Consulting Services > Expert Witness
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Expert Witness
Hunter and Associates has been recognized by the Ontario Municipal Board and/or the Ontario Superior Court of Justice as an expert in the fields of airphoto interpretation, geology, hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry and the collection and mining of geographic data for hydrogeological purposes. Below are examples of representative assignments.
Representative Assignments
Islands of the Trent (36A) First Nations - Flooding Specific Claims
Keene, Ontario
Hunter recently provided expert professional services to First Nations/Canada for resolution of Flooding Specific Land Claims in the Trent Severn Waterway. Work includes the determination of lost lands as a result of historical Canal flooding in support of realty appraisals. Support activities include assembly of legal and construction surveys, drawings, plans, notes, water levels, correspondence and literature as related to water management, flooding history and regulation interpretation and delineation of preflood (1818) and modern lacustrine and riparian shorelines and delineation of land lost. Nearly 2,000 individual archival documents were reviewed and assimilated. An extensive GIS mapping web site was developed to support participants, contract appraisers and presentations at First Nations communities and elsewhere.
David Dunlap Observatory
Town of Richmond Hill, Ontario
Hunter was retained by the Richmond Hill Naturalists (RHN) to provide expert witness testimony to the Ontario Government’s Conservation Review Board. The goal of the RHN was to obtain heritage designation of the Dunlap Lands with 100% protection as a working museum and research facility. Hunter work involved review of historical imagery and documents and preparation of an expert witness report included findings on Groundwater Cultural Heritage Resources; and Surface Water Heritage and Urban Edge Cultural Landscapes. Site investigation was limited to reconnaissance walks during the University of Toronto tenure and to inspection of the perimeters of the site since access was refused by counsel to the owners during the key time of Witness Statement preparation.
Ballycroy Golf Course and Resort Hotel
Township of Adjala-Tosorontio
Hunter provided expert witness participation on behalf of Ballycroy Area Rural Conservation Alliance (BARCA) with regard to a proposed 27-hole golf course and 250 unit resort hotel. A formal mediation process was adopted which led to a significantly abbreviated Ontario Municipal Board Hearing and settlement of site issues with reduction of environmental impacts. Detailed work included historical aerial photographic interpretation, climate analysis, stream flow analysis, review of golf course area requirements, comprehensive review of the regulatory framework for protection of site and water resources and development of a comprehensive and robust environmental monitoring program. Participants in the process included BARCA, the proponents - Hockley Valley Resorts, and review agencies including Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, County of Simcoe and Township of Adjala-Tosorontio, their consultants and solicitors.
Valley Voices
Grafton, Ontario
Hunter and Associates provided professional services to a community group opposed to a proposed gravel pit in Shelter Valley, Ontario. Work included Expert Witness support including Scoping of Issues, review of OMB Witness Statements, preparation of expert evidence, proposed modifications to Site Plans to reduce impacts and participation in proponent/agency issue resolution meetings prior to and during Ontario Municipal Board Hearing.
Hydrogeology Peer Review and Expert Witness
North Richmond Hill, Ontario
On behalf of the Province of Ontario, Hunter presented hydrogeological evidence as an Expert Witness at the Ontario Municipal Board Hearing regarding proposed amendments to the Town of Richmond Hill’s Official Plan. Hunter attended the Hearings nearly continuously from June 2000 until late April 2001. During this process, Hunter and Associates worked with MMAH, MNR, MOE, TRCA and York Region solicitors, staff and consultants.
King City Sanitary Sewer
King City, Ontario
Hunter was retained by Counsel Township of King to prepare expert evidence with respect to ongoing litigation and negotiation related to proposals by Region of York to provide “Big Pipe” sewage services to King City to support existing and new urban growth. Work included interpretation of Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan policies and participation in development of an alternative collection sewer design to eliminate groundwater infiltration.
