WeirFoulds is very pleased to announce that it has been ranked first in Novae Res Urbis' (NRU) 25th annual ranking of the top 10 planning and development law firms operating in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). The firm was previously ranked first by the publication in 2015, 2019 and 2021.

According to NRU, WeirFoulds was chosen as the top development law firm of the year due to "a formidable caseload and a strong success rate for its clients across a wide range of appeals."

Particular note is given to the firm's representation of the City of Vaughn in a matter which opposed the approval of two 36-storey residential buildings near railway infrastructure for CN MacMillan Rail Yard. The appeal was brought before the Ontario Land Tribunal, where WeirFoulds' lawyers "successfully advanced an argument that the Tribunal ought not to approve the residential towers on the grounds of health and safety issues and land use compatibility."

Along with the firm's successful representation of the City of Vaughn, the article highlights:

  • Numerous approvals that were won in Halton Region, including two settlements achieved on behalf of SmartCentres, one for a retirement residence and another for two towers in Oakville's uptown core.
  • The representation of Durham Region in a development appeal charge against Brock Township for a supportive housing facility, resulting in Durham being refunded $460,000 in development charges that had been improperly levied.

Rankings reflect the relative frequency with which firms are mentioned in the GTHA Edition of NRU for their involvement in some of the most challenging and interesting cases that came before the Ontario Land Tribunal during this ranking cycle.

NRU Publishing Inc., established in 1997, shares news about people, activities and services related to municipal government and urban planning. The GTHA Edition covers planning, development and transportation in the '905'area. It is published weekly, 50 times a year.

Read the coverage beginning on page 6 of the December 20, 2023 edition of Novae Res Urbis GTHA.