MUNICIPAL LAW

At Hunter Legal LLP, we provide municipalities with practical legal solutions that support their strategic and operational goals. Led by Rebecca Hines, a lawyer with extensive local government experience, our Municipal Law practice offers expert counsel that is tailored to the unique needs of municipal corporations and related municipal entities. Through a collaborative and professional approach, we help our clients address their municipal law matters effectively and with confidence.

Our Services

Legislative Services

We provide comprehensive support in drafting by-laws, policies, and procedures that are clear, enforceable, and compliant with applicable legislation. Our approach ensures these governing documents not only meet legal requirements but also effectively address the specific needs and objectives of the municipal corporation. Whether updating existing by-laws or creating new ones, we work collaboratively with our clients to ensure clarity, consistency, and long-term effectiveness.

Accountability Officer Services

At the heart of effective local governance are the principles of accountability, transparency, and integrity. Our Accountability Officer Services are designed to support municipalities, councils, and local boards in upholding these principles, strengthening public trust, and ensuring compliance with legislative requirements.

Integrity Commissioner Services

As an Integrity Commissioner, we provide expert guidance on codes of conduct and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act (MCIA), offering advice to members of councils and local boards on their ethical responsibilities. We conduct independent investigations into complaints, provide clear and actionable recommendations, and support ethical decision-making that prioritizes and aligns with the public interest.

Closed Meeting Investigator Services

As a Closed Meeting Investigator, we help councils and local boards maintain compliance with the Open Meeting Rule and its exceptions under the Municipal Act, 2001. We provide proactive guidance, as well as investigatory services. Through independent investigations, we evaluate whether meetings adhered to applicable statutory and local requirements, providing detailed findings and practical recommendations to enhance good governance practices.

Education and Training

Our services include education and training programs tailored to the needs of councils, local boards, and staff, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to meet their accountability and transparency obligations. With a focus on practicality and compliance, we are dedicated to helping municipalities maintain and strengthen public trust in local government.

Information and Privacy

We support municipalities in meeting their obligations under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) with tailored, practical solutions. Our services include assisting with evaluating and responding to information requests, delivering comprehensive training to staff on their legal responsibilities, and managing appeals and dispute resolution processes. We are committed to helping municipalities maintain transparency while safeguarding privacy and ensuring compliance with MFIPPA requirements.

Delegations of Authority

We assist municipalities in drafting, implementing, and managing delegation of authority by-laws and provisions to streamline operations and ensure the clear assignment of responsibilities. Our services are designed to promote efficiency, accountability, and compliance with legal requirements. Additionally, we provide ongoing support by reviewing and updating delegations to reflect organizational changes, evolving priorities, or new legislative requirements, ensuring they remain effective and relevant.

Accessibility and Human Rights Compliance

Our team offers expert guidance to ensure compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We assist municipalities in developing comprehensive accessibility policies, providing targeted training for staff and leadership on accessibility standards and human rights obligations, and implementing practical strategies to identify and remove barriers. Our goal is to help municipalities foster inclusive governance, promote equity, and create communities that are accessible and welcoming to all residents.

Election Services

Local elections are a cornerstone of democracy, providing residents with the opportunity to shape their communities and elect representatives who reflect their values and priorities. We provide comprehensive legal support to assist municipalities with the administration of local elections under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. Whether addressing routine compliance matters or more intricate legal challenges, our team is here to offer clear, practical guidance.

In addition, we offer training and independent legal counsel to Compliance Audit Committees (CACs), supporting them in fulfilling their statutory mandate in the public interest.

Contracts

Our firm provides expert guidance to municipalities in drafting, negotiating, and interpreting a wide range of contracts and other essential legal instruments. We work closely with our clients to ensure each agreement is carefully crafted to protect municipal interests, mitigate risks, and align with operational goals. With a focus on effective administration and compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements, we combine legal precision with a deep understanding of municipal priorities to help develop agreements that are both practical and sustainable.

Specialized Services for Local Housing Corporations

Local housing corporations play a vital role in delivering affordable housing while navigating complex legal and regulatory frameworks. With expertise in community housing law, we empower local housing corporations to meet their legal obligations, deliver essential services, and serve the public interest with integrity and confidence.

Corporate Governance

Our team offers practical and strategic guidance on governance and operational matters under the Housing Services Act, 2011 and the Ontario Business Corporations Act, ensuring local housing corporations can navigate complex regulatory requirements with confidence. We assist with board responsibilities, by-laws and policies, and other key governance matters, providing tailored solutions to support effective decision-making and operational efficiency.

Landlord-Tenant Relations

Local housing corporations face unique challenges as landlords, requiring a strong understanding of residential tenancy rights and obligations in the community housing context. We provide expert counsel on matters governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and accessibility legislation, promoting positive and legally compliant landlord-tenant relationships.

Service and Funding Agreements

We draft, negotiate, and review critical contracts such as service agreements, funding agreements, and leases, ensuring they align with legislative requirements and organizational goals. We work closely with our clients to ensure every agreement is meticulously crafted to safeguard the corporation’s interests and mitigate risks.

The Value of an Integrated Approach

Hunter Legal LLP is uniquely positioned to address the interconnected municipal and workplace law needs of municipalities and local housing corporations. We offer practical solutions that integrate these areas, such as:

• Aligning workplace policies and procedures with municipal requirements and governance standards.
• Representing municipalities and local housing corporations in employment law and labour relations matters.
• Advising municipalities and local housing corporations on their obligations under human rights and accessibility legislation.
• Providing education and training on myriad municipal and workplace law topics. 

By addressing these intersections, we ensure our clients benefit from comprehensive, cohesive legal guidance that supports their broader organizational goals.

Why Choose Hunter Legal LLP?

With a deep understanding of municipal legislation and operations, we provide pragmatic, client-focused advice tailored to the challenges and opportunities faced by our clients. Our approach prioritizes clarity, compliance, and practicality, empowering our clients to navigate legal complexities with confidence while effectively serving their communities.