Department profile
WeirFoulds LLP

Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use

Canada Guide 2026 : Ontario


WeirFoulds LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by WeirFoulds LLP

WeirFoulds’ Commercial Real Estate lawyers provide sophisticated commercial real estate expertise in all types of transactions to a variety of clients, including public and private corporations, pension funds, REITs, national and international retailers, financial institutions, governments and private individuals. The firm regularly assists clients with acquiring, financing, leasing, developing, managing and selling properties, in addition to investing in real estate on a portfolio basis.

In addition, its commercial leasing group is widely regarded as the top commercial leasing group in the country, serving clients across Canada including landlords and tenants, property managers, mortgagees, and other encumbrancers, across the spectrum of asset classes including retail, industrial, office, mixed-use, and infrastructure projects. The firm offers specialized experience in specific areas of leasing, including environmentally challenged properties, ground leasing, build-to-suit developments, and other mixed-use developments. The team’s extensive expertise extends beyond creating, preparing and negotiating leases and other related documentation, and includes enforcement of rent and other lease obligations, default proceedings, bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings, rent and other arbitrations, and judicial applications.

Industries (5)

  • Public Corporations
  • Private Corporations
  • Pension Funds
  • Financial Institutions
  • Government

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use - Ontario

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For
WeirFoulds has a skilled group with considerable experience acting for municipalities on significant expropriations and OLT appeals, in addition to its engagement on mid-market transactions in Ontario. The team acts for landowners and developers, providing advice and representation in connection with planning approvals and other development matters. It counsels clients on ownership structures and purchases and sales. The firm is highlighted for its visibility on leasing mandates.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • WeirFoulds LLP acted as real estate counsel to Port Credit West Village Partners on the ongoing development of the Brightwater Port Credit Waterfront Master Plan Community by a partnership of major Ontario developers.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team is experienced in dealing with complex transactions and legal matters.

    Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanada
  • WeirFoulds is very knowledgeable and solution-oriented.

    Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanada
  • The firm is practical, very good at putting themselves in our shoes and treats every issue as important.

    Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Bruce Engell
    Band 2Bruce Engell

    Bruce Engell

    Bruce Engell is co-chair of the firm's municipal and planning group, with expertise covering the full spectrum of matters arising in the course of real estate development. He is adept at representing clients before the OLT and the courts in Ontario.

    • He is helpful on any land development and planning issues we have.

      Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanada
  • Band 3Karsten Lee
    Band 3Karsten Lee

    Karsten Lee

    Karsten Lee is a respected commercial leasing practitioner, with experience acting for franchisors, developers and landlords.

    • He is very detail-oriented and brings his knowledge of the company to every matter.

      Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanada
  • Band 3Lisa A Borsook
    Band 3Lisa A Borsook

    Lisa A Borsook

    Lisa Borsook is well regarded for her expertise in commercial leasing and portfolio management matters.

    • Lisa has provided great subject matter expertise.

      Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanada
    • Lisa is very talented.

      Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use respondentCanada
  • Band 4Denise Baker
    Band 4Denise Baker

    Denise Baker

    Denise Baker combines her role as co-managing partner of the firm with an active planning and land use practice, advising on obtaining approval for proposed developments.

Ranked Individuals at WeirFoulds LLP (4)

Ontario

Members

Provided by WeirFoulds LLP

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