Municipal law includes the area of practice described as Land Use on this website, which more specifically can include:
Advising on permitted uses of lands;
Advising on restrictions such as special policy areas, holding provisions, and environmental limitations;
Obtaining development approvals;
Official plan amendments;
Zoning amendments;
Site plan approvals and agreements;
Subdivision and condominium plans and agreements;
Minor variances;
Consents to severance, easements, or long-term leases;
Providing advice and representation respecting Environmental Assessments, including Class Environmental Assessments;
Representation Before the Ontario Municipal Board, Courts, and Tribunals.
In addition to development-related activities, Municipal Law also includes broader aspects of advice to clients, both public and private:
Drafting and interpreting by-laws and agreements
Advising on restructurings and amalgamations
Initiating and opposing judicial review applications
Advising on development charges and front-ending agreements
Providing advice and representation respecting all aspects of the Elections Act
Representing clients on assessment appeals before the Assessment Review Board, the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), and the courts
Providing expropriation advice to both land owners and expropriating authorities, representing clients before the Board of Negotiation, the OMB, and the Ontario Courts
Restructuring, Governance, and Joint Services
Privatization of Services
Municipal Liability Claims and Litigation
Utility Restructuring and Financing
Municipal Finance, Contracts, and Administration
Municipal Election Matters
By-Law Enforcement
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Issues