For developers in Ontario, municipal boundaries aren’t just lines on a map – they can be major sources of friction.
When a proposed development straddles two neighbouring municipalities or lies near a township border, what should be a straightforward planning process can quickly become a jurisdictional tug-of-war.
Differences in local policies, political priorities, infrastructure capabilities, and even attitudes toward growth can all come into play. And when municipalities disagree, it’s often the developer who’s left navigating uncertainty and delay.
Here’s what you need to know when working across municipal boundaries, and how an Ottawa municipal litigation lawyer can help manage the risks.
The Challenge of Cross-Boundary Developments
In Ontario, lower-tier municipalities (townships, towns, and cities) control much of the day-to-day planning activity. But when a project affects more than one municipality—or requires coordination with an upper-tier municipality such as a county or regional government—things get complicated fast.
You may face:
- Conflicting zoning by-laws or land use designations
- Different interpretations of the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS)
- Disputes over road access, servicing, or infrastructure upgrades
- Tensions between rural preservation and intensification goals
- Competing political agendas or resistance from one council but not the other
When townships don’t share the same vision for growth, developers can be caught in the middle.
Case Study Scenarios
Example 1: A developer proposes a new mixed-use subdivision that sits on land divided by a township boundary. One township is supportive and ready to approve the required zoning by-law amendment. The other opposes it, citing concerns over density and infrastructure strain.
Example 2: A project in Township A requires a key access road that crosses into Township B. Township B refuses to support the roadwork unless the developer contributes to unrelated infrastructure upgrades elsewhere.
Example 3: Two neighbouring municipalities apply different interpretations of the PPS regarding rural development, with one citing provincial intensification targets and the other invoking farmland preservation principles.
These jurisdictional impasses can lead to project delays, unnecessary costs, or formal appeals to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Legal Strategies for Developers
Cross-boundary developments require a careful, coordinated approach. Key strategies include:
- Early Mapping of Policy Conflicts
Understand each municipality’s official plan, zoning by-laws, and planning culture. Identify where your project aligns—and where it doesn’t. - Formal Agreements Between Municipalities
Where shared infrastructure or servicing is needed, municipalities may enter into servicing agreements, cost-sharing arrangements, or memoranda of understanding. Legal counsel can help draft these to avoid future disputes. - Strategic Phasing
Consider separating the development into phases or parcels that align with each municipality’s planning framework, reducing friction points. - Proactive Political Engagement
Understanding the local political climate can be as important as the planning rationale. Engaging councillors, staff, and community leaders early can reduce pushback and help build a unified vision. - Legal Advocacy
If negotiations stall or a decision is appealed, a municipal litigation lawyer can represent your interests at the Ontario Land Tribunal and ensure your project proceeds lawfully.
How Nelligan Law Can Help
Our municipal law team regularly assists developers facing inter-municipal disputes. We provide:
- Strategic guidance through jurisdictional disagreements
- Drafting and negotiation of inter-municipal agreements
- Representation in appeals and hearings involving multiple municipalities
- Legal interpretation of overlapping planning policies and PPS compliance
Our goal is to help you move your project forward—even when the road crosses more than one town line.
Final Thoughts
When municipalities don’t share the same vision, developers can find themselves caught between competing priorities and planning frameworks. But with the right approach—and the right legal team—you can anticipate problems before they arise and chart a path through the complexity.
Working on a project that spans municipal boundaries or facing inconsistent planning decisions? Contact us at info@nelliganlaw.ca.
