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.”
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.
Aligning Good Planning Principles with Indigenous Teachings/ Philosophies and a Health & Social Equitable Lens
Last but not least, join us on July 10th from 1:15-2:30PM in attending a two-part fireside chat with Bousfielder David Huynh and Dr. Jaris Swidrovich as they engage in a frank and honest discussion about the synergies between good planning principles and Indigenous teachings and philosophies. We look forward to learning from Dr. Swidrovich’s insights, research and experiences as a health practitioner, professor and social advocate to broaden our understanding of how to contribute to planning more inclusive and equitable communities. #ACTION2025
Planning for Music Venues
Don’t miss our very own David Morse and Graham Barrett on July 10th from 1:15-2:30 PM as they take on planning for music venues. In conversation with Jonathan Bruce (Wavelength Music), Kishmita Arora (City of Toronto), Lisa Zbitnew (The Phoenix Concert Theatre), Mike Tanner (City of Toronto) and Phil Brennen (Broccolini), this panel will explore how we, as planners, strike a balance between the preservation of music venues and meeting our housing needs. #ACTION2025
We cannot wait to attend this year’s Fast or Funny session at #ACTION2025 on July 9th from 3:30-4:30PM! Join us in supporting Bousfielders Anna Wynveen, Mike Dror, and Jocelyn Deeks as they host two Fast or Funny sessions:
Following last year’s legendary Zoner Groaners session, Anna and Mike are back with Zoner Groaners 2. And to top it all off, Jocelyn and BA Group’s Margaret Briegmann will be hosting Bingo. Transportation Questions in Community Meetings. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Join our very own Charlie Smith at #ACTION2025 while he discusses the evolving field of urban planning with fellow urbanists Ali Ahmed (TMU), Benito Russo (Bruce County), Christine Chea (TMU), and Nikita Jariwala (J.L. Richards & Associates Ltd.)! Held on July 9th from 1:45-3PM, the session will delve into the unique perspectives and nuances of working for a variety of employers, emphasizing critical lessons learned on the job. Hope to see you there!
What’s Ethics Got to do with it?
What’s Ethics Got to do with it? Join Bousfielder Courtney Heron-Monk in conversation with Dana Anderson (MHBC), Mary Lou Tanner (MPG Planning Solutions) and Ryan Des Roches (OPPI) on July 9th from 11am-12pm while they discuss the complaints and discipline process and examine real-work cases highlighting the importance of ethics in upholding the public interest! #ACTION2025
Next up for #ACTION2025 is Design in Action: Transforming Community Through the Final Phases of the Redevelopment of Regent Park
Bousfielders Anna Wynveen, Caroline Kim, Emma West, Jocelyn Deeks and Simone Hodgson will be participating in a panel discussion and walking tour of Regent Park, to highlight how balancing design objectives can drive innovation, achieve high-quality outcomes and deliver significant public benefits. You can catch our Bousfields team in conversation with Bryan Sherwood (Tridel), Katherine Bailey (City of Toronto) and Peter Zimmerman (Toronto Community Housing) on July 9th from 8:30am – 1:00pm!
Kicking off all things conference, we’ll be highlighting the Bousfielders presenting at #ACTION2025 National Planning Conference, over the next two weeks.
First up: Leading Through Failure. Let’s talk about leading through failure! Join Bousfielder Mike Dror in conversation with Shadi Adab (MHBC) to delve deeper into celebrating failure and “failing forward”. You can attend this session on July 8th from 3 - 4PM, you won’t want to miss it!
This July 7-10 you can find Bousfielders presenting, attending, and connecting with industry professionals from across Canada at the #ACTION2025 CIP/OPPI National Planning Conference.
We are thrilled to be this year’s Title Sponsor for the conference. Come visit us at our exhibitor booth and at the Strings and Skyline Reception on July 9th at Roy Thomson Hall!
Looking forward to coming together within our profession to exchange thoughtful ideas, discuss innovative tools and research, and a share our passion and commitment to the well-being of current and future generations.
See you at #ACTION2025!
After many incredible years on our team, we’re wishing Lily Lood the happiest of retirements! Your dedication, positivity, and tireless support have left a lasting mark on all of us.
Now it’s time to trade spreadsheets for bike trails and emails for cat cuddles. You’ve more than earned it!
We’ll miss you around the office, but we’re so excited for all the adventures ahead 🎉
Congratulations to Bousfielders Hailey McWilliam, Himanshu Katyal, and Sara Gregory who are part of this year’s graduating class from the ULI Toronto: 2025 Curtner Urban Leadership Program!
‘Throughout the year, the program focused on fostering a culture of innovation in real estate and city building — aiming to redefine practices to create better buildings, spaces, and places. Participants explored the leadership necessary to transition from traditional methods to forward-thinking approaches in both policy and practice’.
