Municipal, Land Use Planning & Development

Municipal, land use planning and development law issues impact and shape our communities in countless ways. For example, they influence where and how our homes, schools, parks, businesses, transit infrastructure and public spaces are built, while taking into account a wide range of provincial, regional and local policies and objectives. Our municipal, land use planning and development lawyers provide expert advice and guidance to public and private entities as they navigate what is a complex and rapidly changing legal landscape.

The Aird & Berlis Municipal, Land Use Planning & Development Law Group is one of the largest and most highly recognized of its kind in Canada. A recent edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada names Aird & Berlis as a “Top Listed” firm in municipal law, and the group has received a top ranking in Novae Res Urbis’ annual listing of planning and development law firms in the GTA. Five of our municipal lawyers have been recognized as Toronto’s “Lawyer of the Year” in Municipal Law by The Best Lawyers in Canada and four of our lawyers have received the Ontario Bar Association’s Award of Excellence in Municipal Law.

Our lawyers are acknowledged as pre-eminent practitioners in municipal and land use planning law. We act on behalf of numerous municipalities and public agencies, as well as large and smaller-scale developers, institutional and industrial clients, landowners, elected officials and local board members, utility companies and public interest groups. We provide representation and advice on all matters relating to municipal law, land use planning and development law.

Our lawyers are leaders in navigating the ever-evolving legislative regime governing land development in Ontario. We advise on all aspects of land use planning law, ranging from assistance with zoning reviews and simple land use approvals (including minor variances and consent applications) to complex and lengthy development matters and disputes, such as contentious official plan and comprehensive zoning by-law amendments and appeals. Our lawyers routinely work with our four professional in-house land use planners who also provide invaluable assistance to our clients.

Our knowledge of local, regional and provincial government jurisdiction, operations, procedure and law is second to none. We are experts on municipal legislation. Several of our lawyers are former in-house municipal solicitors, senior municipal staff and/or have worked at the former Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. This provides an unparalleled depth of knowledge of municipal by-laws, council authority, powers and procedures, elections, the open-meetings rule, the anti-bonusing provision, accessibility, transparency, councillor conduct, self-help remedies and the discretionary enforcement principle.

Our municipal, private and public sector clients trust Aird & Berlis to serve as their legal counsel because they recognize that the value, credibility, integrity and expertise we bring to the role is unmatched.

Our core services include:

• General Municipal Law: We provide expert advice on municipal powers, procedures and legislation, including by-law interpretation, governance issues and enforcement matters.
• Planning & Development Approvals: We advise on all aspects of land use approvals, from minor variances and consent applications to complex official plan and zoning amendments.
• Development Matters and Disputes: Our lawyers regularly appear before the Ontario Land Tribunal, municipal councils and committees of adjustment. We represent litigants at all levels of court and support clients in the mediation and resolution of land use disputes.
• Expropriation Proceedings: Our team handles projects from start to finish, advising municipalities and other public authorities on environmental assessments, documentation, negotiations and compensation disputes before tribunals and courts.
• Ontario Heritage Act: We have specialized expertise handling heritage matters, including designations, conservation districts, and heritage easement agreements as well as heritage alteration and demolition permits.
• Contracts and Agreements: We draft and negotiate all manner of contracts and agreements, covering everything from simple undertakings and releases to complex contracts, development agreements and cost sharing agreements.
• Finance & Taxation: We guide both municipalities and private sector clients through municipal finance and taxation matters, including development charges, infrastructure funding, property tax and collection, and assessment appeals.