Municipal Councillors – Don’t even think about it! The unprecedented decision in Mondoux v Tuchenhagen
Every municipal councillor and municipal legal advisor in Ontario should be aware of both the majority and dissenting reasons in the judgement of the Ontario Divisional Court in Mondoux v […]
Batty v City of Toronto: Municipalities at Forefront of Occupy Movement
As part of the global “Occupy Wall Street” movement throughout October and November, many Canadian municipalities found their parks occupied by protesters. With little public space available in these cities’ […]
Case Law Update: Batty v City of Toronto: Municipalities at Forefront of Occupy Movement
The Occupy Toronto Ruling: Batty v City of Toronto
Case Law Update: W.J. Holdings Limited v City of Toronto
Municipality Civil Contempt Conditions on Demolition Permits
An Unprecedented Decision in Municipal Conflict of Interest Law – Tuchenhagen v Mondoux
Every municipal councillor and municipal legal advisor in Ontario should review carefully both the majority and dissenting judgments in this Divisional Court decision released October 26, 2011, particularly the decision […]
Case Law Update: The Corporation of the Municipality of Meaford v Grist et al
Shoreline Dispute Public Highway Summary Judgment Registry Act
Nasty neighbours dispute resolved on the public purse: The lessons learned
The Town of Meaford waded into a private property dispute between neighbours and spent significant public resources after doing so.
The Municipal Integrity Commissioner in Ontario: Role and Responsibilities
The Municipal Statute Law Amendment Act, 2006 (formerly Bill 130) amended the Municipal Act, 2001, and the City of Toronto, 2006, effective January 1, 2007, to add a new part, entitled “Accountability and Transparency”.
Not Why I Ran for Office – The Perils of a Councillor Facing Allegations of Improper Conduct
Two principal matters of concern to councillors in terms of potential for allegations of misconduct are the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and their council’s own code of conduct.
Current Property Tax Issues
Pre-1998 Owners assessed realty taxes Tenants assessed separately for business taxes (value of property apportioned on basis of FMR) including shared parking business assessment Current Value Assessment 1998 Business assessment […]
Urban Renewal and Community Revitalization: Tools That Can Help
One of the greatest challenges facing municipal governments today is the need to stimulate economic development and urban renewal.
Toronto’s “Harmonized” Comprehensive Zoning By-law: Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes?
Toronto property owners with development objectives in mind will want to follow carefully the City of Toronto’s harmonization of pre-amalgamation zoning by-laws.
OMB Variability
Most municipalities subject to the provincial growth plan are still going through exercises required to ensure that their official plans conform with provincial policy.
Municipal Elections Expenses: Greater Clarity For Audit Procedures
Important guidance on how the Municipal Elections Act (“MEA”) should be interpreted and applied where a candidate’s election expenses are subject to an audit.
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”).