Bousfields supports our clients early in their decision-making process regarding the acquisition or the sale of land. We prepare due diligence analysis, working with our Urban Design team to prepare massing scenarios and site configuration plans that provide an understanding of what is permitted on the site and what could be achieved through a municipal approvals process. We apply a similar process to support clients undergoing a site selection process so that they can find sites that best meet their needs. Our depth of knowledge means that we provide practical advice on what is possible on a site.
Working as part of a team, our approach to the planning applications process is comprehensive. We provide a professional impartial opinion in planning rationale justification, analyze the context of the proposal through an urban design brief and/or block context plan, provide a summary of the applicable community services and facilities, prepare housing issues reports, and prepare drafts of the applicable instruments including Official Plan Amendments and Zoning By-law Amendments.
Policy review is a critical aspect of our work at Bousfields. We analyze and interpret emerging planning policies and regulations released by municipalities and engage in the preparation of new policies and regulations, ensuring that our clients are well-informed and positioned to make educated decisions about their projects. We stay up-to-date on changes to policies and regulations to provide the most current advice.
Bousfields has long been recognized as being one of the foremost firms for community and subdivision design. From our early work on the planning and development of the Erin Mills Community, we are now responsible for the master planning of many new greenfield and infill communities throughout Ontario.
We create communication channels between clients and community members through stakeholder and public engagement sessions, workshops, open houses, urban design charrettes, visioning sessions, and surveys. We also create dedicated project websites that feature highlights, FAQs, and application materials that provide clarity and a view to the big picture.
Bousfields has a well-respected and dedicated team of experts who provide evidence before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and the Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB). Our deep understanding of the planning system provides objective, evidence-based analysis to support our clients’ cases.
Project management is a core aspect of our work. We assist our clients with application submission and processing. Our comprehensive project management services ensure that our clients’ projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards of quality. We work closely with our clients throughout the project life cycle, providing regular updates and ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged and informed.
Types of projects that we do:
We have extensive experience in residential and mixed use land use planning and development approvals, providing expert advice and support to our clients in the public and private sectors. Our mixed use work includes a range of building typologies and scales, from tall and mid-rise buildings to low-rise neighbourhoods and from infill developments to large-scale master plans. We work closely with our clients to help them navigate the complex planning and development process, from initial feasibility studies to final approvals.
Bousfields offers comprehensive commercial and employment land use services to our clients in the public and private sectors. We provide expert guidance and support across zoning regulations and land use policies, with consideration for land use compatibility, helping our clients to achieve their development goals.
Bousfields has secured planning approvals for a wide variety of institutional land uses, including schools, post-secondary institutions, community health centres, hospitals, community and recreational facilities and long-term care facilities. We have also participated as part of multi-disciplinary teams in the preparation of master plans for large institutions, including publicly led public-private partnerships.
“We have sessions with urban designers and community engagement specialists where we provide the policy element, they provide their design opinion and thoughts on engagement strategies. We review each other’s work and share consistency throughout the process. That’s something that I can say sets us apart.”
Today is the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day. It is a day to recognize and reflect on the impacts of the Canadian Residential School System. At the same time, it is a day to celebrate the resilience of Indigenous peoples and their ongoing efforts to revive their cultures and languages.
Our DEI Committee organized a reading and guided discussion at both the Toronto and Hamilton offices, where we read and discussed a chapter from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book “Braiding Sweetgrass”, a book on Indigenous Knowledge Systems, culture, and teachings. It gave Bousfielders the time and space to pause and reflect on their own impact as individuals and professionals, as well as on ways we can progress Reconciliation efforts.
🏆A huge congratulations to the Regent Park Phase 4 & 5 Project Team for winning one of this year’s coveted @ontarioplanners PlanON Vision Awards of Excellence!
Comprising the final two phases of the Regent Park Revitalization, the creation of a new vision for Phases 4 & 5 was initiated through a development partnership between @torontohousing and @tridelcommunities and led by an international, interdisciplinary team led locally by the planners, urban designers and community engagement specialists at Bousfields Inc. Located at the north end of the evolving Regent Park neighbourhood, Phases 4 & 5 represented the final opportunity to maximize the use of this public land for the purposes of providing much needed market and affordable housing, as well as significant community benefits.
