19th Annual GTHA Rankings

Top-10 Development Law Firms

NRU
Dec. 13, 2017

With royal assent for Bill 139, the Ontario Municipal Board era officially ends. Ontario's planning and municipal law community is preparing for the onset of sweeping reforms that will introduce a new land use tribunal, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. Although it will likely be years before the OMB issues its final order, the implications of transitioning to an entirely new regime at a

time when Ontario continues to grapple with planning issues of ever-increasing complexity has given rise to a palpable aura of apprehension, not to mention a flood of development applications prior to the impending transition.

Nonetheless, NRU's annual Law Review feature is about looking back at planning appeals resolved at the Ontario Municipal Board over the last year, and more specifically, the planning and municipal lawyers that shepherded these appeals through to completion. From Hamilton, to Scugog, up to Georgina and everywhere in between, this year NRU covered OMB appeals ranging from high-rise developments in Richmond Hill to a pool cabana in rural Clarington.

One of the year's biggest themes concerned golf course redevelopments. The handful of such proposals reported in last year's GTHA law review has given way to several more applications to redevelop defunct golf courses throughout the region. This year settlements reached concerning the redevelopment of golf courses included Aurora's Highland Gate, Oakville's Saw-Whet, and Scugog's Canterbury Common. Other golf course redevelopments now in the

OMB pipeline include Oakville's Glen Abbey, Brampton's Castlemore Golf and Country club, and Markham's York Downs.

In this year's GTHA Law Review there have been some interesting moves, rebounds, and a couple of new entries. Now in our 19th year, NRU's annual ranking of GTHA planning and municipal law firms looks back at OMB decisions covered in NRU GTHA from August 1, 2016 to July 31, 2017. For the Toronto rankings, see the December 15 edition of NRU Toronto.

1. Davis Howe Partners

Solicitors: John Alati, Isaiah Banach, Kimberly Beckman, Jeffrey Davies, Matthew Di Vona, Kate Fairbrother, Mark Flowers, Kyle Gossen, Marisa Keating, Andy Margaritis, Meaghan McDermid, Michael Melling, Aaron Platt, Susan Rosenthal and Daniel Steinberg.

Davies Howe lands the top prize in this year's GTHA ranking for its consistently solid performance in a large number of highly complex and contentious appeals. The firm successfully represented a developer in its appeals against King Township's Nobleton

Community Plan, as well as the new zoning by-law for the Nobleton urban area. Another

Davies Howe client, York Energy Centre LP, won its appeals of five township-initiated OPAs to

introduce new power generation policies into the King official plan.

The firm scored settlements as co-counsel in two golf course redevelopment appeals Highland Gate in Aurora and Canterbury Common in Scugog—and is also representing ClubLink in its pending OMB battle for a large redevelopment of the Glen Abbey Golf Club

in Oakville, one of the highestprofile board appeals in recent memory.

OMB Cases & Decisions Representing multiple appellants of the new Vaughan Official Plan

(Di Vona) (settlement/ongoing); representing multiple appellants of Mississauga's Downtown

Area Local Plan (Di Vona, Alati, Rosenthal); representing Primont Homes (Bayview) in its appeal for a ZBA/plan of subdivision/site plan for 0 19th Avenue and 5 Glen Meadow Lane in Richmond Hill (Platt, McDermid) (settlement); representing TSMJC Properties and Sitzer Group Holdings No. 1 in their appeals of Richmond Hill's new (2010) official plan (Platt, McDermid); representing the Estate of Thomas and Joyce Mulock Trust in its appeal of Newmarket's OPA to implement its Urban Centres Secondary Plan (Flowers); representing Montanaro Estates and

Sundance Estates (Richmond Hill) in an appeal by the Estate of William and Yvonne Worden for a ZBA for 1393 Bethesda Side Road (McDermid, Rosenthal); representing 675553 Ontario in its appeal for a ZBA/ site plan/plan of subdivision for 90, 110 & 110 Dundas Street West in Mississauga (Alati, Margaritis); representing Highland Gate Developments in its appeal for OPA/ZBA/ draft plan of subdivision for the redevelopment of the Highland Gate Golf Course in

