MUNICIPAL AND LAND USE PLANNING LAW
Organizations building in today’s real estate and commercial development market need the assistance of a highly experienced and dedicated Municipal and Land Use Planning Law Firm with the know-how, resources and connections to successfully navigate the complex municipal approvals process.
McMillan’s Commercial Real Estate Group is a recognized leader in land use planning and development regulation law. Since 2003, we have consistently ranked as one of the Top 10 municipal law firms in Toronto and the GTA by Novae Res Urbis — a distinction that reflects McMillan’s client-focused approach, astute knowledge of Canadian and municipal zoning and planning laws, and success rate.
McMillan’s real estate team has extensive experience appearing before committees of adjustment, municipal councils and administrative tribunals, such as the Ontario Municipal Board, as well as all levels of court, including general division, provincial courts and courts of appeal. That is why our municipal and land use planning team is regularly sought out by a wide range of organizations, including corporate entities, developers, land and property owners, ratepayers, governments at all levels, religious organizations, and community and charitable groups.
McMillan’s experts in land use, planning and development regulation law are known for coordinating the submission of expert reports, architectural and engineering plans, surveys, draft agreements and other documentation; representing clients before administrative tribunals and the courts; negotiating and drafting settlement, servicing, development, section 37, and site plan approval agreements; liaising with government staff and local representatives; advising and representing clients in expropriation proceedings; assisting clients with heritage preservation matters; obtaining environmental approvals and assisting with brownfield redevelopments; advising and defending clients in safety code compliance matters; and representing clients on judicial review applications and planning appeals.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Opportunities abound in commercial real estate development, but the most attractive real estate opportunity can be significantly devalued if not developed properly. Our national team of real estate lawyers deliver expert counsel throughout the commercial development planning process, including the due diligence phase. Our overriding goal is to help our real estate clients turn their property into profit while adhering to laws and regulations that govern land use planning and development across jurisdictions.
McMillan’s professionals help by negotiating with, and appearing before, government and public agencies, and public interest groups; providing advice on environmental and regulatory issues that may affect the use and development of real property, both brownfield and Greenfield; advising on heritage or architectural landmark preservation issues; ensuring safety code compliance; and counselling on environmental assessment, licensing and other development approval issues.
INSIGHTS (38 Posts)
Ontario’s New Excess Soil Regulations – Construction Contract Implications
Ontario’s new On-Site and Excess Soil Management Regulation, O. Reg 406/19 may impact existing and future construction contracts
Read More
May 5, 2021
Emerging Competition & Data Privacy Issues for Real Estate Organizations
Changes to Canada’s privacy laws, developments with low-commission brokerages and changes to short-term rental regulations will impact real estate associations.
Read More
Feb 2, 2021
The Quick and Dirty on Ontario’s New Excess Soil Regulations
A concise summary of Ontario's new excess soil regulation (O.Reg 406/19) and key takeaways for affected parties.
Read More
Jan 25, 2021
Expropriation of Contaminated Land and its Fair Market Valuation
Expropriation of Contaminated Land and its Fair Market Valuation
Read More
Oct 5, 2020
Federal Government Accepts Ontario’s Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) Program for Regulation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Transition Dates to Come
Ontario Minister of Environment, Parks and Conservation announced that its Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) program has been accepted by federal government
Read More
Sep 21, 2020
Cross-Country Check-In: COVID-19 and the Environment
Canada's governmental and regulatory bodies have taken steps to temporarily alter legal requirements in light of COVID-19 to lessen the burden on businesses.
Read More
Sep 10, 2020
New Rules for Alberta’s Local Elections
Discussion of government of Alberta's Bill 29: Local Authorities Election Amendment Act, which came into force September 1, 2020
Read More
Sep 10, 2020
COVID-19: July 22nd Update on the Impacts to Development Applications and Hearings
Status update (July 22, 2020) re: land use planning and municipal response to COVID-19 in Ontario; processing applications, appeals, and municipal closures.
Read More
Jul 22, 2020
The LPAT and the New “Ontario Land Tribunals” Cluster
The New Ontario Land Tribunals Cluster and moving forward with hearings at the LPAT.
Read More
Jul 6, 2020
COVID-19: July 6th Update on the Impacts to Development Applications and Hearings
Status update (July 6, 2020) re: land use planning and municipal response to COVID-19 in Ontario; processing
applications, appeals, and municipal closures.
Read More
Jul 6, 2020
Construction through COVID-19 in Canada: A Guideline for what each Province and Territory is Doing
How each Province is managing the impact of COVID-19 by restricting construction activities, suspending litigation time periods and recommending H&S practices
Read More
Jun 11, 2020
COVID-19: June 3rd Update on the Impacts to Development Applications and Hearings
Status update (June 3, 2020) re: land use planning and municipal response to COVID-19 in Ontario; processing applications, appeals, and municipal closures.
Read More
Jun 3, 2020
Ontario Provides Employers with Temporary Relief from COVID-Related Termination Risks
Ontario introduces creative measures (O. Reg. 228/20) to the Covid-related temporary lay off dilemma.
Read More
Jun 1, 2020
COVID-19: May 20th Update on the Impacts to Development Applications and Hearings
Status update (May 20, 2020) re: land use planning and municipal response to COVID-19 in Ontario; processing applications, appeals, and municipal closures.