Be sure to check out the link in bio to learn more about the team behind the project, as well as the rest of incredible 2025 PlanON Award winners!
Earlier this month, we hosted our annual Values Day, where staff come together for an interactive afternoon focusing on the 5 Bousfields Values: Integrity, Respect, Shared Knowledge, Leadership and Excellence. Thank you to all who helped organize this amazing event, it was a great team building experience and gave us the chance to reconnect with colleagues, learn and have some fun!
We’re happy to announce that another great baseball season has come to an end with the Marlins taking home the Toronto Playgrounds Baseball League championship last weekend! Bousfields couldn’t be more proud to sponsor this amazing team along with the Bantam Champions, The Eagles! Congrats!! @toronto_playgrounds_baseball
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Terry Fox walk/run this past weekend and who donated in support of cancer research! Bousfielders had a lovely walk and run on Sunday at High Park and exceeded the fundraising goal and raised $1,255!
Heading into the long weekend, we’re reflecting on all of the fun activities Bousfielders took part in over the summer! This summer, Bousfielders were busy competing in our annual volleyball league, attending the Hamilton Art Crawl, and spending time with colleagues and family at our Summer Social BBQ. And of course, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to shout out this year’s OPPI/CIP conference once last time. We’re looking forward to the fall and everything it has in store!
One of our Community Engagement team’s favourite ways to engage is by popping up at existing community events or hosting drop-in events in the community. It’s an especially great way to get outside during the warmer months ☀️
Come visit us at a pop-up event near you!
We’re #Hiring!! We are currently recruiting for an Operations Coordinator. Visit www.bousfields.ca or for more info, click the link in our bio and email careers@bousfields.ca to apply!
On July 23 and 24, 2025, Toronto City Council approved a 43-storey mixed-use residential building at 1705 Weston Road in Weston Village. The project will provide a range of housing options, including rental replacement and affordable housing units, and retail uses at-grade to serve the local community and contribute to a vibrant Weston Road corridor, all next to the Weston GO station.
We are excited to be working on this project with our partners at Graziani + Corazza, Counterpoint Engineering, Marton Smith Landscape Architects, Gradient Wind Engineers, BA Group, Entuitive, Grounded Engineering Inc, Sonair Environmental Inc, EQ Building, Kuntz Forestry Consulting Inc, United Engineering, Jablonsky, Ast and Partners.
Lastly, a big shout out to all of the Bousfielders who worked on this project: Sheliza Rajan, Alex Savanyu, Peter Smith, Roxy Shiell, Claudia Kovalev, Jocelyn Deeks, and Christina Hoang.
#WorkWednesday
Last month Bousfielders participated in the GIFTS Foundation’s 11th annual golf tournament! Bousfields is a proud sponsor of the event which raises funds for the GIFTS Foundation, a volunteer-powered charity focused on providing basic necessities and improved conditions through education, rebuilding and relief efforts in Vietnam and Canada.
To learn more about the GIFTS Foundation, visit the link in our bio.
And just like that, the #ACTION2025 National Planning Conference has come to an end! This year, Bousfields was a proud Title Sponsor, supporting so many inspiring sessions, meaningful connections and engaging conversations!
A big shout out to all the Bousfielders who participated on panels, led sessions, worked the booth, and contributed to making the conference a space of learning and connection.
A massive thank you to everyone at @cdnplanners and @ontarioplanners for all their hard work! This year’s conference was a huge success - it has us already eagerly anticipating next year’s CIP and OPPI conferences!
This past Spring, Bousfielders participated in two important initiatives – the Mattamy Homes Bike for Brain Health and the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s! These events raise funds and awareness in support of dementia research and care. Dementia is the fastest growing healthcare issue of our time and has impacted many of us in some way.
We are happy to announce that the Walk for Alzheimer’s raised $2,451 for the Alzheimer Society and the Bike for Brain Health raised $10,290 for Baycrest Health Sciences. Together, Bousfields raised $12,741 for these important causes that are close to our hearts!
Thank you to everyone who organized, participated, fundraised and supported these events, we couldn’t have done it without you.
