
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use
Canada Guide 2026 : British Columbia
Rankings

Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
About
Provided by Stikeman Elliott LLP
Stikeman Elliott’s national Real Estate Group provides sophisticated but practical real estate expertise and legal advice to real estate investors and key industry players on the acquisition, disposition, municipal land use, development, financing and leasing of all classes of real estate. The Group also has complementary and notable expertise in complex domestic and cross-border transactions involving real estate, major infrastructure projects, agricultural lands, mining rights, aboriginal law and loan securitizations. We are proud to be counsel of choice to those who are leading the transformation of Canada’s real estate sector.
By leveraging our experience and market knowledge, as well as the firm’s world renowned securities and taxation specialists, the Group is able to provide advice to all variety of clients, including non-taxable institutional investors, publicly traded REITs, investment funds, private equity firms and foreign investors. We have particular experience in spin-off, sale/leaseback and other innovative transactions designed to unlock the value of real estate holdings. Clients are effectively guided in the formation of their investment vehicles and joint-ventures, always mindful of tax efficiency and business objectives, whether in connection with their real estate in Canada or internationally. www.stikeman.com
Chambers Review
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Work Highlights
Provided by Chambers
Stikeman Elliott represented the City of Calgary on all transactions with impacted property owners related to the multibillion dollar Green Line Beltline and Downtown Sub-Surface Integrated Stations Project.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
The breadth of the firm is a strength and the local team is diverse in terms of legal fields.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanadaThe team understands how to get things done at both the provincial and municipal level.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanadaStikeman Elliott is a firm who creates deals that are beneficial to all parties involved.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanadaThe team has real world experience combined with local, legal expertise.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanada
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Senior Statespeople 
Senior Statespeople 
Ross MacDonald
Ross MacDonald KC is highly regarded as a leader in the BC real estate market, thanks to his long-standing involvement with landmark developments in the province, particularly in Vancouver. MacDonald has a diverse breadth of expertise, spanning the full gamut of real estate issues from commercial real estate matters to land use issues arising in the course of developments. He really understands the issues and can bring new people up to speed on the matters.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanadaHe is very available, he is great.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanadaHe is one of the best drafters I know.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanada
Band 1 
Band 1 
Gregory Plater
Gregory Plater is active across Western Canada, dividing his time between the law firm's Calgary and Vancouver offices. Plater's expertise includes assisting with development and transactional matters, in addition to capably advising pension funds and property developers on their real estate investments.
He provides great service and advice and is knowledgeable.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanadaHe has a really good grasp on a variety of practices. He is a good well-rounded lawyer.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanadaHe is always identifying the more technical issues that others might not uncover and finding practical ways to deal with them.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanada
Band 1 
Band 1 
Richard Jackson
Vancouver-based Richard Jackson offers market-leading expertise across the whole spectrum of commercial real estate, including purchase and sale matters, as well as leasing and ownership structuring. He also has experience with master-planned communities, including rezoning and development matters.
Richard is one of the top development lawyers in British Columbia and Canada.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanadaHe provides excellent advice and service.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanadaHe provides excellent high level support.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanada
Band 5 
Band 5 
Stephen Holinski
Stephen Holinski earns respect for his work advising on the acquisition, disposal and development of real estate assets, in addition to rezoning matters. He regularly acts for investment firms, property developers and municipal bodies.
He can make the most complicated issues understandable.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanadaStephen continues to be our go-to individual and trusted partner for both big picture strategy and execution.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanadaHe is very business-oriented and offers practical solutions.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanadaHe provides an excellent balance of high-level support and detailed management.
Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanada
Ranked Individuals at Stikeman Elliott LLP (4)
Members
Provided by Stikeman Elliott LLP

Gregory Plater
View profile of Gregory Plater
Ross MacDonald
View profile of Ross MacDonald
Richard Jackson
View profile of Richard Jackson
Stephen Holinski
View profile of Stephen Holinski
Stikeman Elliott LLP has rankings in the following guides
Band 1 Canada 2026
Practice area: Real Estate
Location: Nationwide - Canada
View department profile for Canada 2026
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