On October 21, 2021, in Nelson (City) v. Marchi, the Supreme Court of Canada has lifted the fog in an attempt to provide clarity over the differences between the core policy decisions, which are immune from liability in negligence, and operational decisions, which are reviewable by the courts on a reasonableness standard.
Articles & Publications
Publication, Staff | October 13, 2021 |
The BC Court of Appeal Makes it Clear That Safety Requirements in Architect Act Apply to Local Governments’ Issuance of Building Permits
The Architectural Institute of British Columbia v. Langford (City), 2021 BCCA 261
This article is a follow-up to our previous commentary published in October of 2020, as the outcome of the appeal was subsequently released earlier this year
As published in the NRCA’s Northern Construction Connection October 2021 Newsletter, and VICA’s e-New
Article, Staff | October 5, 2021 |
Specific Use Not Required
Court of Appeal Upholds Metro Vancouver’s Notice to End Tenancy Following a Change From “Residential Use” to “Non-Residential Use”
The Metro Vancouver Regional District is the owner of the Belcarra Regional Park located in Belcarra and Port Moody. Metro Vancouver leases a portion of park, including seven cabins and other structures to the Belcarra South Preservation Society. The cabins are used for residential purposes, with most of the residents being directors of the Society. The lease between Metro Vancouver and the Tenant is a one-year fixed term tenancy that began on March 1, 2006 and converted to a month-to-month tenancy on March 1, 2007.
Article, Staff | September 28, 2021 |
The 2021 IPCC Report: An Opportunity For Local Governments
The summer of 2021 has seen unprecedented flooding, wildfires, heat waves, heavy rainfall, and other alarming weather-related events. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently released its latest report (the “Report”) which confirms that much of the devastating weather events we have experienced this summer are the result of human-caused climate change.
Publication, Staff | September 15, 2021 |
Modern Means Of Communication
You may be legally bound by your casual texts.
In the current times, the concept of “wet ink” writing is no longer the norm. With the proliferation of technology, the law tries to keep up and allows a broader interpretation to statutory and contractual requirements that a document be in writing to accommodate the reality of the modern means of communication.
As published in the NRCA’s Northern Construction Connection September 2021 Newsletter, and VICA’s e-News.
Article, Staff | August 10, 2021 |
Legal Constraints on the Freedom of Contract
On July 19, 2021, the Supreme Court of British Columbia found that the City of New Westminster’s termination of a private licence agreement to rent its facility, infringed the Redeemed Christian Church of God, also known as the Grace Chapel’s Charter right to freedom of expression, and may have infringed its right to freedom of religion in Redeemed Christian Church of God v. New Westminster (City), 2021 BCSC 1401.
Publication, Staff | August 9, 2021 |
Don’t Forget A Contract: Hodder Construction (1993) Ltd. v. Topolnisky
A recent decision by the British Columbia Supreme Court shows the importance for both contractors and owners to have a written contract, and the pitfalls that can result when parties proceed on a project without one.
As published in the NRCA’s Northern Construction Connection August 2021 Newsletter, and VICA’s e-News.
Publication, Staff | July 21, 2021 |
Contractual Compliance & Claiming Damage
Delays of the completion of construction projects are quite common. Therefore, contracts for such projects often contemplate delays and may prohibit or allow for contractors to recover additional costs that may arise from delays. However, the recent case of Elite Construction Inc. v. Canada confirmed that strict compliance with contractual notice provisions is a prerequisite to claiming damages for delay.
As published in the NRCA’s Northern Construction Connection July 2021 Newsletter, and VICA’s e-News.
Publication, Staff | June 15, 2021 |
The Ontario Court Placed COVID-19 Risks on Owner – Crosslinx v. Ontario Infrastructure
The recent case of Crosslinx v Ontario Infrastructure, arose out of the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the construction of the Eglington Crosstown Light Rapid Transit line in Toronto.
As published in the NRCA’s Northern Construction Connection June 2021 Newsletter, and VICA’s eNews.
Publication, Staff, Students | May 15, 2021 |
Under Construction: Concurrent Delay Claims and the Courts
Though construction contracts require projects to be completed within a specific time frame, many issues may arise during construction that cause delays in the work.
As published in the NRCA’s Northern Construction Connection May 2021 Newsletter, and VICA’s eNews.