Municipal, Planning & Land Development

In communities across Canada, Miller Thomson’s Municipal, Planning & Land Development Group advises private and public sector clients of all sizes, helping them to navigate an ever-changing regulatory landscape with confidence. Our professionals draw on deep knowledge of the law and our clients’ needs for strategic and practical advice, allowing clients to turn their goals into reality.

Depth and Breadth of Expertise

With expertise in all areas of municipal, planning and land development law, we serve clients ranging from individual landowners and family businesses to large public corporations, as well as municipalities, school boards, provincial governments and agencies, financial institutions, and many charities and not-for-profit groups.

Our team of subject matter experts cover all areas of land use planning, development approvals and entitlements, building permits, by-laws, municipal governance registration of plans of condominium and subdivision, and social impact law. This includes handling transactions and developments for residential, commercial, mixed-use, institutional, industrial and office properties, and all types of condominiums (standard and phased, vacant land, common elements, and leasehold). Whenever development projects raise issues of environmental, construction, Aboriginal law or government relations, our professionals are ready to address them by collaborating efficiently.

Miller Thomson’s professionals tailor their advice and services to each client’s needs. They understand and take account of the day-to-day operations and needs of builders, developers, municipalities, and other clients. They attend and speak at conferences and update clients on legislative developments. They pursue and defend client priorities before municipal councils, committees, and local boards, in appeals and other hearings before all administrative Boards and Tribunals, and at all levels of Court.

National Reach, Local Knowledge

With 10 offices located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec, Miller Thomson is well positioned to assist you in any part of the country with timely and cost-effective results. Each office has a strong presence and focus in its surrounding communities and region, with in-depth knowledge of local policies and market conditions. Our clients benefit from our role as a local firm with national reach and resources.

Our Services

Our Group advises clients in all areas of municipal, planning and land development law. We are ready to assist with tailored advice and representation in a variety of areas, including:

  • Land Use Planning and Entitlements
  • Development Agreements
  • Land Acquisitions and Leasing
  • Limited Partnership and Joint Venture Structuring
  • Condominium and Subdivision Approvals
  • Condominium Legal Structuring
  • Registration of Plans of Condominium and Subdivision
  • Proceedings before Administrative Boards and Tribunals
  • Tarion and Home Construction Regulatory Authority Compliance
  • Sale of Condominium Units, including statutory disclosure and condominium documentation, bonding, deposit administration, and excess deposit insurance
  • Completing Unit Occupancies and Final Closings (legal transfer of title)
  • Applications for Land Titles Absolute
  • Municipal Litigation and Prosecutions
  • Expropriations
  • Charities and Social Impact Law
  • Social-Purpose Housing and Sustainable Investing
  • Construction Financing
  • Building permits and property standards
  • Municipal Easements and Dedications
  • Tie-Back and Crane Swing Agreements
  • Shared Facilities and Cost-Sharing Agreements
  • Municipal Governance
  • Municipal Conflicts of Interest
  • Freedom of Information and Privacy Matters
  • Development Charges & Education Development Charges
  • Municipal Elections
  • Licensing of Businesses and Accommodations
  • Public Procurement
  • Infrastructure and Public Projects
  • Heritage Matters
  • By-Laws and Official Plans
  • Municipal Finance, Taxation and Tax Sales
  • Environmental Contamination and Remediation
  • Aboriginal Land Claims and Consultations
  • Construction Contracts and Dispute Resolution
  • Retail Business Holidays Act matters

Partner With Us

Plan for success with Miller Thomson. Contact us today to start working with one of our experienced Municipal, Planning & Land Development lawyers, for insightful and practical guidance to help you to realize your objectives.

Key Contacts

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