Rebecca Hines

Since 2018, I have dedicated my legal career to supporting public and private sector clients with a focus on Municipal Law. I began my practice on Bay Street with one of Ontario’s leading Municipal and Land Use Planning Law firms, where I gained invaluable experience navigating complex legal challenges. In 2021, I moved in-house with a large regional municipality, where I developed a deep understanding of municipal governance and operations.

I am proud to lead the Municipal Law practice at Hunter Legal LLP, while also supporting the firm’s workplace law practice. I provide advice and representation on a wide range of municipal law matters, including those governed by the Municipal Act, 2001, the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, and human rights and accessibility legislation. I also advise local housing corporations on a variety of community housing law matters, including those governed by the Housing Services Act, 2011, the Ontario Business Corporations Act, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, and human rights and accessibility legislation.

My background in litigation, tribunal advocacy, conducting investigations, negotiating and drafting agreements, and advising on human rights and accessibility matters aligns naturally with many workplace issues. This experience provides a strong foundation for the continued development of my workplace law practice, enabling me to effectively support Hunter Legal LLP’s labour and employment clients.

Through my diverse background and commitment to excellence, I deliver practical legal support that empowers my clients to address their needs effectively and with confidence.

Professional Involvement

Executive Committee Member, Ontario Bar Association, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Community Section (2019 – 2021)

Recent Appearances and Publications

Guest Lecturer, Osgoode Hall Law School, “Municipal Accountability and Transparency”, October 30, 2024.

“A Tale of Two Tests: Closed Mind and Reasonable Apprehension of Bias in the Context of Council Decisions on Integrity Commissioner Reports” in 10 Digest of Municipal & Planning Law (2d) (April 2022) No. 16, pp. 1-7.

Presenter, The Six-Minute Municipal Lawyer 2021, “Closed Meeting Investigations – What Happens Behind Closed Doors”, May 10, 2021 (co-presented with John Mascarin).

“The Ins and Outs of In Camera Meetings in Ontario” in 10 Digest of Municipal & Planning Law (2d) (January 2021) No. 1, pp. 1-10 (co-authored with John Mascarin).

Presenter, Ontario Association of Committees of Adjustment & Consent Authorities (OACA), “Electronic Meetings – The ‘New Normal’ for Municipal Meetings”, December 8, 2020.

Presenter, Smart Density Webinar, “Bill 108 + Bill 197: The New Legislative Framework for Community Benefits, Development Charges and Parkland Dedication”, October 14, 2020.

“The Shergar Decision” in Ontario Expropriation Association Magazine, Spring 2020 (co-authored with David Neligan and Ajay Gajaria).

“Be Aidant and Remediate – Corrective and Remedial Measures for Code of Conduct Contraventions” in 9 Digest of Municipal & Planning Law (2d) (January 2019) No. 1, pp. 1-9 (co-authored with John Mascarin).

“Desperate Times Call for Authorized Enforcement Measures – Imposing Remedial or Corrective Actions for Code of Conduct Contraventions” in 81 Municipal & Planning Law Reports (5th) pp. 16-32 (co-authored with John Mascarin).

“Electronic participation at council meetings 101: Understanding the implications of Bill 68” in Municipal World Magazine, June 2018 (co-authored with Jody Johnson).“Out on a Limb – The Law of Trees in Ontario” in 7 Digest of Municipal & Planning Law (2d) (August 2016) No. 20, pp. 1-5 (co-authored with Sidonia Tomasella).