Michael Connell

Michael Connell’s practice focuses on providing strategic advice and counsel on all aspects of commercial real estate transactions including leasing and land development.

Michael is licensed to practice law in Ontario and New York. Prior to joining Siskinds, Michael worked in a full service Toronto firm in the area of land use planning and environmental law. Before practicing law in Ontario, Michael was Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs at a public affairs and policy firm, where he advised energy and natural resource sector clients on the full suite of federal environmental legislation and regulation. He completed his articles with the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.

Took all the stress out of the process
Michael was such an incredible help to us as we navigated a new situation in selling our income property. He spelled everything out for us so clearly and concisely and helped us understand complex legal documents and terms with ease. I would highly recommend him for his professional knowledge and expertise while having a personal touch that made us feel comfortable and took all the stress out of the process for us. Thank you Michael and Simone! - P.J.

Professional, knowledgeable and friendly
When my husband and I had our house up for sale with an offer coming in, we learned that a portion of our land that was previously severed years before we owned our home was still in the previous owners name, from 2 owners ago. This was a tremendous concern to us which required us to seek immediate legal attention as it could have affected our offer, and sale of our home. My agent called Micheal on a Sunday night, and he immediately responded the following Monday morning, informing us that he’d be happy to assist us! He was able to quickly assess the situation, understand the issue, and address our concerns, while jumping into action to help! He contacted the right people to get this matter solved quickly and efficiently, while contacting the buyers lawyer to ensure this would not affect the offer/sale of our home.

Michael and his team were tremendous to work with, and they are all extremely professional, knowledgeable and friendly. Their pricing is spot-on and we hold such high regard for all of them. We will now only use Siskinds for all of our legal needs because of our experience with Michael on this rather complicated transaction which he made seem quite easy. Thanks Michael! - A.J.

Ontario Bar Association, Planning and Municipal Law Section, Executive
Canadian Bar Association, Member
Middlesex Law Association, Member
Christian Legal Fellowship, Member

Articles

• Michael Connell, “Protective and Preventative Purpose of Ontario’s Environmental Protection Act Justifies Warrantless Inspection Powers.” Canadian Environmental Regulations & Compliance, vol. 30, no. 1, 2019, p. 547.
• Michael Connell, “Deterrence Justifies Minimum Fines in Environmental Offences.” Environment Policy & Law, vol. 29, no. 10, p. 909.

Speaking / Academic

• Speaker, “Board Authorities to Address Anti-social Behaviour of Condominium Owners”, Canadian Condominium Institute - London and Area Chapter, May 18, 2021.
• Co-Chair, “Rural Issues - Professional Development”, Ontario Bar Association, Brampton, ON, November 6, 2019.
• Speaker, “The Law of Restrictive Covenants”, Semi-Annual Real Estate Luncheon, London, ON, September 25, 2019.
• Speaker, “Legal and Regulatory Issues Facing Building Owners and Property Managers”, SpringFest, Toronto, ON, April 5, 2018
• Instructor, “Law and Construction Contracts”, George Brown College, School of Construction Management and Trades/School of Architectural Studies, 2017-2018
• Instructor, “Environmental and Planning Law”, University of Guelph, School of Planning and Development, 2013-2016
• Instructor, “Environmental Regulations and Legal Issues”, University of Waterloo, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, 2014-2016

• Understanding chattels and warranties in residential property sales
• Landlord and other third-party consents in business transactions
• Environmental Review Tribunal confirms high evidentiary burden to be removed from an Environmental Protection Act, Section 18 Director’s Order
• Closure of White Pines Wind Facility in Price Edward County, Ontario
• Bill C-68, the Amended Fisheries Act, receives Royal Assent
• Changes to the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 Regulations Approved
• Illegal Collection of Migratory Bird Eggs Results in $18,000 Fine
• Proposed Migratory Bird Convention Act Regulations offer some new legal certainty for Industry
• BC Court of Appeal rules legislation with the sole effect of setting conditions for Trans Mountains Pipeline is not within BC’s authority.
• Ontario Government Continues Roll-out of the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016
• What are my legal rights if municipal roadwork harms my business?
• Big Changes Coming (again) to Land Use Planning Appeals in Ontario
• Ontario Government Announces Consultation on Environmental Assessment Process
• Ontario Moves to Formalize the Use of Third-party Off-sets Under the Endangered Species Act, 2007
• Further changes coming to the Conservation Authorities Act
• Final Report of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario Focused on Energy Conservation
• Ontario GHG Performance Standards for Industrial Emitters
• Ontario Government’s Environmental Policies Continue to Take Shape
• Ontario Government Publishes Response Statements for Six Species At Risk Under the Endangered Species Act, 2007
• Annual Report on Lake Simcoe Protection Plan Released