Foundations in Municipal Law and Governance 2026 is a comprehensive program designed to provide participants with a solid understanding of the legal and governance frameworks that shape Ontario municipalities. Organized by Osgoode Professional Development, this program is tailored for professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge of municipal responsibilities and operations.
The program covers a range of critical topics, including the constitutional and legislative foundations of municipal government in Ontario, municipal powers and jurisdiction under the Municipal Act and City of Toronto Act, council roles and decision-making processes, and the role of Agencies, Boards, and Commissions. Additionally, it delves into key municipal functions such as bylaw enactment, land-use planning, municipal finance, privacy obligations under MFIPPA, municipal liability, and procurement best practices.
Participants will benefit from a flexible, self-paced learning format, allowing them to engage with the material at their convenience. The program also offers the opportunity to upgrade registration to attend the full Osgoode Certificate in Municipal Law and Governance, providing a pathway for deeper learning and professional development.
This program is ideal for municipal lawyers at early to mid-career stages, private practice lawyers interested in municipal law, municipal staff without a legal background—including management, senior leaders, finance staff, council members, clerks, and CAOs—as well as provincial municipal lawyers and legal support staff. Attendees will gain practical insights and knowledge essential for effective collaboration with local government entities.
Categories
Speakers(11)
David Potts
Commissioner, Legislative Services and City Solicitor at City of Peterborough
David Potts serves as the Commissioner of Legislative Services and City Solicitor for the City of Peterborough.
Jason Reynar
Municipal Law Partner at Lerners LLP
Jason Reynar is a Municipal Law Partner at Lerners LLP.
John Mascarin
Partner at Aird & Berlis LLP
John Mascarin is a Partner at Aird & Berlis LLP.
Karen Reynar
Director, Legal and Procurement Services at Town of Newmarket
Karen Reynar is the Director of Legal and Procurement Services for the Town of Newmarket.
Lisa Shields
City Solicitor at City of Hamilton
Lisa Shields serves as the City Solicitor for the City of Hamilton.
Maurizio Artale
Legal Counsel at City of Mississauga
Maurizio Artale is Legal Counsel for the City of Mississauga.
Rebecca Hall-McGuire
Deputy City Solicitor at City of Vaughan
Rebecca Hall-McGuire serves as the Deputy City Solicitor for the City of Vaughan.
Steven Dickson
Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Legal Officer at Town of Caledon
Steven Dickson is the Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Legal Officer for the Town of Caledon.
Stuart Huxley
City Solicitor (Interim) at City of Ottawa
Stuart Huxley is the Interim City Solicitor for the City of Ottawa.
Wendy Law
Director, Legislative and Property Services at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Wendy Law is the Director of Legislative and Property Services at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
Wendy Walberg
City Solicitor (Head of Legal Services Division) at City of Toronto
Wendy Walberg serves as the City Solicitor and Head of the Legal Services Division for the City of Toronto.
Event Details
- Date
- March 15, 2026
- Location
- 🇨🇦 Toronto, Canada
- Pricing
- $1,095 + TAX
- Audience
- Municipal lawyers, private practice lawyers interested in municipal law, municipal staff without a legal background (management, senior leaders, finance staff, council members, clerks, CAOs), provincial municipal lawyers, and legal support staff.
- CLE Credits
- 10 hours (8.5 Substantive, 0.5 Professionalism, 1 EDI)