Celebrating Law Blogs
Clawbie Award Season
This year is the eleventh annual edition of the Canadian Law Blog Awards (otherwise known as the Clawbies).
As our readers know, Municipal Matters began early this year. Before our launch, we reviewed other blogs to get a feel for what lawyers were blogging about and how the knowledge was being presented. After all, blogging is a . . .
Case Brief: R. v. A.J.L. Janssen Landscaping Limited
Interpreting the Aggregate Resources Act
When does removal of rocks from the surface of the ground become operation of a pit under the Aggregate Resources Act (the “Act”) and require a license? This was the topic of a recent successful appeal by A.J.L. Janssen Landscaping Ltd. (“Janssen”) of its conviction at trial of operating a pit without a license.
Janssen approached . . .
Municipalities and Food Law Issues
A debrief on Canada's first Food Law and Policy Conference
Just over a week ago, I had the pleasure of attending The Future of Food Law and Policy conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
But Lauren, this is a municipal law blog so why do I care about food! Part of me is tempted to ask the rhetorical question of "do you eat?" and end the matter there, but then I would not be doing this . . .
Ontario suspends procurement process for further renewable energy contracts
In a surprising announcement by the Ontario Government this morning, the Large Renewable Procurement Process has been suspended, immediately and indefinitely. The press release states that "This decision is expected to save up to $3.8 billion in electricity system costs." Read the full press release here.
Wind Turbines and Construction Liens
A Cautionary Tale
An unforeseen complication with wind turbines has recently come to light. Construction Liens are being registered against properties home to wind turbines. Not all, of course, but in instances where a construction lien has been registered as a result of unpaid contractors.
The Construction Lien Act allows contractors to place a lien . . .
Condominium Development
A Primer for Planners
This is a guest blog post written by Michelle Kelly, lawyer at Sutherland Kelly LLP. Michelle’s practice consists almost entirely of condominium law. She also has a blog on condominium law: www.ontcondolaw.com. She can be reached at michelle@sutherlandkelly.com. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Michelle!
Everyone has heard of the “ . . .
Dam Removals
(Dam: as in a concrete structure holding back water and not just an excuse to swear in a blog post)
Is your property home to a waterway with a dam structure? The kind built many moons ago and no longer serving a useful function? Has a resident of your municipality called staff regarding dam removal? These structures can be a liability and in some cases, the cost of maintaining or replacing a dam makes the dam thing a hassle worth removing . . .
