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
Gain an essential overview of municipal law and governance frameworks and concepts and enhance your understanding of working effectively with local government.
Whether you’re newer to municipal government or looking to strengthen your foundational knowledge, this unique two-module program offers a flexible, practical introduction to the legal and governance frameworks that shape Ontario municipalities.
This self-paced program is ideal for professionals seeking an overview of some of the core municipal responsibilities, legal and governance structures and obligations, and it also serves as Modules 1 and 2 of the full Osgoode Certificate in Municipal Law and Governance program.
Can’t Make the Date? Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program.
What You’ll Learn
Module 1: Introduction to Municipal Government (~45–60m each, to be recorded in 2025)
Constitutional and legislative foundations of municipal government in Ontario
Municipal powers and jurisdiction under the Municipal Act and City of Toronto Act
Council roles, meetings, and decision-making processes
Understanding the role of Agencies, Boards, and Commissions (ABCs)
Indigenous rights, relations, and reconciliation in the municipal context
Module 2: Introduction to Some Key Municipal Functions (~45–60m each, to be recorded in 2025)
How bylaws are passed and the role of public consultation
Essentials of land-use planning and development
Fundamentals of municipal finance and budgeting
Privacy obligations under MFIPPA
Key principles of municipal liability
Procurement rules, risks, and best practices
PLUS! Participants for this program will have the option to “upgrade” their registration to attend 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
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:
CPD and Accreditation
Please Note
Confirmed hours will be available soon.
Deeper Learning Opportunities
LLMs
Are you a law graduate or an executive/senior professional with at least 5 years of specialized experience? Consider a full-time or part-time LLM degree.
Part-time LLMs Full-time LLMsThe Osgoode Certificate
Stay competitive with deep dives into the most critical issues in law. Taught by leading experts and designed for flexible learning, choose from multi-day programs or take courses at your own pace to build towards a certificate.
Explore certificatesSingle Course Enrollment
Do you have an LLB/JD? Consider taking a single LLM course for deeper learning in a specific area of practice – all credits will apply towards a Professional LLM.
Explore LLM coursesFrequently 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
Registration questions
Technical support
Online Technical Requirements
To ensure you do not encounter any issues that will impact or limit your learning experience, please review the following information.