top of page
Wards of Wisdom
Practical legal insight from Wards Lawyers
Clear, practical guidance for people and organizations across Kawartha Lakes - written by the lawyers and professionals who do the work every day.
Whether you’re running a business, planning for your family, buying property, or responding to a dispute, legal decisions are easier when you understand the “why” before you act. That’s what Wards of Wisdom is for: straightforward articles designed to help you make confident next steps - without the jargon.
Browse by topic
Building in the Kawarthas – What you need to know about liens and holdbacks
We are continuing our blog series about Ontario’s new construction rules with a goal to summarize, in simple language, the recent changes to the Construction Act.
Here’s what you need to know about the construction lien process, what a holdback is and how you handle on your project.
Calvin Chan
Mar 163 min read
The backyard egg debate: are laying chickens legal in Kawartha Lakes?
If you’ve ever dreamed of collecting fresh eggs from your own backyard, you’re not alone. As spring approaches and the days grow longer, many homeowners start thinking about gardening, outdoor projects – and perhaps even keeping backyard chickens.
In the City of Kawartha Lakes, backyard chickens have been permitted for a few years now. However, while the idea of keeping a small flock may sound simple, there are several municipal rules and zoning requirements that residents m
Hamid Asrar
Mar 33 min read
Building in the Kawarthas – prompt payment and adjudication
Continuing our blog series about Ontario’s new construction rules, we’re here to summarize some key concepts that affect when contractors get paid, and how payment problems are sorted out.
Here’s what you need to know, simplified.
Calvin Chan
Feb 163 min read
Business & Corporate
Expanding your Ontario business? What you need to know about extra-provincial registration
So, you’ve incorporated, and business is booming in your home province. Time to look at expansion? Building a customer base in another province? What’s next?
Incorporating as an Ontario Corporation under the Ontario Business Corporations Act provides the right to carry on business in Ontario, but what happens when that business expands into other Provinces or Territories?
Your car is spying on you: what data your vehicle collects & how it’s used
As the world becomes more and more connected, data becomes more and more valuable. Our data has become a commodity that is bought and sold by the providers of electronics, apps, social media and many others. Our smartphones gather increasing amounts of data about us with each day that passes. What about our vehicles?
What’s in a name? Protecting your business name in canada
You’ve started your business, and you’ve come up with a catchy and recognizable name. As luck would have it, the domain name was available and now you have your very own website with the name of your business. The job is done, and the name is yours now, right? Not quite.
Estates
Where there’s a (real) Will, there’s a real lawyer
It happens often. And I welcome it. I meet with a client to assist in preparing their Will and, at some point when discussing any one of myriad conditions, provisions and possibilities, they’ll ask me, “What would you do, here?” I smile at their confidence in me, but remind them that it’s their Will and so, ultimately, all choices should reflect their personal needs and desires – then I offer suggestions and point out what other clients, in similar situations, have opted fo
Estate trustee responsibilities in Ontario: key duties after a loved one’s passing
The role of an estate trustee is to administer the assets of an estate according to the wishes of the deceased individual, while following the laws governing the administration of estates and trusts in Ontario. Here are some key (but not all) of the responsibilities of an estate trustee.
Challenging a family member’s will: what Ontario law says
We are continuing our blog series about Ontario’s new construction rules with a goal to summarize, in simple language, the recent changes to the Construction Act.
Here’s what you need to know about the construction lien process, what a holdback is and how you handle on your project.
Employment
Not all reference letters are created equal
It doesn’t matter how many years you’ve been in the workforce, or what kind of career you’re in – or wishing to pursue. In an ever-competitive market, you’re looking for any way to give yourself that competitive advantage, something that’ll get you that coveted job interview. Bolstering that resume with a letter from a former employer can pay dividends. Maybe. Because the type of letter you receive can determine how attractive, if at all, you are to a prospective employer
Wrongful dismissal: understanding an employee’s duty to mitigate
When an employee is terminated, they have an obligation to reasonably mitigate their damages by seeking comparable employment. If an employee fails to fulfill this duty, it may disentitle them from wrongful dismissal damages.
But how can this obligation be fulfilled and what is considered “reasonable” mitigation? Two cases from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice provide clarity with regard to when the duty is and is not fulfilled.
Navigating the legal terrain: determining your province of employment while working from home
As the landscape of employment continues to evolve, the rise of remote work has presented unique challenges in defining the legal parameters of employment, particularly regarding the determination of an employee’s province of employment when working from home. With employees now able to work from virtually anywhere, understanding the implications of provincial jurisdiction is essential for both employers and employees.
Litigation
Building in the Kawarthas - The Construction Act changes every contractor and architect should understand
We are finishing up our series about Ontario’s new Construction rules with a goal to summarize, in simple language, the recent changes to the Construction Act. In our last post of this series, we will be exploring some of the more technical and procedural changes to the act in 2026 and explaining what they mean to parties on the ground. Clearer Lien Rights for Engineers, Architects, and Pre-Construction Professionals Professionals such as architects and engineers are of
Building in the Kawarthas – What you need to know about liens and holdbacks
We are continuing our blog series about Ontario’s new construction rules with a goal to summarize, in simple language, the recent changes to the Construction Act.
