Fall 2025 Lunch & Learn Webinars

In the past few years, the Planning Act has undergone significant amendments aimed at achieving the Province’s goal of building 1.5 million new homes by 2031. These amendments have a direct impact on the work of Committees of Adjustment across Ontario.

This webinar, presented by Municipal and Land Use Planning lawyers at Aird & Berlis LLP, will canvass the legislative changes introduced by Bill 23 (More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022); Bill 185 (Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024), and Bill 17 (Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025) and will highlight amendments which are of particular importance to Committee members.

This presentation will cover the following topics:

• Removal of third-party appeals and its implications for the Committee’s decision-making process;
• Special rules for additional residential units (ARU’s);
• Legislated as-of-right variances for setbacks and other performance standards; and
• Practical tips and real-world examples to equip Committee members to navigate hearings confidently under the new legislative changes.

 As quasi-judicial decision-makers, your role in land use planning has never been more important. This session will equip you with the clarity and context you need to apply the Planning Act reforms effectively and fairly.

Laura Dean is a Partner with the Municipal & Land Use Planning Group at Aird & Berlis LLP. Laura provides advice and representation to both private and public sector clients on land use planning matters, municipal governance and accountability regimes, and the development and implementation of a wide array of municipal by-laws and policies. Before beginning her legal practice, Laura worked as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Housing Policy Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Jasmine Fraser is an Associate with the Municipal & Land Use Planning Group at Aird & Berlis LLP. Jasmine advises on all aspects of the land development approval process and regularly appears before the Ontario Land Tribunal. She enjoys helping clients, including homeowners, developers and municipalities, navigate the intricate and ever-evolving municipal and planning legal landscape. Jasmine studied at the University of Waterloo School of Planning and worked as a land use planner for several years prior to her career in law.

Explore how Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) are reshaping housing policy across urban and rural communities in this panel discussion. Featuring insights from both an urban and a rural planner, this session will highlight the policy frameworks that have enabled ADU development, the challenges municipalities have faced, and the strategic wins that have emerged. Whether you're curious about policy, implementation, or community impact, this session offers valuable insights into how ADUs are shaping housing options across diverse regions.

Jennifer Stong is a Planner at the Township of Ramara and has 15 years experience in municipal government with 13 years in Planning and working with the Committee of Adjustment. Jennifer is responsible for reviewing, researching and updating municipal planning policy, plans and by-laws. She processes applications under the Planning Act including Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments, Site Plans and supports the Township's Planning Technician in the processing of Minor Variances and Consents.

Malcolm Norwood, Supervisor Development Approvals, City of Kingston

Join us for a review of the four Forms of Certificates of Official, when and how to use them, and strategies for effective conveyancing, with plenty of time for discussion and Q&A about the Planning Act and consent process.

David Munday is the Managing Partner at Cunningham Swan LLP. He is also leads the Municipal Group at Cunningham Swan and is a partner in the Real Estate Group, having been with the firm since 2009.

David regularly supports his clients and provides specialized advice to municipalities in the following areas:

• Land Use Planning and Development matters
• Municipal taxation and finance
• Complex land acquisitions and dispositions
• Roads and other municipal property issues
• Commercial leasing and financing
• Construction lien matters
• Municipal governance
• By-law review & drafting
• Procurement matters, including RFP’s and Tendering
• MFIPPA/Freedom of Information inquiries
• Cemetery issues

David has a particular interest in issues relating to roads, real property, procurement (RFP’s/Tenders) and municipal taxation and finance.

Spencer Putnam is an Associate in the Municipal Law Group at Cunningham Swan LLP. Spencer provides advice and representation to municipalities and individuals across Ontario in a variety of municipal matters, including:

• Land use planning
• Provincial Offences Act prosecutions related to municipal, building, and environmental regulations
• Drafting and reviewing by-laws and agreements
• Administrative law Expropriations

Spencer regularly appears before the Ontario Land Tribunal and Ontario Court of Justice.