We have acted for public authorities and private sector clients on transformative, complex and highly innovative major infrastructure projects for more than 20 years.
As result, we are leaders in the development and execution of major infrastructure projects and have helped build and shape communities across Canada and around the world. To date, our team has advised on infrastructure projects with a combined total value of over $50 billion.
Our team is at the forefront of current and emerging transaction models due to being one of the first law firms to advise on Public-Private Partnerships (P3) and Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) structures in Canada.
We have advised governments and related agencies, bidding consortia and financiers on:
- Procurement
- Project agreements
- Project finance
- Design-build issues
- Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) and Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM)
- Design Build Finance Maintain (DBFM)
- Environmental compliance
Projects we have assisted with include:
- Wastewater
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Power transmission
- Social housing
- Government services
- Fiber optic networks
- Technology infrastructure.
Key Aspects of Infrastructure Projects
With over two decades of experience, we have come to understand that there are four key aspects that are often overlooked, but essential to the successful outcome of a project:
Business Advisory Services: Our team has deep experience in the infrastructure field and understands both the public and private sectors. As a result, we can assemble the right-size team of professionals appropriate for the project. This entails being connected with and identifying key individuals, and creating specific and well-defined professional services agreements. We then define the project and ensure it is on a path to approval, funding and delivery.
Governance: We understand governance and are familiar with structures that are appropriate and reflective of different stakeholders’ interests under a variety of circumstances. We identify the goals and priorities of each interested party to design well-established milestones through a collaborative effort.
Regulatory Compliance: We have a keen understanding of the regulatory context that invariably becomes complex in large-scale infrastructure projects. These projects often engage environmental law, land use planning, and archeological permitting, among others. Our experience with regulatory compliance helps clients avoid common issues and pitfalls. This helps the project meet strict deadlines and reduces compliance costs.
Project Execution: We can provide professional and structural support to oversee the execution of the project. This includes assistance with financing and risk allocation, which become especially important when there is a mix of public and private financing.
Bennett Jones