Legal Hearing Support and Mitigation
Proceed confidently with expert testimony regarding environmental issues.
Senior staff at Dougan Ecology are regularly called upon to provide expert witness support and testimony for municipalities, agency review teams, conservation authorities, and private clients.
We offer in-depth, science-backed support for legal and quasi-judicial matters including those before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), provincial and federal courts, and municipal councils.
Respected by agencies and boards throughout Ontario
Our services commonly include supporting development proponents with:
- Peer review of natural heritage planning submissions for municipalities
- Technical support for solution-oriented mediation
- Clarification and resolution of natural heritage system conflicts
- Appeal process support through presentation of evidence and cross-examination as expert witnesses
- Environmental studies in regards to development plans
- Legal interpretation of federal and provincial environmental legislation
Our preferred approach is to assist clients, planners and legal teams with negotiations by clarifying issues up front, in order to reduce the need for hearings.
With over 50 years of experience in environmental policy, our advisors have seen many of the hearings where fundamental interpretation of laws and policies took place. Our detailed peer-review is highly respected by clients, agencies and boards across Ontario.
Take hold of reliable legal defense when it counts.
Correct interpretation and defense of environmental standards are fundamental to living in harmony with nature. Our goal is to see ecological potential realized in Canada, in part by offering robust legal support for ecologically-sound decision-making.
Frequently asked questions about legal hearing support and mitigation
Dougan Ecology offers expert testimony and mitigation strategies for environmental issues in legal and quasi-judicial settings, including Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hearings and municipal council meetings. Our services help clients navigate complex ecological regulations and defend natural heritage decisions with credibility and scientific rigor.
Dougan Ecology works proactively with clients, planners, and legal teams to clarify ecological issues early in the process, aiming to resolve conflicts before they escalate into formal hearings. This collaborative strategy fosters durable solutions and reduces the need for costly litigation.
With over forty years of experience in environmental policy and practice, Dougan Ecology's senior staff have provided expert testimony in numerous hearings before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and municipal councils. Our peer reviews and technical reports are widely respected and recognized across Ontario.
Peer review involves independent scrutiny of ecological studies, reports, or modelling to ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance with environmental standards. Dougan Ecology conducts rigorous peer reviews to support clients in defending their projects and ensuring robust scientific credibility.
Natural heritage system conflicts arise when development proposals impact significant natural features like wetlands, woodlands, or wildlife corridors. Consultants help by identifying and resolving these conflicts through scientific assessment, strategic planning, and negotiated outcomes that seek to protect ecological integrity while accommodating development pressures.
Mitigation strategies recommended by Dougan Ecology include habitat restoration, environmental buffers, adaptive management plans, and integrated planning. These strategies aim to minimize ecological impacts, enhance connectivity, and deliver successful, sustainable outcomes that support biodiversity and long-term ecosystem health.