Here’s what you need to know about the construction lien process, what a holdback is and how you handle on your project.
Building in the Kawarthas – prompt payment and adjudication
Continuing our blog series about Ontario’s new construction rules, we’re here to summarize some key concepts that affect when contractors get paid, and how payment problems are sorted out.
Here’s what you need to know, simplified.
Personal Injury
Big changes are coming to your car insurance on july 1, 2026 – It’s time to review your policy!
If you or someone in your family drives in Ontario, mark July 1, 2026 in your calendar. Why? Because the way your car insurance pays for accident benefits is changing significantly.
Many benefits that are currently automatic may no longer be included. Instead, Ontario is moving to a pick-and-pay model, giving you more control to tailor your coverage and potentially lower premiums. However, declining optional benefits could leave you or your family with limited support.
The role of medical records in personal injury claims: why documentation matters
In any personal injury claim, the foundation of the case includes detailed medical records of injuries, treatment and the overall impact of the incident on the injured person’s life. Records provide a factual account of injuries and rehabilitation following an accident, help establish causation (i.e. that the incident caused or contributed to the injuries) and assist with proving damages.
Navigating the application for accident benefits in Ontario: a step-by-step guide
We are continuing our blog series about Ontario’s new construction rules with a goal to summarize, in simple language, the recent changes to the Construction Act.
Here’s what you need to know about the construction lien process, what a holdback is and how you handle on your project.
Real Estate
The backyard egg debate: are laying chickens legal in Kawartha Lakes?
If you’ve ever dreamed of collecting fresh eggs from your own backyard, you’re not alone. As spring approaches and the days grow longer, many homeowners start thinking about gardening, outdoor projects – and perhaps even keeping backyard chickens.
In the City of Kawartha Lakes, backyard chickens have been permitted for a few years now. However, while the idea of keeping a small flock may sound simple, there are several municipal rules and zoning requirements that residents m
New mortgage rules – making it easier for 1st time buyers
It has been a difficult few years for aspiring homeowners with the increased mortgage interest rates, lower appraisals, and a more stringent mortgage stress test by financial institutions in reviewing mortgage applications. As a result of these changes, there has been a significant decline in the real estate market across Canada and especially, Ontario.
Navigating easements – Why are you on my property?
First, what is an easement, and what is the meaning of an easement?An easement is a legal right that allows someone (other than the property owner) to use a portion of the property for a specific purpose. This doesn’t give ownership of the land in any way, but it does grant them the right to access or use the piece of land in a certain way.
Dispute Resolution
Are we like, over, over? Determining the date of separation in family law proceedings
We are continuing our blog series about Ontario’s new construction rules with a goal to summarize, in simple language, the recent changes to the Construction Act.
Here’s what you need to know about the construction lien process, what a holdback is and how you handle on your project.
Who gets the dog? Understanding pet ownership in separation & divorce
We are continuing our blog series about Ontario’s new construction rules with a goal to summarize, in simple language, the recent changes to the Construction Act.
Here’s what you need to know about the construction lien process, what a holdback is and how you handle on your project.
Am I “legally separated”?
People frequently ask us “when am I legally separated?” or “how to I legally separate?”
In Ontario there is no formal process to declare you are separated. You can be considered legally separated as soon as you take actions to end your relationship, be it a marriage or a common law relationship. The most obvious action is for one of the parties to have moved out and for the parties to be living in different homes.
General Interest
Mental health community resources
Mental health challenges and addiction can affect anyone – friends, family, colleagues, or ourselves. In recent years, our community has seen a growing need for support and services in these areas. Knowing where to find help is a crucial first step in navigating difficult times.
Whether you are seeking information for yourself or looking to support someone you care about, the Kawartha Lakes area offers a range of trusted resources. Below is a list of local organizations that
Keeping the legal field from getting spooky
October is the season of ghosts, goblins, and evil spirits that wander in the night. While haunted houses and horror movies can be thrilling, there is nothing fun about real-life legal situations creeping up when you least expect them. The good news? Most legal “frights” can be avoided with a little planning, a clear strategy, and some trusted legal advice.
Top true crime podcasts you need to listen to right now
Are you a true crime podcast junkie? Don’t worry, we can plead guilty together. I am fascinated by these real-life mysteries and deep dives into chilling criminal cases.
The True Crime genre has soared in popularity. Whether you are a seasoned true crime fan or a newbie starting out here are a few captivating true crime podcasts you might want to check out:
Want guidance that applies to your situation?
If you’re making a decision, responding to a dispute, or planning for what’s next, we’ll help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Important note (please read)
The content on this blog is for general information only. It is not legal advice, and it is not intended to be. Your situation may require additional facts or documents before any advice can be given. If you need guidance for your specific circumstances, please contact our team.
bottom of page