Property Law

A minor variance is approval given for a small deviation from the prevailing Zoning by-laws.

In Ontario, fire retrofit refers to a dwelling’s ability to conform with local fire codes. The fire department can inspect an existing dwelling and recommend modifications necessary to have the unit comply with the Fire Code.

Adverse Possession (colloquially referred to as “Squatter’s Rights”) is the occupation of land, in whole or in part, by a non-owner party, with the intention of possessing it as their own.

International and domestic purchasers of properties for the purpose of renting should know the impact of the Cannabis Act, 2017, which legalizes the cultivation and use of marijuana. Unchecked cannabis usage can reduce the value of your investment. Most rental units...

A Legal, Non-Conforming structure is permitted to continue use but does not comply with current planning by-laws.

A Zoning By-Law is the application of urban planning by restriction of land use through municipality-controlled laws.

The Planning Act controls property manipulation and modification in Ontario through land use restrictions.

Expropriation is the act where the Government acquires private property from landowners for a public purpose.

An Easement is a right enjoyed by a dominant tenement over a servient tenement, for a purpose other than general use or occupation.

With the recent announcement of Cresford Developments entering into receivership, there is valid concern regarding potential scenarios in which a pre-construction purchase encounters a similar scenario. After all, its hard to believe that three luxury developments...

A Road Allowance is a strip of land reserved for the Government by a Crown Surveyor, for the purposes of servicing lots within a concession.

Have you ever wondered about Joint Tenancy vs Tenants in Common in Ontario? Catalyst’s advice will get you on the right track.

A real estate transaction is potentially the largest single financial transaction of your life, planning and executing is critical for a result which anticipates both short and long-term goals and outcomes. In many real estate transactions you might only meet with a...