Municipal Law

Municipal law, while utilizing a knowledge of the legislation governing municipalities, is more significantly the application of a consultative approach to the municipality and the affected neighborhood.

In representing a private sector developer or individual coming to a municipality with a specific objective in mind, we focus immediately on the goals of the municipality as they touch on this endeavor as well as those of the neighborhood.

We understand that progressive municipalities accommodate development proposals of any size when they are in step with the stated objectives of the municipality and have received input from the neighborhood.

We know how to access municipal planning goals, secondary plans, available studies, etc. Just as significant is a personal relationship with municipal staff who have an enormous impact on a proposal’s success and often are more than willing to share their trade craft to get a better proposal.

Getting the developer, the municipality and the neighborhood on the same page is an exercise in communication, respect for all parties and a knowledge of the goals of everyone. As facilitators of this process, we help our clients minimize time consuming negative planning process setbacks and expedite proposals through the municipal planning process with the goal of a positive outcome for all parties.

At the same time, our lawyers have experience and expertise in representing municipalities in a variety of areas ranging from the drafting, adoption and enforcement of by-laws to protection of privacy matters and expropriation of property when required.

Lawyers