Toronto Expropriation Lawyers

At Mathany & Higgs Law, we understand that land development and infrastructure projects are essential for the growth of communities and cities. However, they often involve complex legal issues, including expropriation—when land is acquired for public use by a governmental authority. Whether you’re a landowner or a governmental body navigating the process, our experienced Toronto expropriation lawyers are here to provide practical, timely, and expert advice tailored to your specific needs.

What Is Expropriation?

Expropriation refers to the legal process by which a governmental authority takes private land for public use. The Ontario Expropriations Act governs the process, ensuring property owners receive fair compensation for their land. Expropriation can occur for various purposes, including infrastructure projects, public works, and urban development.

While many property owners may be apprehensive about losing their land, it’s crucial to understand that expropriation serves a critical public interest. The process balances the needs of the public with the rights of individual landowners, ensuring fairness throughout.

Mathany & Higgs: Experienced Expropriation Lawyers

At Mathany & Higgs Law, we have a wealth of experience representing landowners and expropriating authorities across the Province of Ontario. We understand the complexities of the expropriation process from all perspectives.

Our unique approach sets us apart. We take pride in offering a collaborative and transparent service, working closely with our clients to address the challenges that arise during the expropriation process. We recognize that every case is different, and our team provides a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to your situation.

The Expropriation Process

The expropriation process in Ontario involves several steps, and we can offer guidance to ensure compliance with the law. Our services include:

Legal Representation for Expropriating Authorities
We counsel municipalities, provincial governments, or other agencies planning to expropriate land for public use, ensuring compliance with the Ontario Expropriations Act and other relevant regulations. We assist in navigating the legal steps of expropriation, including issuing notices, obtaining appraisals, and ensuring fair compensation.
Legal Counsel for Property Owners
We guide property owners on their rights before formal expropriation begins, including exploring the possibility of negotiating an amicable sale. We assist in responding to expropriation notices, helping them understand their legal options and the potential for a fair settlement. We represent property owners who wish to challenge the necessity of the land acquisition at a hearing. Such hearings involve presenting evidence to argue that the public need for the land is not sufficiently justified.
Compensation Negotiation
Working with appraisers, we establish the fair market value of the property in question, including damages for lost value, relocation costs, and any business or personal disruptions. We represent our clients in settlement negotiations to ensure they receive fair compensation. This process includes negotiating with governmental bodies on behalf of property owners or helping authorities manage compensation claims.
Post-Expropriation Assistance
Our lawyers guide clients through the transfer of property title after the land transfer is complete, ensuring all legal documentation is in order. If a property owner feels they did not receive adequate compensation, we assist by appealing compensation decisions to higher authorities or courts.