A Thriving Business Contributes to a Thriving City

Capital Posted On June 29, 2021

If city building is the process of creating a thriving city – as attendees were told at an Ottawa summit on the subject this past spring – that process clearly requires the participation and support of that city’s thriving businesses and corporations. In Ottawa, the law firm of Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l. is, and always has been, one of those businesses.

For more than 50 years, Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l. has witnessed and participated in Ottawa’s dynamic growth. More importantly, it has contributed to that growth, using its experience and expertise to clear a path for the city to become the eclectic and thriving metropolis it is today.

Martin St-Onge, head of the law firm’s real estate group, says Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall – like the city it serves – has evolved dramatically over the past 50 years. As a result, it is now widely recognized as one of the National Capital Region’s leaders in commercial real estate law.

“Our extensive experience and expertise puts us in a unique position to support the city’s growth,” says Martin. “We understand what’s needed to attract and nurture major commercial real estate developments. And our team of lawyers possess the knowledge and expertise to unravel even the most complex real estate transactions.”

Martin, who has been with Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall for 18 years, credits an increase in public-private partnerships for Ottawa’s continued growth. “You can see the results across the city – a hospital, an arts centre and a convention centre to name a few. We have those because the private and public sectors saw the benefits of working together to achieve a common goal.”

Martin concedes that Ottawa has a number of built-in advantages over other cities – attractions like the Rideau Canal, the Parliament Buildings and the Byward Market. But a more recent addition has him excited. “The LRT is great for this city,” he says. “It has improved our quality of life, made things more accessible, provided greater flexibility for people to live where they want, not necessarily where they work. That’s in addition to providing environmental advantages.”

Martin, along with his entire real estate team, believes Ottawa and the entire National Capital Region will continue to thrive in the future. And he believes Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall, with its history so entwined with that of the city, has a special obligation to contribute to that process. “Even 50 years ago, our firm knew that what was good for our community was always going to be good for our clients, for our employees and for their families.

“That’s the way it is today, that’s the way it will be in the future.”