Developer Lesson 8: Build a Successful Business Relationship with Regulators

Cooperating with regulators is key but making sure you are being treated fairly is why you hire a lawyer. Mutual respect means fair treatment, and it must go both ways.

While the regulatory framework surrounding contaminated site development is complex, that doesn’t mean it should produce difficult professional relationships.

Respect and understanding are necessary when dealing with the regulators who handle your permits and applications. Developing healthy working relationships with planning staff and other municipal, regional, and provincial authorities will help your development stay on track and achieve solutions that both satisfy legal requirements and minimize delays to development projects. They do understand reasonable push-back, however, and standing up for yourself or respectfully pointing out where they have overlooked a regulation or protocol is always okay.

Need help ensuring that you and your team are treated fairly? Contact Richard Bereti (rbereti@harpergrey.com) or Una Radoja (uradoja@harpergrey.com).