Caron & Partners LLP has over the years represented several municipalities and administrative boards and tribunals in both specific and general counsel capacity. We have acted for the City of Airdire, the Municipality of Rocky View; the Town of Canmore, the Town of High River, the Town of Okotoks; the Public Utilities Board; and the Alberta Utilities and Energy Board (to name a few). We have also acted for developers in respect of developments within various municipalities, provincial and federal parks.  The following outlines our experience in some key areas of municipal law and planning.

Caron & Partners LLP has had involvement with planning and development law both in the context of acting for municipalities and acting for developers. We have been involved in the drafting of land use bylaws and in advising clients regarding the interpretation of land use bylaws, development plans and other regulatory provisions affecting the subdivision, use and development of lands.. We have significant experience with the development approval and appeal process. We have conducted judicial review proceedings in connection with development decisions at all levels of court acting for both appellants and respondents on appeals of Development Appeal Board decisions. 

Our firm has been involved in the negotiation and drafting of agreements between municipalities and developers including Development Agreements and Sub-division Servicing Agreements. We have also been, and presently are, involved in litigation regarding the relationship between municipalities and developers as defined by contract and as defined by the general law. This litigation experience is invaluable in structuring future relationships between developers and municipalities.

We have  assisted municipalities in conducting their own developments. We have been involved with contract negotiations between municipalities and contracting parties such as engineers, architects and general contractors. We have been involved with land acquisitions by municipalities.

We have been involved with the drafting and enforcement of municipal bylaws.

Significant experience has been gained by Caron & Partners LLP through administrative tribunal and court proceedings concerning such matters of general administrative law as: duties of municipal officers, jurisdiction and authority of municipalities and municipal bodies;  procedural fairness and natural justice. In the course of representing municipalities, Caron & Partners LLP has dealt with specific matters of administrative and municipal law procedure including: elections; the conduct of council meetings; the passing and drafting of bylaws and resolutions; the enforcement and administration of applicable legislation; judicial review of by-laws, administrative decisions and actions; controverted elections; breach of conflict of interest provisions; the liability of municipalities generally and specifically concerning the acts and omissions of municipal officers and employees in performing statutory duties or contractual undertakings. Other litigation has included the areas of contract default, debtor and creditor law including the collection of outstanding taxes and utility accounts, bankruptcy and insolvency, construction law disputes, negligence and other tort actions and wrongful dismissal.

Our firm has extensive experience in all areas of employment law including Employment Standards legislation, wrongful dismissal, labour arbitrations. adjudication proceedings under the Canada Labour Code, arbitrations and grievance proceedings in respect of unionized employees, certification applications before the Labour Relations Board and administrative law principles applicable to employees who are "office holders". Our experience in this area has taught us the importance of vigilance in handling the proper engagement and termination of officers, employees and other administrative personnel. Caron & Partners LLP has represented both employees, including managers, school superintendents and administrators, and employers, including municipalities and boards.