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.”
Sharing an update on 5500 Dundas Street West: City Council recently approved two mid-rise buildings (14 and 16 storeys), bringing new housing and a more active street edge to a site that is currently underused.
As described by Bousfields Senior Associate Ryan Doherty, “This site is between two tall building nodes and is of a considerable size and depth where you could achieve a really strong public realm and also provide significant transition to the abutting neighbourhood to the north.”
This site highlights how built form and public realm can be shaped to respond to both city-building objectives and the immediate context of surrounding neighbourhoods.
This summer, we’ve had the pleasure of supporting community initiatives, including Rustic Bakery’s 4th Annual Golf Tournament in support of @hrh_foundation and the GIFTs Foundation Golf Tournament.
We’re pleased to recognize Bousfielders who participated in the ULI Curtner Urban Leadership Program and the contributions they’re making across the industry. The program brings together a diverse mix of professionals engaged in shaping how our cities evolve.
Through open discussion and shared experience, the Curtner Program offers a forum for participants to exchange ideas, test new perspectives, and learn from one another.
Here are some takeaways from this year’s participants:
“The ULI Toronto Curtner Urban Leadership Program has been an incredibly enriching and rewarding experience. Over the past eight months, I had the privilege of connecting with an exceptional group of professionals, engaging in meaningful discussions, and learning from inspiring industry leaders. The program challenged me to think differently, broadened my perspective on leadership and city-building, and provided valuable insights that have contributed to my professional growth. I am thankful to the organizers, mentors, and fellow participants who made this journey so valuable, and I look forward to applying these lessons throughout my career.” Tina Dadgostar
“I had a great experience participating in this year’s ULI Toronto Curtner Urban Leadership Program. The program connects you with passionate, diverse peers across the industry and features inspiring leaders who facilitate meaningful and candid discussions. The program not only expanded my knowledge and provided me with valuable insights, it also allowed me to build strong, meaningful connections with fellow professionals in our industry.” Mona Al-Sharari
“As a Steering Committee Member and an alumnus of the ULI Curtner Program, I had the privilege to be involved in this program alongside passionate peers that supports the growth of emerging professionals in our industry. This role was incredibly rewarding and gave me a chance to contribute to meaningful conversations, expand my network and gain valuable perspectives on where the industry is headed.” Himanshu Katyal
We are thrilled to announce that Bousfields Partner Emma West is going to be inducted into the @cdnplanners (CIP) prestigious College of Fellows!
Fellowship is the highest honour the Institute can bestow upon a planner and this distinction recognizes excellence and identifies prominent role models that have professional attainment and influence on a national level.
Please join us in congratulating Emma on this incredible achievement!
Learn more about Emma below or visit the link in bio.
Happy Pride! 🌈
You may have noticed a small update in our Bousfields logo this month.
Here’s a closer look at the thinking behind our 2026 Pride logo—and the collaboration between our DEI Committee and Graphics Team that brought it to life.
Planning, Urban Design and Engagement often intersects with questions of long-term wellbeing—both in the communities we help shape and beyond them.
This year, we took that perspective to Bike for Brain Health—supporting @baycrestfoundation work while fundraising together as a team and getting out on our bikes. Together, our team raised over $12,000, with participants cycling distances ranging from 30 to 90 km in support of brain health research and care.
The funds raised in support of this effort contribute to ongoing research and care focused on brain health.
Bousfields is proud to be a part of the team behind a new seasonal sports dome for @havergalcollege. Last month the minor variances to accommodate the height and setbacks were approved at North York Committee of Adjustment.
As Bousfields Senior Associate, Courtney Heron-Monk, noted “this project represents a significant milestone as the first (and currently only) sports dome supporting an independent girls’ school in the City. It will provide year-round athletic space, helping to remove barriers to access and supporting the continued growth of girls in sport. A great outcome not only for Havergal, but for the broader community as well.”
Members of the Bousfields team had a great time at the Planning Alumni Community, University of Toronto Spring Social - marking PAC’s 30th anniversary while connecting with students, alumni and peers across the planning industry and hearing a range of perspectives shaping where the field is headed.
Bousfields is proud to have worked with Kilmer-Tricon, @_createto and City Staff on the planning applications for the revitalization of the Toronto Coach Terminal (610 Bay Street).
Through private-public partnership, this site will become a thriving hub of affordable housing, exceptional retail, and a state-of-the-art paramedics facility. In collaboration with @uhntoronto, the site will also house a world-leading organ repair centre to advance lifesaving healthcare innovation.
Bousfields was proud to attend the 27th Annual @surpa_tmu Alumni Reception on May 21, 2026 — an inspiring evening dedicated to supporting the next generation of planners.
The TMU SURPA reception helps to raise funds for student awards, scholarships, and programming helping to connect students, Alumni, and the broader planning industry together. The awards include the Undergraduate and Graduate Merit Awards, the Equity in Planning Black Student Award, the Equity in Planning Indigenous Student Award along with 3 new awards announced this year (Anthony Biglieri Founders Award, the Chris Drew Student-in-Action award, and the Disability Student Award).
Bousfields was pleased to attend—and sponsor—the @uli_toronto Meet the Chief Planners 2026 Dinner.
The evening offered a candid look at how different municipalities are approaching similar challenges —from changing demographics, the pressures related to these changes and the need for flexible policies to ensure resilience for the futures for our cities. It was valuable to hear where priorities are aligning and where they’re diverging across the region.
Thanks to ULI Toronto for organizing a thoughtful discussion.
We are excited to share that the Final Report recommending approval for the proposed redevelopment of 45 Grenoble Drive was adopted at April’s Toronto City Council meeting. This project proposes to transform the existing vacant space at the southeast corner of the site into a new purpose-built rental apartment building that will support the activation and animation of Grenoble Drive and bring new amenities for existing and future residents to enjoy.
Bousfields is proud to have led the planning, urban design and community engagement for the project, in close collaboration with the rest of the project team, including BDP Quadrangle, STUDIO tla, and RJ Burnside, on behalf of Gateway Properties.
