit trails required for government systems.
Public-Facing Accessibility:
Yosrart serves diverse learners including accessibility needs, same inclusive design principles for municipal residents. Saad's experience at Goldman Sachs and American Express in highly critical production environments ensures enterprise-grade accessibility standards.
Hugo's Government Contract Experience:
Partnered with Majd Saaloukeh at MTW Services on government contracts requiring strict public sector security and compliance standards. Hugo's work at MTW Services included public sector clients requiring compliance with government data residency and security standards, with Hugo architecting secure multi-tenant systems for regulated environments.
Municipal websites require expertise in accessibility, security, payment processing, and multi-user content management, domains where our team has proven delivery capability.
References
MTW Services
Hi, I'm Majd from MTW Services and wanted to share our experience working with L&H Web Solutions. Hugo and Lina handled our website, our fleet management tool, and several custom features we specifically asked for, including an estimate calculator fleet manager, and a blog post manager.
Majd Saaloukeh, Co-Founder
Final product
ViewYosrart Art School
I am Yosra Ben Mbarka, artist, teacher, and founder of Yosrart Art School. I would like to share my experience with L&H Web Solutions, who created the website for my school. Working with Lina was an excellent experience. From the very beginning of the project, she understood my needs, the universe of my school, and the professional image I wanted to convey.
Yosra Ben Mbarka, Artiste, Enseignante et Fondatrice
Final product
ViewOryx Medical
I'm writing this reference as Co-Founder of Oryx Medical. L&H Web Solutions developed our AI patient assistance platform that's now operating in several clinics across Dubai. Working with this team was honestly a relief. From our first meetings, they understood what we were trying to accomplish.
Maha Khamlichi, Co-Founder
Final product
ViewCredentials & Insurance
Professional Liability Insurance:
- Coverage: $2,000,000
- Certificate available upon request
Background Checks:
All team members: Security clearance available for District verification upon request.
Risk Mitigation & Business Continuity
Team Redundancy:
- Every critical skill covered by 2+ team members
- Lina & Hugo: Both full-stack, can cover development
- Lina & Saad: Both handle UX/IA
- Hugo & Miguel: Both handle integrations
If Team Member Becomes Unavailable:
- All project documentation in shared repository
- No single point of failure for any deliverable
- Standard technologies (Next.js, Drupal) = easy contractor handoff
Code & Asset Ownership:
- District owns all code, designs, and content
- Repository access provided from day one
- No proprietary dependencies
- Any developer can continue work if needed
Worst-Case Scenario Protection:
- All work tracked in Git with detailed commit history
- Complete technical documentation delivered at each phase
- CMS training enables District to self-manage content
Fee Schedule
Transparent pricing with detailed task breakdown, hour estimates, and rate calculations.
Estimated Investment Range
Based on detailed task analysis per RFP 2025-01-CS
CAD + applicable taxes (at $110/hr)
We provide a range estimate to be transparent about project complexity. Low range assumes efficient workflows; high range accounts for additional revision cycles and complexity.
Detailed Task Breakdown by Phase
| Task | Low Hrs | High Hrs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Initiation & Discovery | |||
| Project Kick-off & Mgmt Setup | 7 | 9 | |
| Technical Environment Audit | 4 | 7 | |
| Content Inventory & IA Strategy | 11 | 15 | |
| Discovery Report Generation | 7 | 9 | |
| Phase Subtotal | 29 | 40 | |
| 2. IA & UX Design | |||
| Sitemap & Navigation Structure | 9 | 13 | |
| Wireframing (4 Core Templates) | 28 | 44 | |
| Accessibility Planning (WCAG Pre-check) | 4 | 7 | |
| District Staff Meetings | 7 | 11 | |
| Phase Subtotal | 48 | 75 | |
| 3. Visual Design | |||
| Visual Mockups (2 Concepts) | 22 | 33 | |
| Component System Design | 22 | 33 | |
| Mobile & Tablet Variants | 11 | 17 | |
| Accessibility Contrast Audit | 4 | 7 | |
| Phase Subtotal | 59 | 90 | |
| 4. Technical Development | |||
| CMS Schema Setup (Drupal CMS) | 44 | 66 | |
| Next.js Frontend Build | 44 | 66 | |
| Project Showcase Module | 9 | 13 | |
| Search Implementation | 9 | 13 | |
| Vadim/iCompass Integration Wrappers | 22 | 33 | |
| Forms & Alert Banners | 11 | 15 | |
| Printing Format Presets (CSS) | 7 | 9 | |
| Security & MFA Setup | 6 | 9 | |
| 24/7 Monitoring Setup | 2 | 4 | |
| Phase Subtotal | 154 | 228 | |
| 5. Migration & QA | |||
| Content Migration (150 pages) | 44 | 66 | |
| Site-wide WCAG 2.2 AA Accessibility Audit | 17 | 22 | |
| Cross-Browser/Device Testing | 11 | 17 | |
| Redirect Mapping (SEO Preservation) | 6 | 9 | |
| Phase Subtotal | 78 | 114 | |
| 6. Training & Launch | |||
| Documentation (Editor Guide) | 9 | 13 | |
| Training Sessions (Live + Recorded) | 7 | 9 | |
| Launch Day Execution | 6 | 9 | |
| Post-Launch Stabilization | 6 | 11 | |
| Phase Subtotal | 28 | 42 | |
| TOTAL HOURS | 394 | 589 | |
Total Upset Cost
Maximum fee calculated using high range hours at $110/hr blended rate.
Based on 589 hours (high range)
at $110/hr blended rate
+ applicable taxes
Optional Additional Costs
Canadian-based third party penetration testing (strongly recommended)
Comprehensive security audit including all API integrations (iCompass/Vadim). We strongly recommend including third-party penetration testing for any site handling financial transactions.
Travel
(Number of members and visits to be determined)
Drone photography
Included at with travel cost. Showcases North Saanich's beautiful landscapes on the website's most visible sections.
SMS / Mail Provider
We will collaborate with the District to use their existing Mailchimp accounts, which will not impact their costs in that aspect.
Premium Content Refresh
Professional editing and new copywriting beyond as-is migration
Additional Training Sessions
Additional sessions available
Post-6-month Support
Monthly retainer options after included support period
Estimated Monthly AWS Operating Costs
Costs depend on traffic. Two scenarios are provided.
Scenario A: 5,000 visits per month
Hosting
Security
Scenario B: 15,000 visits per month
Hosting
Security
24/7 Critical Support Details
What Qualifies as "Critical"
- • Complete site downtime
- • Security breach or active attack
- • Payment system failure
- • Data loss incident
Response Time Commitment
- • Critical issues: 30 minutes
- • High priority: 4 hours during business hours
- • Standard: Next business day
How We Provide 24/7 Coverage
- • Primary on-call: Hugo & Miguel (rotating schedule)
- • Backup: Lina (secondary escalation)
- • Response time: 30 minutes for critical issues
- • Track record: 99.97% uptime on current projects
After 6-Month Included Period
- • Critical support: $500/month retainer (includes 2 critical incidents)
- • OR pay-per-incident: $150/hour (2-hour minimum)
Non-Critical Support
- • Content questions, training refreshers, minor styling changes
- • Included for 6 months, then $110/hour (1-hour minimum)
Our Commitment
Transparent pricing. We provide hour ranges to be upfront about project variables. Any work beyond agreed scope will be quoted in advance with written approval required.
Professional Liability: $2,000,000
Conclusion
Thank you for the opportunity to submit this proposal for the District of North Saanich's website redesign project. We are excited about the possibility of working with your team to deliver a modern, accessible, and user-friendly website that serves your community effectively.
We look forward to the opportunity to discuss this proposal further and answer any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Lina M.
Project Lead, L&H Web Solutions
Website Security & Accessibility Audit
Comprehensive Site Audit
L&H Web Solutions conducted a thorough technical audit of northsaanich.ca covering security posture, accessibility compliance, performance metrics, and information architecture. The following represents key findings requiring attention.
1. Information Architecture Analysis
Full Website Structure
Complete visualization of all pages across 7 main navigation categories, revealing structural complexity and organization issues.
Detail View
Key sections including Business & Development, Contact Us, and "I Want To" quick links. Empty pages marked, inconsistent depth levels visible.
Structural Findings
Summary
This audit identifies security vulnerabilities, accessibility barriers, and performance issues requiring attention. The current website presents compliance risks under the Accessible Canada Act, security concerns with the payment portal, and user experience problems that prevent residents from accessing municipal services effectively.
L&H Web Solutions will address all identified issues through our proposed Drupal CMS + Next.js architecture, delivering a secure, accessible, and high-performance website that meets regulatory requirements.