Aurora (Flowers) (settlement); representing North Nobleton Holdings in its appeal of the Nobleton Community Plan (Melling, McDermid); representing Canterbury Land Development Corp in its appeal for an OPA/ZBA/ draft plan of subdivision for the redevelopment of Canterbury Golf Course in Scugog (Flowers) (settlement); representing ClubLink Corporation ULC and ClubLink Holdings in its appeal against Oakville's ICBL to freeze the development of Glen Abbey Golf Course (Flowers, Fairbrother) (x); representing 1091369 Ontario in its appeal of Barrie's Hewitt's Secondary Plan (Banach) (settlement); representing 1077022 Ontario, Touchstone Construction. and Armdale Estates in their appeal for ZBA/site plan approval for 0 Enfield Place, 3600, 3606 & 3618 Hurontario Street in Mississauga (Alati, Margaritis); representing Eden Oak (Creditview Heights) Development in its appeal for a ZBA/plan of subdivision for Part Lot 20, Concession 9 in Halton Hills (Alati) (settlement); representing 1965870 Ontario in its appeal of Georgina's Growth Plan conformity OPA (Flowers); representing ClubLink Corporation ULC and ClubLink Holdings in its request for an OMB order declaring its development applications for Glen Abbey Golf Course as complete (Flowers, Fairbrother) (√); representing Behrooz Yazdani-Zenooz in his appeal for a ZBA/plan of subdivision for 155 Snively Street in Richmond Hill (Rosenthal, McDermid) (settlement); representing Osmington in an appeal by North American Realty Acquisition Corporation for a ZBA for a mixed-use development at Mississauga Road and Bovaird Drive West in Brampton (Flowers) (settlement); representing TSMJC Properties and Yonge MCD in an appeal by Dogliola Developments for site plan approval for 10922, 10944 & 10956 Yonge Street in Richmond Hill (Alati); representing York Energy Centre LP in its appeal against King's adoption of five OPAs to introduce power generation policies into its OP (Melling, Keating) (√); representing North Leslie Residential Landowners Group in its appeal of Richmond Hill's three new development charges by-laws (Banach, Melling); representing Belmont in its appeal for an OPA/ZBA/plan of subdivision for Part Lot 29, Concession 3 in Richmond Hill (Rosenthal, McDermid) (settlement); representing Greystone (Homestead) in its appeal for a ZBA and draft plan of subdivision for lands southwest of Old Homestead Road and the Queensway North in Georgina (Melling); representing multiple appellants to the new Markham official plan (Melling, McDermid, Rosenthal, Fairbrother); representing Wycliffe King Bond in its appeal for a ZBA/site plan/ draft plan of subdivision for 301-349 King Road & 115-119 Bond Crescent in Richmond Hill (McDermid) (settlement); representing King David in its appeal for an OPA/ZBA/plan of subdivision for 10340, 10350 & 10370 Woodbine Avenue in Markham (McDermid); and representing Nobleton North Holdings in its appeal against King's adoption of a new zoning by-law for the Nobleton Urban Area (McDermid) (settlement).

2. Kagan Shastri

Solicitors: Ira Kagan, Paul DeMelo and Alexandra De Gasperis.

For a relatively small team, Kagan Shastri has once again demonstrated that it is a powerful force to be reckoned with, having had a stellar record at the board over the reporting window for this year's GTHA ranking. The firm won a significant appeal by a commercial landowner against the employment land protection policies in Richmond Hill's new official plan, achieved settlements as co-counsel in the Highland Gate and Canterbury Common golf course redevelopment appeals, settled with Ajax on a 563-unit residential subdivision, and settled on behalf of a developer for a mixed-use mid-rise development on Yonge Street in Richmond Hill.

OMB Cases & Decisions Representing Golden Heights Real Estate Investment Corp. in its appeal for a ZBA/site plan approval for 12050 Yonge Street in Richmond Hill (Kagan, De Gasperis) (settlement); representing 2042843 Ontario in its appeal for variances for 34 Highwood Road in Brampton (DeMelo) (x); representing 2303042 Ontario and 2170548 Ontario in their appeal for an OPA/ZBA for 0, 75 & 85 Norman Bethune Avenue in Richmond Hill (Kagan, De Gasperis) (settlement); representing Oakville in an appeal by General Electric Canada regarding development charges for GE's property at 420-468 South Service Road East (DeMelo) (√); representing Mississauga in various appeals of the city's adoption of an OPA for the Downtown Area Local Plan (DeMelo); representing Rice Commercial Group, Major Mac 404 Realty and other appellants of Richmond Hill's new official plan (Kagan, De Gasperis) (√/ongoing); representing Clarington and Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority in an appeal by Wealthpower Land Development for a ZBA/draft plan of subdivision for part of Lot 17, Concession 1 (DeMelo) (settlement); representing Highland Gate Developments in its appeal for OPA/ZBA/ draft plan of subdivision approval for redevelopment of the Highland Gate Golf Course in Aurora (Kagan) (settlement); representing Canterbury Land Development Corp in its appeal for OPA/ ZBA/draft plan of subdivision for the redevelopment of Canterbury Golf Course in Scugog (Kagan) (settlement); representing Pickering Developments 401 in its appeal against Ajax's approval of OPA/ ZBA applications by Picov Holdings for the expansion of the Ajax Downs gaming and gambling establishment (Kagan, DeMelo); representing Caledon 410 Developments in its appeal against Brampton's Mayfield West Secondary Plan (Kagan, De Gasperis, DeMelo) (settlement); representing Ivana Zentil in her appeal for variances for 230 Sylvadene Parkway in Vaughan (Kagan, De Gasperis) (√); representing Dogliola Developments in its appeal for site plan approval for 10922, 10944 & 10956 Yonge Street in Richmond Hill (Kagan); representing Mariana Sand Home Corporation in its appeal for a plan of subdivision at Part of Lot 6, Concession 10 in Brampton (Kagan); representing Giocon Developments in its appeal for consent and variances for 84 Howard Road in Newmarket (DeMelo) (√); representing Antonio Bruno in his appeal for variances for his property at 715 Hickory Street North in Whitby (DeMelo) (√); representing Leslie Elgin Developments and 775377 Ontario in their appeals of Richmond Hill's three new development charges by-laws (DeMelo); representing multiple appellants of Brampton's OPA for the Highway 427 Industrial Secondary Plan (Kagan); representing Leslie Elgin Developments in an appeal by Belmont for an OPA/ZBA/plan of subdivision for Part Lot 29, Concession 3 in Richmond Hill (Kagan) (settlement); representing Preston Homes in its appeal against Newmarket's adoption of a ZBA to impose setback requirements on some lots in its Copper Hills subdivision in Newmarket (Kagan) (settlement); representing multiple appellants to the new Markham official plan (Kagan, DeMelo); representing Main Street Clock in its appeal for a ZBA for 178-194 Main Street South in Newmarket as well as the applicable heritage conservation district bylaw (Kagan, De Gasperis); representing Maria Finelli in an appeal by the Franceschini Estate against the Mississauga COA's approval of Finelli's minor variance application for 2222 Doulton Drive in Mississauga (Kagan) (√); representing Block 18 Landowners Group and Block 18 Properties in an appeal by Dufferin Vistas for a ZBA/ plan of subdivision for 230 Grand Trunk Avenue (DeMelo); representing Russell Pines Development Corp. in its appeal of Halton Region's adoption of a ROPA for corridor protection policies for the Halton-Peel boundary area transportation study/GTA west corridor, as well as to re-phase employment lands impacted by the corridor protection area (De Gasperis); representing Brampton Brick in its appeal for a ZBA for an aggregate license to develop a shale quarry at West Half of Lot 12, Concession 6 in Brampton (DeMelo); representing Mil Con Three Developments, 1048605 Ontario and 1045502 Ontario in their appeals of the Milton's Boyne Survey Secondary Plan (Kagan); representing Golden Heights Real Estate Investment Corp. in an appeal by J-G Cordone Investments for an OPA/ZBA for 12030 Yonge Street in Richmond Hill (√); and representing Magnum Opus Developments in its appeal for a ROPA/OPA/ZBA/plan of subdivision for 727 Shoal Point Road in Ajax (DeMelo) (settlement).

