Real Estate
Canada Guide 2025 : Ontario
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 416 979 2211About
Provided by Goodmans LLP
Goodmans Commercial Real Estate Group is one of the most extensive and comprehensive real estate law practices in Canada. Representing both private and public sector interests, Goodmans works with developers, owners and managers, contractors, consortiums, leading financial institutions, investment dealers and intermediaries, governments, government agencies and crown corporations.
We are regularly involved in acquisitions, sales and financings of large office buildings, shopping centres, industrial parks and portfolios of properties and mortgages. We handle land purchases and sales, construction, financing, leasing, zoning and tenant negotiations. This group is also involved in bond financings, project financings, synthetic lease-based financings, public/private partnerships, privatizations, real estate syndications and securitizations, real estate investment trusts, loan syndications, co-tenancy agreements, general partnership and limited partnership agreements, as well as structuring transactions involving complex tax, corporate law, withholding and income tax components.
We also provide legal advice and representation which encompasses every stage of the development approval process, and often extends to complex planning issues related to the environment, natural and cultural heritage, servicing, civil engineering, infrastructure financing, transportation, market impact, community services and growth management, among many others.
Chambers Review
Goodmans has a widely revered Ontario land use and zoning practice, acclaimed for regularly assisting developers with approvals and other land development matters in the City of Toronto and Greater Golden Horseshoe. Its clients in this area include government bodies, municipalities, major developers and advocacy groups. The group is also very well respected for assisting public and private companies with significant real estate transactions, including large portfolio acquisitions and complex financings. It represents an impressive roster of pension funds, asset managers, REITs and other institutional players.
Work Highlights
- Goodmans assisted Tenblock Developments with obtaining re-zoning and rental housing replace approval for a development project in Toronto.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Goodmans' deep understanding of our business gives me extreme comfort to rely on their expertise and advice."
"Goodmans' municipal law group is undoubtedly the industry's leading team."
"Goodmans is focused on client results and practical advice to get to the right solution."
"It is unquestionably a leading firm when it comes to complex real estate acquisition, divestiture and development matters."
"One of the pleasures of dealing with Goodmans is the breadth and depth of the team. The zoning/land use team is the best in Canada, in my opinion."
"Goodmans' deep understanding of our business gives me extreme comfort to rely on their expertise and advice."
"Goodmans' municipal law group is undoubtedly the industry's leading team."
"Goodmans is focused on client results and practical advice to get to the right solution."
"It is unquestionably a leading firm when it comes to complex real estate acquisition, divestiture and development matters."
"One of the pleasures of dealing with Goodmans is the breadth and depth of the team. The zoning/land use team is the best in Canada, in my opinion."
Notable Practitioners
Roslyn Houser enjoys an excellent reputation at the forefront of the market for her knowledge of planning and land use regulations. She often assists both public and private sector clients with large-scale development matters in southern Ontario.
David Bronskill assists developers and REITs with municipal law issues. He has significant experience appearing before councils and tribunals throughout Ontario in appeals against plan policies.
"David Bronskill is highly knowledgeable and experienced."
"David Bronskill is the best in class."
Andrew Wiseman leads the real estate group at Goodmans and possesses a sterling track record of handling real estate transactions, as well as mortgage financings.
Bram Green is particularly well known for his representation of joint ventures in development projects.
"Bram Green has got great commercial depth of knowledge about the real estate world in Ontario. He is practical and smart and results-oriented."
"Bram Green is an excellent technical lawyer, is client-focused and provides great value and insights."
Robert Howe is a talented lawyer with experience representing both public and private sector entities in development mandates, particularly those concerning the GTA.
Anne Benedetti enters the rankings this year on the back of her activity in land use, re-zoning and development approvals. She also represents clients in expropriation compensation claims.
"Anne Benedetti is knowledgeable and we trust her consistent guidance."
"She is unrivalled in her knowledge, sophistication, level of service, responsiveness, strategy, vision, creativity, collaboration, thoughtfulness, communication skills and technical competence."
Ian Andres is head of the firm's municipal, planning and property tax group, and his municipal expertise spans by-laws and planning applications, as well as advising on natural heritage issues. He also acts on behalf of clients before councils, committees and tribunals.
"Ian Andres is extremely articulate and thoughtful in expressing a position that reasonably considers all parties' issues and positions."
Fred Rubinoff has a broad transactional practice operating out of Goodmans' Toronto office. His experience particularly covers joint venture transactions and redevelopment projects.
Ira Berg is well placed to advise on commercial real estate and infrastructure development matters.
Ranked Lawyers at
Goodmans LLP
Ontario
Members
Provided by Goodmans LLP