About us
Making spatial insights accessible.
We are a team of urban planning and geospatial experts transforming how organizations and people access spatial insights. Our web platforms enable governments, researchers, and civil society to make decisions informed by geospatial data, without requiring GIS expertise.
Our mission
To make spatial insights accessible to everyone, enabling governments, policymakers, researchers and civil society to participate in data-informed decision-making.
Our vision
For communities to be equipped with actionable information to shape equitable and sustainable policy and solutions, addressing the most pressing challenges.
Meet the team
Urban planning & geospatial experts.
David Wachsmuth
Co-Founder · President
Prof. David Wachsmuth is one of the world's leading experts on the impacts of short-term rental platforms, such as Airbnb, on cities around the world, and consults widely with municipalities and community organizations on designing appropriate regulations.
Kevin Manaugh
Co-Founder
Prof. Kevin Manaugh is one of the leading experts on the intersection between urban transport systems and social and environmental justice.
Maxime Bélanger De Blois
Co-Founder · General Manager & CTO
Maxime is a data and cloud engineer with deep expertise in geospatial analysis, database architecture, and full-stack development, with a strong command of Canadian urban data and geovisualization.
Samuel Kohn
Director of Strategy and Growth
Trained in urban studies, Sam brings deep expertise in urban innovation and data governance, working closely with cities and communities of all sizes. He leads Curbcut's go-to-market strategy and business development, driving growth and impact.
Dominique Boulet
Coordinator & Research Lead
Dominique is an experienced coordinator and researcher who ensures all solutions are accessible and user-centered for Curbcut's diverse audiences, with a strong focus on qualitative research and educational initiatives.
Nicholas Haley
Lead Frontend Engineer
Nicholas sits at the intersection of design and engineering: equally comfortable sketching a user flow or architecting an API. Drawn to map and AI interfaces, he believes good products should be simple enough for anyone and scalable enough for everyone.
Nicholas Foisy
Full-Stack Developer
Nicholas is a computer programmer specializing in geospatial science, automation and open-source software.
Oussama Trabelsi
Data Lead
Oussama is a PhD student in urban planning whose research focuses on housing crises in Canadian cities. He is experienced with urban data, spatial analysis, and quantitative methods to support evidence-based decision-making.
Jacob Hopper
Data Engineer
Jacob is a data scientist who builds pipelines that turn messy, multi-source urban data into something usable. He applies his experience with GIS and geospatial databases towards work involving issues like zoning reform, housing policy, and smart cities.
Our story
2020
Incubation
A team of urban planning and geospatial experts incubate Curbcut in a McGill lab.
2021
First launch
Curbcut launches its first app at McGill University.
2022–2024
Awards & recognition
- 2022Canadian Open Data Excellence
- 2023Dobson Cup Winner
- 2024Shiny Award Winner
2024
Incorporation
Curbcut incorporates as an independent company.
2025–2026
Product refinement
From an award-winning Shiny prototype to a production-grade national spatial insight platform.
Why Curbcut
- 01
Built for non-experts
Non-specialists explore geospatial data and uncover insights the way GIS professionals do.
- 02
Proven interoperability
Our data bridge connects high-quality geospatial indicators from diverse sources, discoverable across space and time, no data engineering required.
- 03
High-speed performance
Where most web mapping tools slow down under large data loads, Curbcut renders billions of data points without a wait.
- 04
Mission-oriented
Our data curation and design are driven by public interest, enabling communities to make more sustainable, just and inclusive decisions.
Our values
Accessibility
We are committed to creating solutions that are intuitive, approachable, and user-friendly. We ensure clarity and openness in our tools and knowledge-sharing practices.
Equity
Our approach is rooted in fairness and social justice. Guided by responsibility, we aim to uplift communities and contribute to a more equitable society.
Ingenuity
Creativity and forward-thinking permeate everything we do, whether it’s through inventive solutions, new technology or tailored consulting services.
Expertise
Our work is grounded in reliability and rigor. We deliver accurate and up-to-date information through meticulous analysis and a commitment to data integrity.
Flexibility
We prioritize collaboration and adaptability, ensuring solutions align with evolving needs and deliver exceptional results, qualities our clients greatly value.
Trust
We foster trust through open collaboration and the delivery of accurate, reliable information, working together toward meaningful solutions.
