BAR ADMISSION

  • Ontario, 1991

Education

  • Mediation Program for Lawyers, Harvard Law School, 2001
  • LL.B., Queen’s University, 1989
  • B.A. (Economics, Honours), Western University, 1986

Languages Spoken

  • English
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Steve O’Melia focuses his practice on municipal, planning/development, and expropriation law, representing both public and private sector clients. Steve frequently appears before municipal councils, committees, and administrative tribunals such as the Ontario Land Tribunal. He has successfully represented clients before all levels of the Ontario Court on municipal law matters. As a Law Society of Ontario certified specialist in Municipal Law (Local Government/Land Use Planning and Development), Steve brings extensive experience to his work for clients. After beginning his legal career in the Toronto office of a large national law firm, Steve held increasingly senior in-house legal positions with local and regional municipalities throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Since his return to private practice in Waterloo Region, he has represented numerous municipalities, school boards, conservation authorities, private companies and individuals, providing practical advice on municipal governance, land use planning and development, and expropriations.

Steve has been the Vice-Chair of the City of Waterloo and City of Markham Committees of Adjustment, and has served on a number of community boards. He was among the first appointments to the Law Society of Ontario’s Municipal Law Specialty Committee, and was the inaugural recipient of the International Municipal Lawyers Association Canadian Scholarship. He has contributed to legal literature, covering topics ranging from municipal elections to expropriations to property development, displaying his in-depth understanding of complex legal issues throughout his career.

As an active member of professional associations such as the Canadian and Ontario Bar Associations, Law Society of Ontario, and the International Municipal Lawyers Association, Steve has a strong network in the legal community. His consistent recognition by Lexpert Canada (Property Development) and The Best Lawyers in Canada (Municipal Law) and involvement in legal education programs (including AMCTO and Conestoga College) showcase his commitment to staying informed and sharing knowledge within the field.