Navigating the planning and municipal approval maze may result in significant delays and expense for your development or redevelopment project. At Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (FMC), we offer strategic and practical advice, in light of economic and political circumstances, for every stage of the approval process, from the initial due diligence through to the acquisition of property and construction. Our extensive technical expertise in land use planning and property development, along with our strong network of municipal and provincial government contacts, can help you achieve your outcome in a timely and cost efficient manner.

FMC represents some of the largest national and local developers, landowners and institutions. We prepare and submit approval applications, liaise with municipal and provincial staff, lobby Councils and delegated bodies of Councils, conduct administrative hearings before tribunals, deal with associated legal agreements and real estate transactions, and appear before tribunals on land use designations. As well, our group negotiates and drafts documents for developers, such as service agreements, development agreements and restrictive covenants. When necessary, we conduct judicial review and planning appeals (such as development and subdivision appeals) before various tribunals, including the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, the Ontario Municipal Board and the Municipal Government Board.

Our team advises on issues relating to expropriation, heritage preservation, safety code compliance, annexation, assessment, licensing and the environment (including matters pertaining to audits, compliance, and greenfield and brownfield sites). We have also provided planning advice to municipalities, resulting in a thorough understanding of the applicable zoning and land use by-laws, and the key players.