3. Aird & Berlis

Solicitors: Meaghan Barrett, Eileen Costello, Laura Dean, Robert Doumani, Patricia Foran, Tom Halinski, Patrick Harrington, Jody Johnson, Kim Kovar, Sidonia Loiacono, Leo Longo, John Mascarin, David Neligan, Jane Pepino, Andrea Skinner, Christopher Williams and Steven Zakem.

Aird & Berlis comfortably retains a spot in our top three by virtue of its steady caseload and a handful of significant triumphs at the board over the past year. The firm represented Bronte Green Corporation in the controversial redevelopment of the former Saw-Whet Golf Course in Oakville, resulting in a settlement for more residential units than originally proposed, but on a smaller development footprint with more land set aside for environmental protection. The firm also represented Pickering Developments, whose OPA/ZBA applications for a major tourist destination were approved by the City of Pickering and then appealed by the Town of Ajax. In a lengthy decision, the board dismissed Ajax's appeal and upheld approval of the planning instruments, giving the green light for the developer to proceed with the project.

OMB Cases & Decisions Representing First Capital Holdings Trust and Loblaw Properties in their appeals against Oakville's new comprehensive zoning bylaw and implementing OPA (Neligan) (settlement); representing P.A. Campagna Investments and 1480420 Ontario in their appeals of Richmond Hill's new official plan (Skinner); representing Newmarket in multiple appeals against Newmarket's Urban Centres Secondary Plan (Longo) (settlement/ongoing); representing Colette Nemni in an appeal by Highland Gate Developments to redevelop the Highland Gate Golf Course in Aurora (Longo) (settlement); representing King in an appeal by North Nobleton of the Nobleton Community Plan (Halinski) (x); representing Sam and Joanne Gideon in an appeal by CIM Developments for ZBA/ plan of subdivision for 10747 Bayview Avenue in Richmond Hill (Skinner); representing King in an appeal by Stonebridge Homes for consent/variances for 5826 King Road (Halinski) (x); representing Mayfield West Phase 2 Landowners Group in its appeal against Brampton's Mayfield West Secondary Plan (Harrington, Neligan); representing Symgine (Lake East) in its appeal for an OPA/ ZBA for 2266 Lakeshore Road West and 83 East Street in Oakville (Costello, Dean); representing Mayfield West Phase 2 Landowners Group in its appeal against Brampton's Mayfield West Secondary Plan (Neligan, Harrington); representing 10898 Yonge St. LP and Wilbair Holdings in an appeal by Dogliola Developments for site plan approval for 10922, 10944 & 10956 Yonge Street in Richmond Hill (Foran); representing Orlando Corporation in its appeal against the new Mississauga official plan (Longo) (settlement); representing Orlando Corporation in its appeal of Brampton's OPA for the Highway 427 Industrial Secondary Plan (Longo); representing Signature 13424 Keele in its appeal for variances for 13400 Keele Street in King (Halinski) (√); representing Ravines of Islington in its appeal for an OPA/ZBA/plan of subdivision and site plan for 8451 & 8457 Islington Avenue in Vaughan (Longo); representing King in an appeal by Milani Group against King's adoption of a ZBA in relation to the new town hall at 2585 King Road (Halinski) (x); representing Deergate Holdings in its appeal for a ZBA and draft plan of subdivision for Part of Lot 31, Concession 2 in Richmond Hill (Foran); representing multiple appellants to the new Markham official plan (Foran, Costello, Longo, Skinner, Loiacono); representing King Township in an appeal by Nobleton North Holdings against the township's adoption of a new zoning by-law for the Nobleton Urban Area (Halinski) (settlement); representing City Park Homes in its appeal for an OPA/ZBA/site plan/plan of subdivision for a townhouse development at 7803 & 7815 Dufferin Street in Vaughan (Longo); representing EMGO (North Oakville 1) in its appeal for a ZBA/plan of subdivision to develop a subdivision at 3369 Sixth Line, in Oakville (Harrington) (settlement); representing the Newmarket in an appeal by Main Street Clock for a ZBA for 178-194 Main Street South in Newmarket as well as the applicable heritage conservation district by-law (Longo); representing Sandy Caparrotta in an appeal by Estelle Thomas against Vaughan COA's approval of Caparrotta's minor variance application for 12 Ferrazzano Lane in Vaughan (Longo) (√); representing North Gwillimbury Forest Alliance in its appeal of Georgina's Growth Plan conformity OPA (Neligan); representing Barry and Sandra Smith in an appeal by David Jones and Kathryn Murphy against the Hamilton COA's approval of the Smith's minor variance application for 22 Parkview Row in Hamilton (Loiacono) (√); representing Milton in multiple appeals of Halton Region's adoption of a ROPA for corridor protection policies for the Halton-Peel boundary area transportation study/GTA west corridor, as well as to re-phase employment lands impacted by the corridor protection area (Barrett); representing Bronte Green Developments in its appeal for an OPA/ZBA/plan of subdivision for 1401 Bronte Road in Oakville (Foran, Harrington) (settlement); representing Milton in multiple appeals to the town's adoption of the Boyne Survey Secondary Plan (Costello); and representing Pickering Developments in an appeal by Ajax against Pickering's approval of Pickering Development's zoning by-law amendment application for a major tourist destination (Foran, Neligan) (√).

