Joe Hoffman

Joe Hoffman, a distinguished partner at Goodmans within the Municipal and Land Development Group, has made a notable impact across Ontario, especially in the realm of municipal law. His representation of private sector clients, particularly real estate developers, has led to significant urban revitalization projects. Joe's efforts have been instrumental in navigating the complex legal landscape of in-fill intensification projects, from the bustling streets of Toronto to the expanding urban boundaries of cities like Hamilton.

Joe's prowess extends to a variety of critical aspects in land development, including navigating official plan amendments, zoning by-law changes, and the intricacies of site plan approvals. His ability to secure minor variance approvals, tackle heritage conservation issues, and manage the nuances of inclusionary zoning has been invaluable to his clients. Moreover, Joe adeptly handles the legalities surrounding parkland conveyances, development charges, and expansion of urban boundaries, ensuring that projects move forward smoothly.

His frequent appearances before esteemed bodies such as the Ontario Land Tribunal, the Toronto Local Appeal Body, and various municipal councils highlight his respected standing in the legal community. Joe's experience even spans to higher judicial arenas like the Ontario Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal, showcasing his versatile legal expertise.

Joe's legal acumen is widely acknowledged. He has been lauded in The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for his expertise in property development and recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada for his contributions to municipal law. Furthermore, his inclusion in the Lexpert Special Edition on Infrastructure marks him as a leader in Canada's infrastructure legal landscape.

Joe's work portfolio is as impressive as his accolades. He has successfully led mid-rise and high-rise developments throughout the Greater Toronto Area, including significant projects like the Chelsea Hotel site redevelopment. This project alone brought three towering structures and over 1.7 million square feet of gross floor area to fruition. Joe's adept handling of planning applications, appeals, and even contentious matters like parkland valuation appeals underscores his proficiency.

His influence extends to securing approvals for rental housing projects offering affordable to market rents, addressing urban boundary expansions, and successfully appealing development charge assessments. Joe's strategic interventions have even influenced broader policy, as seen in his involvement with BILD's appeal against Toronto's Official Plan amendments.

Beyond his case work, Joe is deeply involved in the legal and urban planning communities. He contributes to the NAIOP's Government Relations Committee, engages with the Urban Land Institute, and supports educational initiatives like UrbanPlan. His dedication to mentoring, recognized by Osgoode Hall Law School, along with his active memberships in the Law Society of Ontario and the Ontario Bar Association, reflects his commitment to the profession.

In essence, Joe Hoffman is not just a lawyer but a pivotal figure in shaping Ontario's urban landscapes through his legal expertise, dedication to community engagement, and influential project work. His contributions to municipal law and land development continue to drive significant advancements in urban planning and development across the province.