“Upon deciding to build a home on our farm property, we were made aware by the Planning Department in our city, that we would need to complete an MDS-I application. With limited support from the city, we began searching for assistance to complete this necessary step.

David French at SSPL assisted us with this process. He lightened our frustrations tremendously by asking direct and informed questions to which we could easily respond. Since Storey Samways has experience with the MDS-I application, all of the necessary paperwork was completed with efficiency and competence. David completed the work quickly and with a lighthearted nature which eased our annoyance with the process as both the regulations and city’s lack of clarity up to this point had been challenging.

We appreciate the work done and the follow-up calls provided as we passed along the completed paperwork.”

— Emily Fortney-Blunt • MDS-I Applicant

“Mr. Storey of SSPL was a great help in our recent Planning Act issue. Our neighbours filed an Appeal against our application for an easement of an existing road on our property. This application was accepted by the Manitoulin Planning Board and their Appeal was accepted by LPAT for a Hearing.

Mr. Storey brought years of experience and wisdom to our preparation for the Hearing and his participation gave weight to our evidence. The Appeal was dismissed by the LPAT Tribunal member.”

— Jane Austin • OMB / LPAT Applicant • December 2020

“The single industrial growth plan for our hamlet prescribed by the municipality would make it impossible for our settlement to sustain itself for the next generation. We did not want to see our historical community of people disappear but rather, we wanted to see a balanced growth plan, with land specifically designated for new housing development.

After demonstrating to Council that their approval of a new industrial development within our boundary contravened Provincial Policy, we had no choice but to appeal the amendments to the OMB.

Without a professional Planner to challenge the opposing Planner it would have been impossible to win our case. No Planners in the county would oppose the municipality. It was a blessed day when we were fortunate enough to have discovered Tom Storey of SSPL. Having many years experience with municipal government and his familiarity with our region, he was a perfect fit for our team.

Tom’s calm mannerism, listening skills and forth giving of his honest opinion instilled in us the necessary hope that this battle could be won. Tom worked with us from that day forward and presented our case in front of the assigned OMB Member. His confident, well-organized and to-the-point presentation won us the case.

Tom continues to show interest in our community’s development and we have acquired a friend beyond Planning. Today our Councilors and Administration listen a little more attentively to our group’s opinions and the Community of Oldcastle has a better chance of establishing land for new housing developments. We owe much to Tom Storey.”

— Judy Robson • Friends of Oldcastle Development • September 2020