Bruce Hallsor, KC, is a preeminent litigator in the area of contaminated properties, and has significantly influenced environmental and property law. Bruce has played pivotal role in challenging and changing how environmental legislation impacts land value assessments, which has led to notable legal reforms.
Through North Vancouver (District) v. Seaspan ULC, 2022 BCCA 433 and its predecessors, Bruce successfully argued against a loophole that allowed polluted property owners to benefit from tax breaks, thus discouraging environmental cleanup. His efforts culminated in a landmark ruling that ended these incentives, encouraging property owners to address pollution on their lands. Bruce’s work in this area, including the notable case Victory Motors (Abbotsford) Ltd. v. Assessor of Area No. 15 – Fraser Valley, 2017 BCCA 295, has not only closed a legal loophole but has also aligned property tax laws with environmental stewardship goals. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the legal profession and environmental protection efforts in British Columbia.
