Chris Williams Named Recipient of the OBA’s 2025 Award of Excellence in Municipal Law

Aird & Berlis is pleased to announce that Christopher Williams has been awarded the 2025 Barnet Kussner Award of Excellence in Municipal Law by his peers in the Ontario Bar Association's Municipal Law Section.

The award recognizes legal excellence and contribution to the development of municipal law and related policies, procedures, practice and legislation in the province of Ontario. Chris is honoured to follow Jane Pepino, Leo Longo and John Mascarin, also partners at Aird & Berlis, who were previous recipients of this prestigious award.

Chris is a member of the firm’s Municipal & Land Use Planning Group and Expropriation Law Group. He provides advice and representation to a wide variety of public and private sector clients in all areas of municipal law. Chris regularly appears before municipal councils and committees, the Ontario Land Tribunal, the Board of Negotiation, the Assessment Review Board and all levels of courts in Ontario, as well as the Federal Court, Federal Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada in disputes regarding the constitutionality of the municipal regulation of federal undertakings.

Chris was previously a recipient of the OBOA Leadership Service Award (formerly known as the Bill Henderson Award), which recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and long-standing dedication through honesty and integrity of service to the Ontario Building Officials Association.

Congratulations, Chris!