Ontario Land Tribunal Hearing

We work closely with legal counsel throughout the hearing process, from early case strategy through to witness statements and testimony. Where settlement is possible, our clear planning opinions help parties reach agreement without a full hearing. Our team includes 6 Registered Professional Planners qualified to give expert evidence.

Ahead of the hearings, our team also attends expert’s meetings and case management conferences, prepares expert witness statements and affidavits that evaluate the planning applications against the provincial and municipal planning policies. As part of our services, NPG also coordinates with legal counsels and expert witnesses from other fields in preparation for the hearings. When there are opportunities to resolve issues outside of a full hearing, NPG also supports settlement discussion by providing clear planning opinions that help parties reach a mutual agreement.

As well, our experience leading various planning departments in Ontario and Alberta has provided us with a unique skill set for helping local municipalities prepare their planning departments for the management of development permit applications associated with new Community Planning Permit Systems being introduced throughout Ontario.

Our team is also available to offer municipalities independent planning advice when needed. This advice may be needed to confirm advice provided by their planning staff or to offer appropriate alternatives when LPAT appeals are imminent and planning staff are not available to support Council’s position.