4. Weifoulds

Solicitors: Denise Baker, Lia Boritz, John Buhlman, Michael Connell, Jeff Cowan, Bruce Engell, Aisling Flarity, Sean Foran, Barnet Kussner, Michael McQuaid, Jennifer Meader, Kim Mullin, Gregory Richards, Sylvain Rouleau, Lyn Townsend and Christopher Tzekas.

WeirFoulds continues to maintain a strong presence at the OMB. In cases included in this year's reporting window, the firm represented a roughly equal proportion of developers and municipalities. The firm represented a Clarington developer, achieving a settlement for a 95-unit infill subdivision, as well as a Hamilton developer who appealed a neighbouring landowner's subdivision proposal, and reached a settlement based on cost sharing. WeirFould's municipal clients include Oakville, Brampton, Barrie, Richmond Hill and Vaughan. Representing Vaughan, the firm settled with a developer for a new six-storey mixed-use building within the Woodbridge Heritage Conservation District which will integrate two contributing heritage buildings.

OMB Cases & Decisions Representing Vaughan in multiple appeals to Vaughan's new official plan (Engell) (settlements/ongoing); representing 2167200 Ontario in its appeal against Oakville's new comprehensive zoning by-law (Meader); representing Silverwood Homes in its appeal against Hamilton's adoption of OPA/ZBA/draft plan of subdivision applications by Landmart Realty for 157 Parkside Drive (McQuaid) (settlement); representing Terrence Timmins in his appeal against the Clarington COA's refusal of his minor variance for 7700 Brown Road (Townsend) (settlement); representing multiple appellants against the Village of Bolton heritage conservation district by-law (Baker); representing Richmond Hill in multiple appeals against its new official plan (Kussner); representing Wealthpower Land Development in its appeal for a ZBL/draft plan of subdivision for Part of Lot 17, Concession 1 in Clarington (Engell) (settlement); representing Julia Wallace in an appeal by Oakville against Wallace's minor variance application for 1204 Cynthia Lane (Baker) (settlement); representing Barrie in multiple appeals against the Hewitt's Secondary Plan (Engell) (settlement); representing Tibor Urac, Wanda Bogoros, Cindy Wennerstrom and Marcin Wroblewski in their appeals for variances for 516 & 518 Richey Crescent in Mississauga (Baker) (settlement); representing Caledon Development GP and Caledon Development Number Two in their appeals against Brampton's Mayfield West Secondary Plan (Baker, Connell); representing Oakville in an appeal by Symgine (Lake East) for an OPA/ZBA for 2266 Lakeshore Road West & 83 East Street (Kussner); representing Brampton in an appeal by Mariana Sand Home Corporation for a plan of subdivision for Part of Lot 6, Concession 10 (Kussner); representing Richmond Hill in multiple appeals against the town's three new development charges by-laws (Kussner); representing Vaughan in an appeal by Camelot for a ZBA/ site plan approval at 4902 & 4908 Highway 7 (Baker); representing Brampton in multiple appeals of its OPA for the Highway 427 Industrial Secondary Plan (Kussner, Meader); representing Vaughan in an appeal by Ravines of Islington for an OPA/ZBA/ plan of subdivision and site plan 8451 & 8457 Islington Avenue in Vaughan (Meader, Kussner); representing Corktown Pub & Fare in an appeal by Hamilton against the Hamilton COA's approval of Corktown's minor variance for 175 Young Street in Hamilton (Meader, Connell) (x); representing multiple appellants to the new Markham official plan (Meader, Townsend, Connell); representing Vaughan in an appeal by City Park Homes for an OPA/ZBA/site plan/ plan of subdivision for 7803 & 7815 Dufferin Street (Meader); representing Vaughan in an appeal by FCF Old Market Lane 2013 against the new Vaughan official plan consolidated with its site-specific appeal for an OPA/ ZBA 177, 185 & 197 Woodbridge Avenue in Vaughan (Baker) (settlement); representing Scott Munro & Greg Lawson in an appeal by Centurion (Dundas) Holdings for an OPA/ZBA for 71 Main Street & 10 Baldwin Street in Hamilton (Connell); representing multiple appellants of Mississauga's enactment of a zoning by-law affecting various low-density residential zones in Ward 1 in Mississauga (Baker); representing Richmond Hill in an appeal by Behrooz Yazdani-Zenooz for a ZBA/plan of subdivision for 155 Snively Street (Rouleau) (settlement); and representing Halloway Developments and 1151390 Ontario in its appeal of Oshawa/ Durham Region's adoption of an OPA/ROPA to implement the provincial Greenbelt Plan, Growth Plan, and environmental policies stemming from several watershed plans (Meader).

5. Goodmans

Solicitors: Ian Andres, Anne Benedetti, David Bronskill, Tom Friedland, Joseph Hoffman, Roslyn Houser, Robert Howe, Max Laskin, Allan Leibel, Catherine Lyons, Elliot Pobjoy, Mark Noskiewicz and Michael Stewart.

Goodmans advances two places in this year's ranking reflecting favourable results on a number of high-profile files. Highlights this year included significant settlements for Baif Developments in its appeals of Mississauga's new downtown core local area plan, and the new Richmond Hill official plan. Acting on behalf of Oakville, the firm achieved a major settlement for the redevelopment of the former Saw-Whet Golf Course that was many years in the making. In Richmond Hill, Goodmans represented Metroview Developments in an appeal by a neighbouring landowner for a development proposal that would have compromised the viability of Metroview's own proposal the appeal was dismissed and the neighbour's proposal was refused.

OMB Cases & Decisions Representing Baif Developments, OMERS Realty Management Corp., Square One Property Corp. and Walmart Canada in their appeals of Mississauga's Downtown Area Local Plan (Andres, Houser, Noskiewicz) (settlement/ ongoing); representing Gil and Marina Scholyar in their appeal against the Vaughan COA's refusal of their consent and minor variance applications for 18 Erica Road & 80 Thornbank Road (Lyons) (√); representing multiple appellants of the new Vaughan official plan (Andres, Houser) (settlement/ ongoing); representing Baif Developments 404 in its appeal against Richmond Hill's new official plan (Andres, Houser) (√); representing Criterion Development Corporation in its appeal of Newmarket's OPA to implement its Urban Centres Secondary Plan (Houser) (settlement); representing Ontario Lotto and Gaming Corporation in appeals appeals against Ajax's approval of OPA/ ZBA applications by Picov for the expansion of the Ajax Downs gaming and gambling establishment (Andres); representing Crisdawn Construction in its appeal of Barrie's Hewitt's Secondary Plan (Howe); representing Mayfield West Phase 2 Landowners in its appeal against Brampton's Mayfield West Secondary Plan (Noskiewicz); representing SASE Aggregates in its appeal for an OPA/ZBA to permit an expanded aggregate extraction area at Part Lot 20, Concession 4 in Uxbridge (Benedetti); representing Ideal (JS) Developments in its appeal for a ZBA/plan of subdivision/site plan for townhouse development at 39, 53 & 67 Jefferson Side Road in Richmond Hill (Hoffman) (settlement); representing multiple appellants to the new Markham official plan (Lyons); representing Metroview Developments in an appeal by FBNM Enterprises for an OPA/ZBA 9825 Yonge Street in Richmond Hill (Andres) (√); representing Maple Lake Estates in its appeal of Georgina's Growth Plan conformity OPA (Bronskill); representing Oakville in a request by ClubLink for an OMB order declaring its development applications for Glen Abbey Golf Course as complete (Howe, Lyons, Hoffman) (x); representing Dufferin Vistas in its appeal for a ZBA/plan of subdivision for 230 Grand Trunk Avenue in Vaughan (Bronskill, Laskin); representing Oakville in an appeal by Bronte Green Developments for an OPA/ZBA/ plan of subdivision for 1401 Bronte Road (Lyons, Laskin) (settlement); and representing Bruce and Shirley Reed and Bramwest Development Corporation in an appeal by Brampton Brick for a ZBA related to its application for an aggregate license to develop a shale quarry at West Half of Lot 12, Concession 6 in Brampton (Noskiewicz).

6. Borden Lander Gervais

Solicitors: Andrew Baker, Katie Butler, F.F. (Rick) Coburn, Sean Gosnell, Barbora Grochalova, Christel Higgs, Gabrielle Kramer, Ian Mathany, Piper Morley, Meagan Patry, J. Pitman Patterson, Frank Sperduti, Isaac Tang, Stephen Waque and Robert Wood.