Read More
May 20, 2020
COVID-19: May 6th Update on the Impacts to Development Applications and Hearings
Status update (May 6, 2020) re: land use planning and municipal response to COVID-19 in Ontario; processing applications, appeals, and municipal closures.
Read More
May 6, 2020
COVID-19: April 15th Update on the Impacts to Development Applications and Hearings
Status update (April 15, 2020) re: land use planning and municipal response to COVID-19 in Ontario; processing applications, appeals, and municipal closures.
Read More
Apr 15, 2020
Project Management Amid COVID-19 – The Triage
Best practices for construction project management during the COVID-19 pandemic, and other force majeure circumstances.
Read More
Apr 8, 2020
The Impact of COVID-19 on Agribusiness – Business and Legal Considerations
In addition to the adverse impact to public health and the public healthcare system, the COVID-19 pandemic is causing severe economic hardship to western Canada.
Read More
Apr 7, 2020
COVID-19: April 7th Update on the Impacts to Development Applications and Hearings
Read More
Apr 7, 2020
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Construction Industry: A Reference Guide to the Changed Landscape
Contractual clauses, Permits & Inspections, Health & Safety, Labour, Litigation, Arbitration & Court Procedures,
Limitation Periods, Liens & Holdbacks
Read More
Apr 3, 2020
COVID-19: What is the Impact on Development Applications and Hearings?
Status update re: the land use planning and municipal response to COVID-19 in Ontario; processing applications, appeals, and municipal closures.
Read More
Mar 23, 2020
Lost in Transition: Working Through the Silence Surrounding Leasehold Interests in the Construction Act’s Transition Provisions
Lost in Transition - Working through the Silence Surrounding Leasehold Interests in the Construction Act's Transition Provisions
Read More
Feb 27, 2020
Province Announces Major Changes to the Rules Governing Land Development
The Ontario Government announced on Thursday, May 2, 2019 that there will again be significant changes to the Planning Act and other development-related legislation through its “More Homes, More Choices: Ontario’s Housing Supply Action Plan.”
Read More
May 2, 2019
Alberta Court of Appeal Dismisses Property Tax Appeal: Municipalities are Not Secured Creditors for Taxes Assessed on Pipelines, Wells and Other Linear Property
The Alberta Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal brought by three municipalities (the "Municipalities") seeking status as secured creditors entitled to special priority for payment of linear property taxes.
Read More
Mar 14, 2019
Ontario Premier to Set Precedent Invoking Notwithstanding Clause
Superior Court Justice Edward Belobaba made a finding of unconstitutionality and struck down the provisions of the provincial Better Local Government Act, 2018
Read More
Sep 12, 2018
Ford-ward Looking at the Impacts of the Better Local Government Act, 2018
Jul 30, 2018, the Premier of Ontario tabled draft legislation to bring changes into effect to significantly reduce the number of wards in the City of Toronto.
Read More
Aug 1, 2018
Ontario Premier Doug Ford Intends to Cut Toronto City Wards from 47 to 25 for 2018 Municipal Election
Jul 30, 2018, the Premier of Ontario tabled draft legislation to bring changes into effect to significantly reduce the number of wards in the City of Toronto.
Read More
Jul 27, 2018
New Regulations Add Detail to the Construction Lien Amendment Act
Construction Lien Act changes including the introduction of a prompt payment regime, adjudication, existing holdback, lien preservation and perfection periods, bonding, and trust provisions
Read More
Apr 27, 2018
Think twice before obtaining a labour and material payment bond – new liability for an old security
Filing away procured labour and material payment bonds without taking proactive steps to notify claimants of the bond's existence exposes owners to claims from unpaid subcontractors
Read More
Mar 26, 2018
Out with the old and in with the new: transitioning from Ontario’s old Construction Lien Act to the new Construction Act
An update to our December 2017 article, where some of the most significant substantive changes to the Construction Lien Act (the "CLA") are considered.
Read More
Feb 14, 2018
Ontario Government to Grow LCBO: Recreational Cannabis to be sold at Government Stores
Ontario Government to Grow LCBO: Recreational Cannabis to be sold at Government Stores
Read More
Sep 8, 2017
Province of Ontario Announces Major Reforms to the Land Use Planning Appeal Process
Province of Ontario Announces Major Reforms to the Land Use Planning Appeal Process
Read More
May 16, 2017
Federal Jurisdiction in Municipal Matters: What Happens When the Provinces or Municipalities Step on Federal Toes?
Federal Jurisdiction in Municipal Matters: What Happens When the Provinces or Municipalities Step on Federal Toes?
Read More
Mar 13, 2017
What to Expect from Toronto’s Local Appeal Body – Knowns and Unknowns
What to Expect from Toronto's Local Appeal Body – Knowns and Unknowns
Read More
Feb 21, 2017
Proposed Amendments Could Shake Up Vancouver’s Short-Term Rental Market
Proposed Amendments Could Shake Up Vancouver's Short-Term Rental Market
Read More
Oct 17, 2016
Updated – Bill 73: Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015
Updated - Bill 73: Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015
Read More
Jan 18, 2016
Bill 73: Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015
Bill 73: Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015
Read More
Jul 18, 2015
Bill 73: Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015
Bill 73: Smart Growth for Our Communities Act, 2015
Read More
Jun 18, 2015
Subscribe for updates
Get updates delivered right to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.