GUELPH LAWYERS SMITHVALERIOTE LLP
December 18, 2009 - Waterloo Region Record, By Greg Mercer
In a ruling that could have costly implications for condominium boards across the province, Ontario's human rights tribunal has sided with a disabled man who wanted his neighbours to pay for a ramp up to his front door.
In this one, the city would find itself in the hot seat, defending its actions against a complaint brought by local residential and commercial developers.
Advocates for the disabled are celebrating the decision as a groundbreaking case. But legal experts in the condominium industry say it's a stunning reversal of previous rulings, setting a costly precedence that will make volunteer condo boards wary of similar requests.
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October 2009, Briefly Speaking by Louise Harris
An eight-year stint in Whitehorse after finishing his articles, and a year and half practicing in Toronto, fueled Don Kidd’s passion for the outdoors, developed friendships that endure to this day and provide cause for an annual motorcycle riding vacation - the most recent being this year’s ride through Oregon and Idaho.
Don Kidd, a litigator in Guelph with Smith Valeriote, LLP, knew as a youngster that he would pursue a career in law, following in the footsteps of an uncle who practiced in the then-village of Woodbridge (population 2,000).
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February 02, 2009 - Guelph Mercury
Following word last week that the city's role in an upcoming Ontario Municipal Board hearing will be greatly diminished, it seems another OMB battle could be on the horizon.
In this one, the city would find itself in the hot seat, defending its actions against a complaint brought by local residential and commercial developers.
Lawyer Robert Mullin said developers are kicking around the idea of appealing city council's implementation last week of a significant and nearly immediate increase in development charges.
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February 2009 - Canadian Lawyer Magazine
When the binoculars on the CN Tower in Toronto turn south and west, they look towards a region that gets its strength from diversification, both within and between its cities.
The first large centre you encounter as you move west from Toronto is Guelph, an attractive tree-lined city dominated by a large cathedral and one of the best universities in Canada. Smith Valeriote Law Firm LLP, the largest locally owned firm in Guelph, was formed in 1999 through a merger of two local firms. Partners Diana Piccoli and Mark Rodenburg point out that Guelph has such a diverse cultural and economic base that it has often been used as a test city for government initiatives.
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The Law Society of Upper Canada has recruited over 40 firms to take part in a pilot project it hopes will help identify ways to keep more women in private practice.
SmithValeriote LLP lawyer Michelle Dwyer is the point person for her Guelph, Ont., firm's Justicia contributions. She Says the 20-lawyer office's six female counsel and two articling students run up against the same challenges as colleagues across the province and are eager to compare notes.
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