Don MacKinnon

Biography description

Don MacKinnon is a trusted legal advisor in commercial real estate, known for his strategic insight, practical solutions, and deep industry knowledge. With a unique foundation in both law and construction, Don brings a builder’s mindset to every deal, focusing not just on transactions, but on creating strong partnerships and enduring value.

Don’s legal practice is focused on the full spectrum of commercial real estate, including acquisitions, sales, leasing, development, structuring, and finance. He works closely with developers, business owners, investors, partnerships, Municipalities and First Nations on complex projects ranging from subdivisions, to multi-phase industrial and condominium developments, to mixed-use high-rise air-space projects entailing residential, retail, office and hotel components.

In addition to his development work, Don represents purchasers and vendors in connection with the purchase and sale of office and industrial buildings, shopping centres and multi-unit residential and senior housing complexes. He has extensive experience acting for landlords and anchor tenants when they are faced with difficult negotiations on the terms of their head leases, subleases or other property rights.

Before practicing law, Don co-owned and operated a construction company where he managed trade teams and led full scale home and office revitalizations. This experience left a lasting impression on him and gives him a unique perspective on the real-world challenges clients face and the practical, forward-thinking solutions they need.

He values the collaboration involved in development projects and the positive impact they can have on communities, recognizing the importance of strong partnerships in bringing ideas to life.