Municipal and Land Development

Our clients range from individuals to large corporations, institutions and municipalities. We provide legal advice and representation which encompasses every stage of the development approval process, and often extends to complex planning issues related to the environment, natural and cultural heritage, servicing, civil engineering, infrastructure financing, transportation, market impact, community services and growth management, among many others. 

We regularly appear before municipal committees and councils, administrative tribunals and courts in respect of development appeals, property tax assessment disputes, expropriation proceedings and a wide range of other municipal and regulatory matters.  

Our lawyers have an impressive record of hearing successes – particularly before the Ontario Land Tribunal (formerly the Ontario Municipal Board / Local Planning Appeal Tribunal) in respect of land use policy disputes and development applications. However, we also have the judgment to understand when our clients’ desired outcomes are better achieved through negotiated resolution than through a contested hearing, and the skill to deliver favourable results in those circumstances.  

As an example of our ability to combine creative techniques with successful traditions, Goodmans was the first law firm to hire a full-time land-use planner in the 1970s. Our collective experience and collaborative mindset sets us apart from our peers, and we approach every client matter with an open mind and a steadfast commitment to providing the highest quality advice and representation.