Municipal Law and Expropriations

Barriston Law has developed a Municipal Law practice group uniquely positioned to respond to the needs of its clients in this distinct area of practice. Barriston’s municipal law practice lineage dates back to the early 1900’s . Our predecessor partner Osmond J. Rowe, Q.C. began serving as the Town Solicitor for the Town of Barrie in 1948 and was instrumental in its elevation to its present City status. In keeping with Mr. Rowe’s tradition of service and excellence, Barriston has assembled a group of lawyers who devote their practices exclusively to this specialized area of law.

Our Municipal Law practice group provides advice to municipalities as well as private sector clients including developers, land owners, rate payer groups and land use planners on a broad range of issues related to municipal law and regulation. In addition to providing general advice to municipal clients regarding municipal and land use planning legislation, specific advice is provided on matters including the drafting and enforcement of by-laws, land development agreements, zoning matters, municipal administration and finance.

General Municipal Services

The Municipal Law practice group includes solicitors with significant experience in providing general advice, drafting of municipal by-laws and the negotiation and preparation of agreements unique to the needs of our clients. These areas include:

• Land development agreements including subdivision, site plan and rezoning agreements
• Co-venture agreements for public-private partnership projects
• Municipal finance and security agreements including debentures
• General contracts for procurement of goods and services
• Construction contracts
• Land sale and land acquisition agreements
• Land ownership and title opinions including title rectification work
• Municipal tax sales

We are committed to providing our clients with meaningful and practical advice in a timely manner.

Municipal Litigation

Barriston has represented municipalities, agencies, land owners and land developers before various tribunals dealing with land use issues such as the Ontario Municipal Board, the Assessment Review Board, the Environmental Review Tribunal, the Consolidated Hearing Board, The Ontario Drainage Tribunal, the Drainage Referee, Committees of Adjustment and at all levels of Court in Ontario.

In addition to our litigation services, Barriston maintains an active enforcement practice providing prosecutorial services to our municipal clients and acting as special prosecutor for Tarion Warranty Corporation throughout Ontario before the Ontario Court of Justice.