Practice Areas   ›   Municipal Law

Farris LLP: Vancouver's Law Firm

Municipal Law

Farris has extensive experience in municipal law -  advising regional and municipal governments.

At the regional level, we have handled a substantial portion of the solicitors’ and litigation work for Metro Vancouver (Greater Vancouver Regional District, Greater Vancouver Water District, Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District, Greater Vancouver Hospital District, and Greater Vancouver Housing Corporation). Our representation of these authorities includes drafting legislation, preparation and enforcement of bylaws, advising on inter-governmental affairs and policy issues concerning zoning and development. We have been involved extensively in local government environmental, regulatory, and other issues, advising on the development of air quality, liquid and solid waste plans, watershed management and the new water quality options and enhancement program. We have also represented the Regional District in connection with the development and construction of several regional waste facilities, including the Cache Creek and Coquitlam landfills, the Burnaby incinerator, and the Lulu Island and Annacis Island secondary treatment plants. As well, we have been involved in numerous property acquisitions and in the development of housing (including the post-closure development of the Coquitlam landfill) and regional parks on behalf of the Regional District.

We advised in the preparation of the legislation for and the establishment of Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority (now South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority) (TransLink) and the transfer of assets and responsibilities for transportation in the Lower Mainland from BC Transit to TransLink. This has also involved the transfer of the responsibility for AirCare to Translink and the negotiation of a new programme agreement for the AirCare program. We have also been involved in numerous projects for TransLink, including real property acquisitions, infrastructure and facilities development projects, such as the Golden Ears Bridge and supporting highway network, and technology procurement and transit system upgrade projects.

We have acted for TransLink’s subsidiary, Canada Line Co., with respect to litigation matters arising out of the construction of the the Canada Line rapid transit project.

We act for the British Columbia Agricultural Land Commission as its general counsel, regularly providing advice in relation to agricultural uses, inter-governmental relations, administrative law and legislation (including the provincial government’s imposition of a golf course development moratorium).  We also represent the Agricultural Land Commission in litigation matters.

We act for the Municipal Finance Authority of B.C. which provides financings for all local government in British Columbia (municipalities and regional districts) in both the foreign and domestic bond markets.

We have frequently provided general advice to a number of municipal governments, including those of Vancouver, Surrey, West Vancouver, and Richmond. 

Our Municipal Law Lawyers

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Scott A. Dawson Partner sdawson@farris.com 604 661 9354
Michael Gianacopoulos Partner mgianacopoulos@farris.com 604 661 1705
R. Christopher Holmes Partner cholmes@farris.com 604 661 9335
Ross Langford Partner rlangford@farris.com 250 869 3868
Gordon A. Love Partner glove@farris.com 604 661 9317
George K. Macintosh, Q.C. Partner gmacintosh@farris.com 604 661 9332
Hugh M. Matthews Partner hmatthews@farris.com 604 661 9305
David I. McBride Partner dmcbride@farris.com 604 661 9369
Robert J. McDonell Partner rmcdonell@farris.com 604 661 9371
Maria K. McKenzie Partner mmckenzie@farris.com 604 661 9319
Dean A. O’Leary Partner doleary@farris.com 604 661 9316
Ronald A. Chin Associate rchin@farris.com 604 661 9333
Tim A. Dickson Associate tdickson@farris.com 604 661 9341
Sean Hern Partner shern@farris.com 250 405 1982
Mike J. Wagner Associate mwagner@farris.com 604 661 9388

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