Borden Ladner Gervais holds steady at sixth place in this year's ranking, keeping busy at the board representing a range of developer and municipal clients. For developer Kaneff Homes, BLG secured minor variances to construct 20 and 23-storey apartment buildings near Mississauga City Centre. The firm settled with Aurora on behalf of a developer proposing to build an infill detacheddwelling subdivision. BLG also represented, and continues to represent, Halton Region in several high-profile OMB cases including the Saw-Whet and Glen Abbey redevelopments, the Boyne Survey Secondary Plan in Milton, and ROPA 43, which implements corridor protection policies and rephases employment lands in Halton Hills.

OMB Cases & Decisions Representing Vaughan in multiple appeals of the new Vaughan official plan (Coburn, Tang) (√/ongoing); representing York Region in multiple appeals of the new Vaughan official plan (Patterson) (√/ongoing); representing York Region in an appeal by 2468390 Ontario for a ZBA/plan of subdivision for 850 Elgin Mills Road East in Richmond Hill (Patterson); representing Metrolinx in appeals of Oshawa/Durham Region's adoption of an OPA/ ROPA to implement the provincial Greenbelt Plan, Growth Plan, and environmental policies stemming from several watershed plans (Baker); representing 2419059 Ontario in its appeal against Aurora's failure to make a decision in its ZBA/site plan applications for 479 Wellington Street West (Patterson, Baker) (settlement); representing York Region in multiple appeals against Markham's OPA and secondary plan for the Buttonville Airport Redevelopment Area (Waque); representing Rice Development Corp. in its appeal for an OPA to add 45 hectares to Clarington's urban area for Phase 8 of the Wilmot Creek Lifestyle Community (Waqe) (settlement); representing Laurier Homes (Richmond Hill) Inc. in its appeal for a ZBA and draft plan of subdivision for 44, 48, 54 & 60 Arnold Crescent in Richmond Hill (Tang, Waque); representing Sunrise Senior Living, Sunrise North Senior Ltd. and SZR Aurora in an appeal by Highland Gate Developments to redevelop the Highland Gate Golf Course in Aurora (Coburn) (settlement); representing Halton Region in an appeal by ClubLink against Oakville's ICBL to freeze the development of Glen Abbey Golf Course (Tang, Waqué) (√); representing York Region in an appeal by CIM Developments for ZBA/ plan of subdivision for 10747 Bayview Avenue in Richmond Hill (Patterson) (settlement); representing Mayfield McLaughlin Developments, Caledon West 25 and Caledon Development Number Two in their appeals against Brampton's Mayfield West Secondary Plan (Waqué, Morley) (settlement); representing Kaneff Homes Compass Creek in its appeal for variances for 202-204 Burnhamthorpe Road East in Mississauga (Patterson, Baker) (settlement); representing Alton Mills in its appeal for a plan of subdivision at Part of Lots 22 & 23, Concession 4 in Caledon (Patterson, Wood); representing Vaughan in an appeal by Dufferin Vistas for a ZBA/plan of subdivision for 230 Grand Trunk Avenue (Patterson, Morley); representing Halton Region in multiple appeals of Halton's adoption of a ROPA for corridor protection policies for the Halton-Peel boundary area transportation study/GTA west corridor, as well as to re-phase employment lands impacted by the corridor protection area (Tang); representing Halton Region in an appeal by Bronte Green Developments for an OPA/ZBA/plan of subdivision for 1401 Bronte Road in Oakville (Waqué, Tang); and representing Halton Region in multiple appeals to Milton's Boyne Survey Secondary Plan (Tang).

7. Ritchie Ketcheson Hart & Biggart

Solicitors: R. Andrew Biggart, John R. Hart, Bruce C. Ketcheson, Effie Lidakis and Joshua Silver.

Ritchie Ketcheson Hart & Biggart moves up one spot this year with a handful of wins and settlements and only one loss reported in NRU. The firm continues to represent a predominantly municipal clientele, including the Town of Oakville in the ongoing appeals of its new zoning bylaw where the town successfully upheld paid parking provisions that were fiercely contested by a commercial property owner. Another interesting appeal concerned a planned private school expansion in Burlington, which was approved by the city and appealed by multiple neighbours—the firm successfully represented the owner in having the appeals dismissed.

