Real Estate
Canada Guide 2025 : British Columbia
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 604 631 3300About
Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Our Real Estate group in B.C. has substantial experience advising clients on the development, purchase, sale, leasing and financing of major commercial real estate and infrastructure projects.
We represent clients on commercial real estate transactions, including development (rezoning, subdivision, and mixed-use projects), construction financing, joint ventures, acquisitions, commercial leasing, real property, commercial and corporate matters and Aboriginal land issues.
We advise Canadian pension funds on the regulatory and tax regimes governing their real estate investments. We act for some of Canada’s largest pension fund advisors and their pension fund clients on real estate projects across Canada. We also represent many pension funds directly.
Our Real Estate group has a leading development and construction financing practice acting for local and national developers and construction lenders. We act in Canada and internationally on significant infrastructure projects and public-private partnerships including the development of schools, hospitals, highways, bridges, wind and hydroelectric power projects, sporting venues, and water and wastewater systems.
We have expertise in the resort and resource industries. Our lawyers work regularly with provincial crown lands officials on tenure issues for large resort operations and for power and mining industrial projects.
We are frequently engaged on matters relating to the financing and development of cannabis projects.
Chambers Review
This well-respected national law firm has a strong presence in the BC real estate market. Blake, Cassels & Graydon represents pension funds, banks and institutional investors in construction financing and real estate development transactions, as well as advising on related regulatory and zoning matters. It is also acknowledged for its handling of co-ownership, purchase and sale agreements. The commercial real estate group often acts on transactions relating to retail and office space, as well as senior housing and resort operations. Its notable client base also includes infrastructure developers and renewable energy companies.
Work Highlights
- Blake, Cassels & Graydon acted for Hackman Capital Partners on its purchase of Vancouver Film Studios, including production facilities and office assets.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Blake, Cassels & Graydon are very knowledgeable about all aspects of transactions and the nuances of effective negotiation. The team provides timely and comprehensive service and responses."
"I find the team to be business-minded and they respond in a timely and professional manner. They understand their clients' businesses and provide a service suited to their clients' needs."
"The depth of their resources enabled the services to be executed with agility and accuracy in the midst of negotiations. They have been highly effective in seeing around corners."
"The lawyers always provide what we need from them, are on top of deadlines and are very responsive to our requests."
"The team understands complex projects and deals, based on a wealth of knowledge and experience. For this reason, their advice is very practical and takes into account the commercial realities."
"Blake, Cassels & Graydon are very knowledgeable about all aspects of transactions and the nuances of effective negotiation. The team provides timely and comprehensive service and responses."
"I find the team to be business-minded and they respond in a timely and professional manner. They understand their clients' businesses and provide a service suited to their clients' needs."
"The depth of their resources enabled the services to be executed with agility and accuracy in the midst of negotiations. They have been highly effective in seeing around corners."
"The lawyers always provide what we need from them, are on top of deadlines and are very responsive to our requests."
"The team understands complex projects and deals, based on a wealth of knowledge and experience. For this reason, their advice is very practical and takes into account the commercial realities."
Notable Practitioners
Jeffrey Merrick is a first-rate real estate lawyer with an impressive stable of clients, including pension and private equity funds. Based in Vancouver, he displays comprehensive knowledge of real estate matters concerning infrastructure developments. His market-leading practice also comprises transactions, financings and leasing of all manner of real estate projects.
"Jeffrey Merrick is an excellent lawyer who can handle very complex matters."
"I find Jeffrey Merrick's understanding of the law and how it applies to his client's business excellent. His service level is excellent as well, and he is very practical."
"Jeffrey Merrick has proven to be a smart, reliable and trustworthy adviser over the years."
"Jeffrey Merrick has provided excellent service and is able to rely on his team to provide accurate and effective advice on matters."
Greg Umbach capably assists with transactions across residential, commercial, industrial and hospitality developments in BC. His client roster comprises lenders, borrowers and developers. He also has knowledge of subdivisions and municipal approval processes.
"Greg Umbach is practical, provides good advice on commercial matters and is very knowledgeable in the real estate sector."
"Greg Umbach was highly engaged and professional during our transaction processes. He is seasoned and provides capable advice on sensitive commercial transactions."
"Greg Umbach is always calm and available. It is always easy to get in touch with him."
"Greg Umbach has been a pleasure to work with. He is a knowledgeable and skilled lawyer and he provides our team with sound advice."
"Greg Umbach provides expert and very practical advice."
Graham Fulton adeptly advises on real estate transactions and financings, including acquisitions and joint ventures, notably in relation to industrial, logistics and residential assets.
"Graham Fulton is generally extremely responsive and collaborative in moving issues forward."
"Graham Fulton has provided very good service and has been very responsive to matters."
"Graham Fulton is really skilled."
Michael Ventresca has a wide-ranging commercial real estate practice with significant expertise in real estate finance and wider transactional activity, often concerning commercial and residential assets.
"Michael Ventresca helps us stay on schedule and understand our risks. He has a high level of sophistication when it comes to real estate in Vancouver."
"Michael Ventresca is a personable and knowledgeable lawyer who has been very responsive."
"Michael Ventresca is an excellent lawyer with good commercial sense who represents us well in complex matters."
"Michael Ventresca is very detailed and excellent at explaining complex legal matters in terms that we can understand in order to make sound decisions."
"He was a very reliable resource during our transaction, providing effective and deliberate service during our experience. We were pleased with the speed of his service and organisation capabilities."
Alysha Visram acts for clients on transactional real estate work, including M&A transactions, financings and leasing matters.
"Alysha Visram is attentive and intelligent, and has assisted us with a complicated deal. She is easy to deal with."
Ranked Lawyers at
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
British Columbia
Members
Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP