Christopher Barnett

Chris Barnett, a leading figure in Osler's Real Estate Group, brings a wealth of expertise in administrative and regulatory law to the table. His specialization in municipal, planning advice, environmental approvals, and expropriations has earned him a spot among the Lexpert/ALM 500 Leading Lawyers in Canada in Property Development. With a legal career kick-started in Ontario in 1996, Chris's academic foundations were laid at Osgoode Hall, York University, and the University of Toronto, where he majored in Political Science and History.

Chris's practice spans a dynamic range of services, including commercial real estate and municipal, land use planning, and development, alongside regulatory, Indigenous, and environmental law. His work impacts various sectors, notably government and public sector, infrastructure, and real estate, providing both public and private sector clients with strategic advice essential for navigating the approvals labyrinth of complex projects.

His advisory portfolio is comprehensive, covering municipal governance, heritage conservation, growth management, parkland dedication and valuations, and employment land and aggregate resource policies. Chris's expertise also extends to guiding landowners and authorities through the intricacies of expropriations under federal and provincial statutes, as well as navigating development charges, cost-sharing matters, and environmental assessment processes.

Chris is a familiar face at the Ontario Land Tribunal and municipal councils, where he represents clients' interests adeptly. He not only counsels on court remedies but also represents parties in judicial review applications of municipal and government decisions, and appellate matters concerning OLT decisions. His commitment to the legal community shines through his regular participation in continuing legal education events, his contributions to the Ontario Bar Association with annual case law updates for over 15 years, and his role as a Planning Law educator at Toronto Metropolitan University.

His industry accolades from Chambers Canada, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, and Best Lawyers in Canada underscore his leadership in real estate and municipal law, with special recognition as the "Lawyer of the Year" in Municipal Law for 2023. Chris's involvement in key legal forums, such as discussions on Bill 23, the More Homes for Everyone Act, and Indigenous Law, highlights his active engagement in shaping legal discourse around critical issues.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris dedicates time to pro bono and community initiatives, notably chairing the Board of Directors for the Interprovincial Music Camp, demonstrating a commitment to enriching the community beyond the courtroom. His media presence, recognized by Best Lawyers Canada and Lexpert, along with his welcoming into Osler's Real Estate Group, marks him as a prominent and influential figure in the legal landscape.

As a member of the Advocates Society, Chris Barnett's legal acumen, combined with his active contribution to legal education and community service, positions him as a distinguished and respected figure in the realms of real estate, municipal law, and beyond.