OMB Cases & Decisions Representing Aurora in an appeal by 2419059 Ontario for a ZBL/site plan approval for 479 Wellington Street (Ketcheson) (settlement); representing Oakville in multiple appeals against Oakville's new comprehensive zoning bylaw (Biggart) (√/settlement); representing Ajax in appeals against Ajax's approval of OPA/ ZBA applications by Picov Holdings for the expansion of the Ajax Downs gaming and gambling establishment (Biggart); representing 1430518 Ontario in an appeal by CIM Developments for ZBA/plan of subdivision 10747 Bayview Avenue in Richmond Hill (Ketcheson); representing Orangeville Railway Development in its appeal against Brampton's Mayfield West Secondary Plan (Ketcheson, Lidakis) (settlement); representing Georgina in an appeal by John Furlano for minor variances for 164 Moore's Beach Road (Lidakis) (settlement); representing Whitchurch- Stouffville in multiple appeals of the town's Growth Plan conformity OPA (Ketcheson); representing Mississauga in its appeal against the Mississauga COA's approval of a minor variance application by Monika Kamycki (Biggart) (√); representing Aurora in an appeal by Ashlen Holdings for an OPA/ ZBA/plan of subdivision for 13859, 13875 & 13887 Yonge Street (Ketcheson); representing Georgina in an appeal by Greystone (Homestead) Ltd. for a ZBA and draft plan of subdivision for lands southwest of Old Homestead Road and the Queensway North (Ketcheson); representing Sharon Bogart in her appeal for variances for 918 Goodwin Road in Mississauga (Ketcheson) (√); representing Georgina in multiple appeals of Georgina's Growth Plan conformity OPA (Ketcheson); representing Lynmarsh Enterprises in appeals by Burlington Artist Gallery and Landmark Shopping Centre against Lynmarsh's ZBA application for 3508 Commerce Court (Hart) (√); represent Ajax in its appeal against Pickering's approval of a ZBA application by Pickering Developments for a major tourist destination (Biggart) (x); and representing East Gwillimbury in an appeal by 1422754 Ontario against the new East Gwillimbury official plan as well as the town's failure to make a decision on its ZBA for 19267 Centre Street (Ketcheson).

8. Loopstra Nixon

Solicitors: Quinto Annibale, Steven Ferri, Mark Joblin, Brendan Ruddick and Cindy Yi.

Loopstra Nixon slides into the top 10 having won or settled all but one of its cases mentioned in NRU over this year's law review reporting period. The firm represented Scugog Township in the Canterbury Common Golf Course redevelopment settlement, and represented the City of Pickering in an appeal by Ajax, which the board quashed, concerning a proposed major entertainment development in Pickering. One of Loopstra Nixon's most interesting victories concerned a decision that took the board nearly a year to issue representing Uxbridge, the firm settled with a developer for a 27-unit infill subdivision involving the onsite relocation of a 131-year old heritage building. The Uxbridge Gouldville Citizens Association strenuously but unsuccessfully opposed the settlement, which was upheld by the board in a lengthy decision.

OMB Cases & Decisions Representing 785343 Ontario and I&M Pandolfo Holdings in their appeals of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Secondary Plan (Annibale, Ferri) (settlement); representing Uxbridge in an appeal by 2373521 Ontario for a ZBL/ site plan approval for 62 Mill Street (Annibale, Ruddick) (settlement); representing Uxbridge in an appeal by Lesley Turnbull against the Uxbridge COA's approval of a minor variance application by 2457552 Ontario for 168 Brock Street West (Joblin) (√); representing Scugog in an appeal by Canterbury Land Development Corp. for an OPA/ ZBA/draft plan of subdivision for the redevelopment of Canterbury Golf Course (Joblin) (settlement); representing Mississauga in an appeal by Tan Jing for variances for 594 Curzon Avenue (Ruddick) (√); representing Yorkshire Holdings in its appeal for an OPA/ZBA for 17-29 Clarence Street in Brampton (Ruddick) (settlement); representing A-Major Homes (Ontario) in its appeal against Brampton's Mayfield West Secondary Plan (Annibale, Yi) (settlement); representing Uxbridge in an appeal by SASE Aggregates for an OPA/ZBA to permit an expanded aggregate extraction area at Part Lot 20, Concession 4 in Uxbridge (Joblin, Ferri); representing Mitchell Grant and Leah Sargant in an appeal by Basil Gobbo against Grant and Sargant's consent and variance applications for 368 Meadow Wood Lane in Mississauga (Joblin) (√); representing Milani Group in its appeal against King's adoption of a ZBA in relation to the new town hall at 2585 King Road (Ferri, Ruddick) (√); representing Mississauga in an appeal by Daniel Chang Medicine Professional Corporation for consent and variances for 1338 Broadmoor Avenue (Joblin, Yi) (x); representing Mississauga in an appeal by Jack and Josie Bonofiglio for variances for 1158 Meander Court in Mississauga (Yi) (√); representing Pickering in an appeal by Ajax against Pickering's approval of a zoning by-law amendment application by Pickering Developments for a major tourist destination (Annibale, Joblin) (√); and representing Steeple Hill On The Lake in its appeal for an OPA/ZBA/site plan for 650 Lake Ridge Road in Ajax (Ruddick).

9. Turkstra Mazza

Solicitors: Shelley Kaufman, Paul Mazza, Fred Rudolph, Nancy Smith, Scott Snider, Anna Toumanians and Herman Turkstra.

Turkstra Mazza moves back several places in this year's rankings with fewer cases reported in NRU, yet retains a place in the top 10. The Hamilton-based firm has kept busy with several big OMB cases in the west end of the GTHA and beyond. On behalf of a medical marijuana grower, the firm settled its appeals of the Rural Hamilton official plan and zoning by-law concerning setbacks and size restrictions on pot facilities. Turkstra Mazza was also involved in the Saw- Whet golf course redevelopment appeal, representing neighbouring landowners who ultimately settled their issues with respect to the proposed development.

