We are thrilled to welcome Christie Gibson, a dynamic lawyer with extensive experience advising clients on sophisticated land use planning matters. Christie’s expertise also extends to overlapping key areas of municipal and environmental law, providing clients with a unique and powerful legal perspective on their projects.
With a strong focus on dispute resolution, Christie has established a proven track record in managing appeals related to municipally-initiated instruments, parkland dedication, heritage and environmental concerns, property assessments, and affordable housing and inclusionary zoning policies. She regularly advocates for both public and private sector entities before the Ontario Land Tribunal and Ontario courts.
“Christie is particularly skilled in redevelopment applications, guiding clients through every stage of the applicable approvals processes such as Official Plan amendments, rezonings, plans of subdivision, site plan approvals, consents and minor variances, and post-approval negotiations,” says Annik Forristal, Co-Lead of McMillan’s National Infrastructure and Construction Group. “With her aligned team-oriented approach and client-centric focus, McMillan’s unique expert approach in front-end permitting is further bolstered by Christie’s arrival,” added Annik. “She is a valuable addition to our Municipal, Land Use Planning and Development Group and will contribute to the deep bench strength and business solutions we offer clients at all stages of a development project.”
Repeatedly recognized by Best Lawyers, Christie is not only a dedicated lawyer but also a prominent figure in the legal community and a staunch advocate for women in law. She mentors with the Osgoode Women’s Network and organizes an annual CPD event specifically for female lawyers. She has chaired and been involved in the steering committees for the Ontario Bar Association Municipal Law Section, Cambridge Forum on Land Use Planning for Emerging Leaders and 3rd Generation events, ULI’s Women’s Leadership Initiative, and ULI’s Mentorship Committee. Christie also actively participates in the Building Industry and Land Development Association and the Urban Land Institute events.
About McMillan’s Expertise
Consistently ranked as one of the Top 10 land use planning law firms in Toronto and the GTA by Novae Res Urbis since 2003, our Municipal, Land Use Planning & Development group is a recognized leader in land use planning and development law. With a well-established presence and deep expertise, our group is integrated with our Commercial Real Estate and Construction groups to help all players in the land use industry maximize value, enhance returns, and manage risk as they navigate the complex land use planning regime changes and development approval processes before municipal councils, committees of adjustment, the Ontario Land Tribunal and the courts.