Program Directors

Wendy Law

Director, Legislative and Property Services, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

Jason Reynar

Municipal Law Partner, Lerners LLP

Wendy Walberg

City Solicitor (Head of Legal Services Division), City of Toronto

Eligible for

The municipal landscape is complex – building a strong foundation in law and governance is essential to managing risk and enhancing your career.

Designed for professionals working in or with Ontario municipalities, this unique OsgoodePD certificate provides the legal insights, governance strategies, and practical tools needed to navigate the complexities of municipal roles, obligations and relationships with clarity and confidence.

Municipal professionals—whether in legal, policy, planning, or administrative roles—are increasingly expected to navigate a complex and evolving legal and governance landscape. Yet, traditional training and on-the-job learning often fall short in preparing professionals for the full scope of responsibilities and risks involved in municipal governance.

This first-of-its-kind OsgoodePD certificate program was developed to offer a comprehensive, practice-oriented foundation in the legal frameworks, governance structures, and operational realities that shape Ontario’s municipalities. Participants will explore key legislation, council operations, bylaw drafting, procurement, finance, liability, and intergovernmental relations—alongside emerging issues like Indigenous relations and strong mayor powers.

The program begins with a flexible, self-paced foundational segment (two modules), followed by four live, interactive sessions that combine expert instruction, real-world examples, and hands-on exercises. Whether you’re new to municipal work or looking to strengthen your abilities, this certificate will help you make more informed decisions, manage risk more effectively, and contribute with greater confidence in your role.

Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program.

What You’ll Learn

The constitutional and legislative foundations that define municipal authority in Ontario, including the Municipal Act and City of Toronto Act

How to navigate council meetings, municipal procedures, and accountability frameworks with confidence

The intersecting roles and responsibilities of key municipal actors, including elected officials, staff, and agencies, boards, and commissions (ABCs)

The importance of Indigenous rights, relationships, and reconciliation in the municipal context

Practical knowledge and skills for bylaw drafting, public consultation, and municipal decision-making processes

A working knowledge of land-use planning, development approvals, and the Ontario Land Tribunal

The mechanics of municipal finance, taxation, budgeting, and procurement, including service delivery and borrowing

How to identify and manage key elements of municipal liability, including tort law, insurance, and proactive risk mitigation strategies

The legal requirements that define municipal ethics and conflicts of interest, and integrity frameworks that guide municipal governance

How to apply legal principles and draft an enforceable bylaw in an interactive and hands-on workshop

Key impacts of emerging challenges in municipal law, including housing, environmental regulation, and technological change

Senior practitioners’ top tips and insights for building a robust ‘municipal practitioner’s toolkit’ at every career stage

Not ready to commit to the full Certificate?

You can choose to register for the two module Foundations in Municipal Law and Governance program, and you will then have the option to “upgrade” your registration to the full Certificate by February 24, 2026 for the current offering, or to the next available offering (note: a future offering is not guaranteed).

Contact the Registration Team for more details OsgoodePD@osgoode.yorku.ca or (416) 597-9724.

Who Should Attend

Municipal lawyers – early to mid-stage, and lawyers transitioning from other practice areas

Private practice lawyers who want to work in municipal law

Municipal staff who do not have a legal background – management, senior leaders, senior finance staff, treasurer (OA), council members, strong mayors, clerks, and CAOs

Municipal legal support staff

Provincial municipal lawyers – early stage, and lawyers transitioning from other practice areas or from other government agencies

Faculty

Program Directors

Wendy Law

Director, Legislative and Property Services, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

Jason Reynar

Municipal Law Partner, Lerners LLP

Wendy Walberg

City Solicitor (Head of Legal Services Division), City of Toronto

Advisory Board

Maurizio Artale

Legal Counsel, City of Mississauga

Steven Dickson

Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Legal Officer, Town of Caledon

Rebecca Hall-McGuire

Deputy City Solicitor, City of Vaughan

Stuart Huxley

City Solicitor (Interim), City of Ottawa

John Mascarin

Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP

David Potts

Commissioner, Legislative Services and City Solicitor, City of Peterborough

Karen Reynar

Director, Legal and Procurement Services, Town of Newmarket

Lisa Shields

City Solicitor, City of Hamilton

Register

Jan 26 & Feb 24, 25 & Mar 3 & 4, 2026

Please Note: January 26, 2026 is self-paced.

$3,495 + TAX

Time

January 26, 2026

9:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m (ET)

February 24, 2026

9:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m (ET)

February 25, 2026

9:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m (ET)

March 3, 2026

9:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m (ET)

March 4, 2026

9:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m (ET)

Printable Registration Form

If a downloadable form is required, please contact OsgoodePD@osgoode.yorku.ca.

“Is financial assistance or funding available?”

As law evolves, we know how important it is to stay up to date. We also understand the financial implications of continuously upgrading your professional skills and knowledge. For more information on available options, including Job Grants, OSAP, please visit:

Certificate Requirements

To receive an Osgoode Certificate in Municipal Law and Governance, you must complete all program modules (whether by attending live, viewing recordings, or any combination of both methods), and by successfully complete an online assessment, all within 30 days of the last module, or by April 1, 2026.

CPD and Accreditation

Please Note

Confirmed hours will be available soon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Client and Technical Support

Have questions? Get advice in person, by email or over the phone.

Program content questions

Alexandra Karacsony, Program Lawyer
AKaracsony@osgoode.yorku.ca

Online Technical Requirements

To ensure you do not encounter any issues that will impact or limit your learning experience, please review the following information.