OMB Cases & Decisions Representing multiple appellants of Oakville's new comprehensive zoning by-law (Toumanians); representing Paul Aitkin in an appeal by Raymond Fennema against Aitkin's minor variance application for 341 5th Concession West (Toumanians) (√); representing a group of residents in an appeal by Highland Gate Developments to redevelop the Highland Gate Golf Course in Aurora (Toumanians) (settlement); representing G.B. Mayfield Inc. and Lormel Joint Venture in their appeals against Brampton's Mayfield West Secondary Plan (Snider, Kaufman); representing Sargent Farms in an appeal by 2332133 Ontario for OPA/ ZBA for 150-175 Main Street in Milton (Snider, Toumanians); representing Branthaven Homes Fruitland in its appeal for an OPA/ZBA for 288 Glover Road in Hamilton (Smith); representing 1794784 Ontario in its appeal for a ZBA 449 Stone Church Road West in Hamilton (Smith); representing Pharm Meds in its appeal against the Rural Hamilton Zoning By-law and its implementing OPA with regards to size and setback restrictions for a medical marijuana facility on its property at 97 5th Concession Road East (Toumanians) (settlement); representing Upper Centennial Developments and Penta Properties in their appeals for OPAs/ZBAs/plans of subdivision for 165 Upper Centennial Parkway and 198 First Road in Hamilton (Snider); representing Centurion (Dundas) Holdings in its appeal for an OPA/ZBA 71 Main Street & 10 Baldwin Street in Hamilton (Snider); representing David Jones and Kathryn Murphy in their appeal of the Hamilton COA's approval of a minor variance application by Barry and Sandra Smith for 22 Parkview Row (Snider, Toumanians) (√); representing Astra Capital Properties in its appeal for variances for 2213 North Sheridan Way in Mississauga (Smith) (x); representing Victor and Joyce Enns in an appeal by Bronte Green Developments for an OPA/ZBA/plan of subdivision for 1401 Bronte Road in Oakville (Smith) (settlement); and representing Northwest Brampton Landowners Group in an appeal by Brampton Brick for a ZBA related to its application for an aggregate license to develop a shale quarry at West Half of Lot 12, Concession 6 in Brampton (Snider).

10. Thomson, Rogers

Solicitors: Stephen D'Agostino, Al Burton, David Germain, Denitza Koev, Jeffrey Wilker and Gregory Sills. Thomson, Rogers lands a spot in our top 10 this year for several favourable outcomes including representing a residents' association in a mediated settlement for the redevelopment of Aurora's Highland Gate Golf Course and a win on behalf of Halton Region against a contentious consent in Milton's Hamlet of Campbellville. Also on behalf of Halton, Thomson, Rogers helped reach a settlement for a 31-unit subdivision in Halton Hills, and for two adjacent subdivisions in North Oakville with 749 new dwellings. The firm continues to represent Halton Region in a handful of upcoming hearings on contentious development proposals including a residential tower in Oakville's Bronte community, a lakefront townhouse development in Burlington, and a massive shale quarry in Northwest Brampton abutting the Halton Hills boundary.

OMB Cases & Decisions Representing Halton Region in multiple appeals of Oakville's new comprehensive zoning bylaw (Germain); representing Highland Gate Ratepayers Association in an appeal by Highland Gate Developments to redevelop the Highland Gate Golf Course in Aurora (D'Agostino) (settlement); representing Halton Region in an appeal by Reginald Adams for consent/variances for 254 Main Street South in Milton (Germain) (√); representing Ben-Ted Construction in its appeal against Brampton's Mayfield West Secondary Plan (D'Agostino, Koev); representing Halton Region in an appeal by Symgine (Lake East) for an OPA/ ZBA 2266 Lakeshore Road West & 83 East Street (Germain); representing Halton Region in an appeal by 2332133 Ontario for OPA/ZBA for 150-175 Main Street in Milton (Wilker); representing Savina Cove Homes in its appeal of Whitchurch- Stouffville's Growth Plan conformity OPA (D'Agostino); representing Halton Hills and Halton Region in an appeal by Eden Oak (Creditview Heights) Development for a ZBA/plan of subdivision for Part Lot 20, Concession 9 in Halton Hills (Wilker, Sills) (settlement); representing multiple appellants to the new Markham official plan (D'Agostino, Koev); representing Halton Region in appeals by Star Oak Developments and EMGO (North Oakville 1) to develop subdivisions in North Oakville (Germain) (settlement); representing Halton Hills in multiple appeals of Halton Region's adoption of a ROPA for corridor protection policies for the Halton-Peel boundary area transportation study/GTA west corridor, as well as to re-phase employment lands impacted by the corridor protection area (Germain); representing Halton Region and Halton Hills in an appeal by Brampton Brick for a ZBA related to its application for an aggregate license to develop a shale quarry at West Half of Lot 12, Concession 6 in Brampton (Wilker, Germain); and representing Halton Region in an appeal by First Urban and Bloomfield Developments against Burlington's refusal of its ZBA application for 143 Blue Water Place and 105 Avondale Court (Germain, Sills).

The next 10 firms 11 [11] Municipal Law Chambers; 12 [13] Land Law; 13 [9] Overland; 14 [16] Devine Park; 15 [10] O'Connor MacLeod Hanna; 16 TIE [NA] Gowling WLG and [13] DLA Piper; 17 [17] Garrod Pickfield; 18 [NA] Cassels Brock; 19 [NA] Dentons; 20 [NA] Parente Borean.