Real Estate
Canada Guide 2025 : Ontario
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 877 973 5500About
Provided by Stikeman Elliott LLP
Stikeman Elliott’s national Real Estate Group provides sophisticated but practical real estate expertise and legal advice to real estate investors and key industry players on the acquisition, disposition, municipal land use, development, financing and leasing of all classes of real estate. The Group also has complementary and notable expertise in complex domestic and cross-border transactions involving real estate, major infrastructure projects, agricultural lands, mining rights, aboriginal law and loan securitizations. We are proud to be counsel of choice to those who are leading the transformation of Canada’s real estate sector.
By leveraging our experience and market knowledge, as well as the firm’s world renowned securities and taxation specialists, the Group is able to provide advice to all variety of clients, including non-taxable institutional investors, publicly traded REITs, investment funds, private equity firms and foreign investors. We have particular experience in spin-off, sale/leaseback and other innovative transactions designed to unlock the value of real estate holdings. Clients are effectively guided in the formation of their investment vehicles and joint-ventures, always mindful of tax efficiency and business objectives, whether in connection with their real estate in Canada or internationally. www.stikeman.com
Chambers Review
Stikeman Elliott is recognised for its impressive strength in managing large real estate transactions, including purchases, sales and financings. Its lawyers frequently assist clients entering into co-ownership and joint venture agreements, as well as demonstrating strong expertise in complex commercial leasing and sale-leasebacks. The team's experience covers a wide range of product types, including commercial, retail and mixed-use properties. It is further equipped to handle issues surrounding land development, including zoning approvals and official plan amendments. The group demonstrates notable experience in OLT hearings. Its clients include public and private companies and REITs.
Work Highlights
- Stikeman Elliott advised Canadian Apartment Properties REIT on the sale of three apartment properties.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"On all of our transactions, whatever issues come up, Stikeman Elliott have the depth to prepare the solutions."
"Stikeman Elliot's Municipal legal team is very capable of handling all complex and sophisticated matters related to the land use and Ontario Land tribunal matters they are engaged on."
"The firm has an excellent team including land planners, litigators, transactional attorneys and environmental attorneys."
"The lawyers are highly responsive and eager to please."
"Stikeman Elliott is able to bring together multiple disciplines to address complex transactions in different jurisdictions."
"On all of our transactions, whatever issues come up, Stikeman Elliott have the depth to prepare the solutions."
"Stikeman Elliot's Municipal legal team is very capable of handling all complex and sophisticated matters related to the land use and Ontario Land tribunal matters they are engaged on."
"The firm has an excellent team including land planners, litigators, transactional attorneys and environmental attorneys."
"The lawyers are highly responsive and eager to please."
"Stikeman Elliott is able to bring together multiple disciplines to address complex transactions in different jurisdictions."
Notable Practitioners
Calvin Lantz frequently appears before the OLT and municipal councils, in addition to advising developers seeking planning and zoning approvals.
"Calvin Lantz is very efficient in the delivery of legal services but, more importantly, he has a wealth of experience to draw on, allowing him to provide practical guidance."
"He has the ability to simplify complex matters and always completes tasks successfully."
"Calvin Lantz is very detailed, an expert in his field, client-focused and great to work with."
"Calvin Lantz is an extremely strong lawyer who we rely on, and is a pleasure to work with."
"Calvin Lantz is very attentive to our needs. He's been a fantastic support for us."
Mario Paura is particularly highly regarded for his expertise in leasing matters. He is a skilled commercial real estate practitioner who often acts for developers and lenders on transactions in the space. His client roster also features major asset managers.
"Mario Paura is timely and responsive."
"He is very practical, very commercial and very responsive, which is always appreciated. He helps us understand the market and what risks we are taking and how to protect ourselves. I appreciate that."
"His commercial awareness is a particular highlight and valuable to us."
"Mario Paura has an in-depth understanding of the markets in which we were working, brings tons of experience and knowledge to the table, and provides a great service."
Eric Carmona is an accomplished real estate lawyer whose remit covers a variety of commercial transactions across Ontario, including acquisitions, dispositions and financing. He capably assists with mandates involving residential, commercial, industrial, hospitality and senior living developments.
"Eric Carmona is a very capable team/deal leader who can engage well in any complex matter."
"Eric Carmona is very skilled with a strong approach."
"He takes the time to understand his client's needs and does an incredible job of finding acceptable solutions for us and selling them to the opposing counsel."
Stella Di Cresce is garnering increasing recognition for her commercial real estate practice, advising clients on construction financing and real estate transactions.
"Stella Di Cresce is a lawyer that continuously demonstrates an ability to solve complex issues and provides a commercial mindset."
"Stella Di Cresce is a great real estate adviser who understands our business and provides practical solutions for often complex matters."
Dana Porter handles the purchase and sale of real estate in Ontario.
"We always appreciate Dana Porter's expertise, measured approach, responsiveness and file management."
Douglas Klaassen capably assists with real estate transactions. He has additional strength in matters involving real estate funds.
"Douglas Klaassen has great attention to detail."
"He can make a business decision and can advocate for his client's position."
Patrick Duffy co-leads the firm's project development and finance group. He is routinely engaged on planning and land use matters in Ontario, both advising on zoning by-law amendments and representing clients in appeals before the OLT.
"Patrick Duffy provides exceptional services."
"Patrick Duffy is responsive and experienced."
Neil Shapiro is a Toronto-based lawyer with a developing commercial real estate practice. He has strong experience acting for investors on purchases and disposition transactions.
"Neil Shapiro is a sophisticated and client service-focused lawyer."
"Neil Shapiro is highly skilled with a very personable approach."
"Neil Shapiro is a no-nonsense executor who can work across matters of all size and complexity. He has a nice soft touch in solving problems."
Vince Imerti enters the rankings this year on the back of his activity in real estate transactions and lease negotiations.
"Vince Imerti is very experienced and adds excellent value in deal structure and negotiation."
"He is our go-to relationship partner."
"Vince Imerti is very strong in execution and provides great legal help for us."
"His client service is a strength and he has big-picture thinking."
"He does a really good job on managing relationships and prioritises accounts and puts the best people against the transaction which is very much appreciated."
Andrew Elliott is adept at advising on planning matters as they relate to obtaining approvals for re-zoning and redevelopment projects.
"Andrew Elliott is very detailed, client-focused and great to work with."
"Andrew Elliott is consistently able to provide excellent transactional documents and legal advice."
"Andrew Elliott has been very good to deal with. He knows how to close the loop on every issue we've brought to him."
Jonathan Cheng is an associate with a fast-rising reputation for his real estate practice, which focuses on development approvals and zoning by-law amendments.
"Jonathan Cheng is very detailed, client-focused and great to work with."
"His ingenuity is the reason why the file was successful."
Ranked Lawyers at
Stikeman Elliott LLP
Ontario
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