Coping with Community Mailboxes
2015-09-23Legal Updates
The transition from home delivery to community mailboxes by Canada Post has been making headlines across the country. Many communities, and the local governments that represent them, have expressed opposition to the very concept of the end of home delivery service, and frustration with the manner in which Canada Post is going about the transition. […]
Read Article
2015-09-22Announcements
On October 22, 2015 Colin Stewart will be lecturing in Vancouver for the Pacific Business and Law Institute on Local Governments and Health and Criminal Regulation.
Read Article
The Annual Tax Sale Approaches!
2015-09-18Legal Updates
The tax sale provisions of Part 11 of the Local Government Act (“LGA”) provide municipalities with the ultimate property tax collection tool – a forced sale of the property that is subject to tax. As the saying goes, you can’t fight City Hall! However, not only is the annual tax sale a handy tax collection […]
Read Article
UBCM Convention – September 21 to 25
2015-09-17Announcements
The partners at Stewart McDannold Stuart will be attending the annual convention of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities next week. As in years past we are proud to sponsor the UBCM Daily News. We look forward to meeting with our clients and colleagues over the course of the convention.
Read Article
New Associate Joins the SMS Team
2015-09-15Announcements
Madelaine Campbell has joined the solicitor’s department at Stewart McDannold Stuart as our newest associate. Madelaine brings with her valuable experience in planning, development, and local government law, which she gained at a national law firm. She is excited to join the SMS team, and to focus her skills and energy on providing outstanding legal […]
Read Article
UVic Local Government Law Course (ADMN 452)
2015-09-09Announcements
Kathryn Stuart and Peter Johnson begin teaching the Local Government Law course at the University of Victoria’s School of Public Administration the week of September 7, 2015. This online course offers students an introduction into the legal authority of local governments; basic concepts of administrative law; legal reasoning and how to recognize potential legal problems […]
Read Article
2015-09-09Announcements
Sean Smith, a UVic law student, has joined Stewart McDannold Stuart for a three month term as a law co-op student, having previously worked as a student in a large local government organization. This is a great way for law students to dip their toes into the legal profession (and hopefully not get frightened off!). […]
Read Article
2015-07-08Legal Updates
Most local governments in British Columbia have likely already received a letter from the Province advising of regulatory changes affecting medical marihuana and ALR land. Legislative Changes The Agricultural Land Reserve Use, Subdivision And Procedure Regulation 171/2002 B.C. Reg. 171/2002 was changed effective May 7, 2015 to incorporate medical marihuana production facilities (MMPFs) into the […]
Read Article
LGMA Presentations You Do Not Want to Miss – Thursday, June 18
2015-06-09Announcements
The Local Government Management Association annual conference is scheduled for June 16 – 19 in Prince George. Colin Stewart will be presenting a legal update on matters of interest to municipalities and regional districts. Susan Beach will be presenting on how to accommodate disabilities in the workforce and reduce liability for human rights complaints. We […]
Read Article
Bill 29 Expands Tax Exemptions for Independent Schools
2015-06-01Legal Updates
The BC Legislature has given first reading to Bill 29 – 2015, the Property Taxation (Exemptions) Statutes Amendment Act, 2015 (“Bill 29”). If it becomes law, Bill 29 will repeal and replace the language of subsection 220(1)(l) of the Community Charter, and subsection 15(1)(o) of the Taxation (Rural Area) Act. In its current form, the […]
Read Article