Toronto Property Tax Relief Program Approved For Building Development or Renovation
Toronto City Council recently approved a new program the Imagination, Manufacturing, Innovation and Technology (IMIT) financial incentive grant program.
Proposed Green Energy Act Places Limits on Municipal Land Use Planning Powers
On February 23, 2009, the Government of Ontario introduced and gave first reading to the Green Energy Act, 2009 (the “Act”).
A Warning To Members Of Councils and a Plea To The Province – Update
The recent court decision in Jaffary v. Greaves highlights key ambiguities in Ontario’s Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, providing a clear warning to councillors of how careful they must be […]
Billboard ban allowed in part; most restrictions don’t violate
Trustee made ‘mistake,’ court told
A Warning To Members Of Councils and a Plea To The Province
The recent court decision in Jaffary v. Greaves highlights key ambiguities in Ontario’s Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, providing a clear warning to councillors of how careful they must be in adhering strictly to its mandate.
Balancing Act Municipality Not Negligent in Enforcing
Recent court decision gives municipalities acting in good faith broad discretion in how by-law enforcement takes place.
Minister of Finance Announces Appointment of New Chairman of the Canada Development Investment Corporation
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today announced the appointment of N. William C. Ross as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Canada Development Investment Corporation.
Major Shift in Law Relating to Bidding and Tendering
A simple clause in an RFP document excluding liability has the potential to alter the business tendering landscape.
Municipalities Could Face Reduced Business Property Assessments
It took testimony from nine experts, weeks of hearings, and a review of hundreds of exhibits to interpret a statute and determine how income producing properties should be assessed for municipal taxation in Ontario.
Toronto Lobbyist Rules A New Way of Doing Business
The City of Toronto’s computer leasing scandal unfolded nearly a decade ago, but its impact continues to be felt today as the City puts procedures in place to minimize the chances of such a scandal recurring.
Less Onerous Employee Dismissal Process for Municipalities
The Supreme Court of Canada makes it clear that a fairness hearing is not needed prior to dismissing the holder of a public office.
Public Peephole into Municipal Affairs is Widening
The Ontario Court of Appeal has expanded public access to information to include the business activities of a municipally-owned corporation.
Duty to consult with First Nations: A municipal obligation?
The Canadian federal government and all provincial governments have a duty to consult with the First Nations before taking any steps that may infringe on aboriginal or treaty rights which are claimed or have been established. The case law on this point is clear. What isn’t so clear is whether the duty to consult with the First Nations applies to municipalities when making land-use or other decisions that may impact these rights.
Putting new municipal accountability measures into action
Major amendments to the Municipal Act, 2001 took effect on January 1, 2007. One of the key changes was the introduction of accountability provisions that give municipalities the power to create new positions to help ensure that good governance is maintained by local council and boards.