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.”
🌎🌱🚴♂️ As planners, designers and engagements specialists, considering how we can plan and design for a better environment is an important part of the work we do!
Our team marked #EarthDay last month by biking to Biidaasige Park, spending some time doing neighbourhood clean ups and appreciating the green spaces in our communities.
Our Planning Intern, James Burden, is wrapping up his term today. He brought thoughtful questions, steady execution and a willingness to contribute to our teams over the last few months. Shout out to Anne James for mentoring with intention and helping this future planner to grow.
Thank you James for all your contributions! Wishing you a great return to your studies at Waterloo
Here are some key takeaways James’ time with us: “My time at Bousfields has been an amazing learning experience! I would like to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to a variety of projects. The mentorship program gave me the support and guidance I needed to grow over the past four months. I have gained skills and experiences that I will carry with me in future co-op terms and my career as a planner. Thank you to everyone at Bousfields, I hope our paths cross again in the future.”
Bousfields is proud to have worked with the Toronto Tempo, Canada’s first WNBA team, and City Staff on the planning applications for the Toronto Tempo Performance Centre (701 Fleet Street).
This first‑of‑its‑kind facility will allow community members to share a world‑class performance centre alongside elite athletes. It will be a space where everyone is welcome and will be built in partnership with grassroots organizations across the Greater Toronto Area to expand access to basketball.
Last week, Bousfielders Jocelyn Deeks and Simone Hodgson from our Community Engagement Team had the pleasure of leading @torontohousing’s Development Division’s Engagement Team through two learning sessions on the City of Toronto’s planning application process and the relationship to community engagement.
It’s not everyday that engagement practitioners get to exchange insights and learn from one another - suffice it to say, it was a very engaged group 😊
Thank you to the TCHC team for inviting and hosting us at their Leslie Nymark community. It’s always inspiring to get to see the spaces and places IRL that community engagement helps to shape!
🚲🧠🔬 The Bousfields team is gearing up for this year’s Bike for Brain Health, and the motivation is straightforward: Baycrest is one of the few organizations working on research, care, and education for dementia patients and the ride is a way to push that work forward in a tangible way.
Every donation, whether large or small, moves Baycrest closer to breakthroughs that could change how aging and brain health are understood for future generations. If you’re interested in joining the ride yourself or donating, you can find our team page at the link in bio.
Whether you ride, donate, or simply share the link, you’ll be supporting important research and care.
We’re proud to be part of the team behind the proposed redevelopment of 56-60 Yonge Street!
On March 25, 2026, City Council adopted recommendations from Community Planning staff to approve Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications for the site, along with alterations to a designated heritage property, to permit a 65-storey (243.5 metres, including mechanical penthouse) mixed-use building containing 648 residential units and 68 square metres of retail space along Yonge Street. The tower partially cantilevers over an existing 8-storey designated heritage building containing a hotel at 56 Yonge Street (Hotel Victoria), which will be retained.
It was great to welcome Bousfielders to our new space in Hamilton last month and spend some time sharing the space together!
📍Find us at: 1 James Street South, 9th Floor
Flashback to early February when we partnered with @eatmorescarborough for a Yonge Corridor Food & Project Tour - resulting in a fun evening of food and learning!
Bousfielders explored the diverse food scene along Yonge Street between Dundas and Bloor, featuring hidden gems and must‑try spots. Throughout the walk, Bousfielders shared insights on past and current projects, as well as a bunch of fun facts, highlighting the evolving geography and character of this vibrant downtown corridor.
🍽️ Food Stops We Experienced:
* Cong Caphe * Punjabi Chaap Corner * Bangkok Garden * BHK Roll * Thai Mart * Bloom Café
🏛️ Bousfields Projects/Places We Visited:
1. TMU Student Learning Centre 2. Chelsea Hotel 3. 26 Grenville & 27 Grosvenor 4. 11 Wellesley 5. 510-528 Yonge and 7 Breadalbane 6. 1 Bloor West
Bousfields, what were you like in the 90s? ☎️
We had a great time at @uli_toronto 8th Annual Winter Social at Waterworks Food Hall!
As sponsors, we appreciate spaces that bring people together a room full of people who care about how this city evolves.
As we approach International Women’s Day, we reflect and take a moment to recognize the women whose insight and leadership shape the way our cities grow. At Bousfields, we are proud annual sponsors for Women’s Leadership Initiative - ULI Toronto (WLI) and its initiatives, advancing women in our profession. We’re looking back at some key moments through the photos captured here. WLI brings people together to have meaningful and intentional conversations about their careers, inclusion in the workplace and moving our industry so more individuals can #GivetoGain. Happy #IWD2026!
We’re excited to announce that our Hamilton team has officially moved to a new location. Our new Hamilton office strengthens our roots in a city we’ve proudly been part of for the past five years.
📍 You can now find us at: 1 James Street South
We’re grateful for the clients, partners, and projects that have supported us in the region, and we’re proud to call Hamilton home. Our new space underscores our ongoing commitment to contributing to the growth and success to Hamilton and the neighbouring communities from Burlington to Niagara, Kitchener, London, Guelph and beyond!
