Major projects demand more than legal insight—they require a partner who understands complexity and delivers practical, commercially focused solutions. At Fasken, we work alongside clients to navigate regulatory frameworks, structure financing, develop win win solutions and build assets and relationships that make projects possible. With offices in Canada, London and Johannesburg, our Project Development team brings together decades of experience across sectors that drive global growth and infrastructure development.
Energy: Advancing Projects Through an Evolving Energy Landscape
From hydroelectric facilities and transmission infrastructure to LNG facilities and pipelines, we help clients move energy projects forward. Our team has worked on large energy projects of all types and has the industry and legal knowledge to support energy projects from cradle to grave. We support the Indigenous engagement, financing, permitting and regulatory approvals required to get a project started and will defend court challenges and help overcome other legal obstacles to delivering projects.
Infrastructure Development: Delivering Major Projects
Major infrastructure projects require collaboration across public and private sectors. We regularly advise project developers, constructors, procuring authorities and owners, as well as funders (whether bond, bank or governmental guarantors), on all aspects of infrastructure development and finance. Our award winning team’s global experience has been recognized by P3 Bulletin as a Top P3 Legal Advisor in North America and Public Legal Advisor of the Year by IJ Global. In addition to our team’s energy experience, our work spans numerous industry sectors including social infrastructure (e.g. the health care, corrections and education spaces), transit and roads, telecommunications and municipal infrastructure. Our team helps clients navigate evolving procurement models (including public private partnerships, both traditional and progressive or alliance models), appropriate risk allocation, and financing structures, while also guiding them through environmental assessments, permitting processes, and building successful relationships with Indigenous communities. Our work has supported award-winning projects recognized nationally and internationally for innovation and excellence.
Mining & Critical Minerals: Supporting Global Supply Chains
Mining and critical minerals are essential supply chains around the world. We assist clients in structuring transactions, securing title, and engaging stakeholders to advance projects responsibly and efficiently, across diverse jurisdictions. Our experience spans exploration through development, financing and operation, with a focus on creating long-term value. Our leadership in the mining industry is widely recognized, having been named Mining Law Firm of the Year by Lexology Index Awards 17 times, including 11 consecutive years, and supporting clients on major projects in Canada, Africa, Europe and beyond.
Indigenous & Stakeholder Relations: Building Trust and Partnerships
Inclusive participation and stakeholder engagement are critical to project success. In jurisdictions where Indigenous equity is a priority – such as Canada - we help clients structure practical agreements that enable Indigenous ownership in major projects, including pipelines, LNG, renewable power, and transmission. Our experience includes navigating complex negotiations with large groups - sometimes dozens of nations - and securing financing through federal and provincial Indigenous equity loan guarantee programs. These arrangements require specialized knowledge beyond standard M&A or financing approaches. By combining legal insight with meaningful engagement, we help clients build strong relationships with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders, ensuring that consultation processes are respectful, transparent, and aligned with legal and cultural expectations. Our approach fosters trust and supports sustainable outcomes.
Project Financing
Effective project financing demands a deep understanding of the banking, industry and regional factors that shape a project’s success. We structure financing solutions that account for these considerations and align with the unique requirements of each project. We assist clients in designing and implementing financing strategies across the energy, infrastructure and mining sectors, including for public private partnerships. Our work centres on identifying stakeholder priorities and proactively addressing the risks and legal issues that may arise during both construction and operational phases. Our team draws on extensive, cross disciplinary experience, enabling clients to navigate sector specific, regional, securities, environmental, construction, tax and joint venture considerations inherent in project finance.
Government Relations & Strategy: Navigating Policy, Regulation and Government Funding
Policy decisions shape project success. We help clients anticipate regulatory changes, manage risk, and engage effectively with all levels of government. Our approach ensures that our clients' interests are represented and that opportunities for alignment with public priorities are maximized.
Accessing government programs and funding can be complex, especially with the growing number of initiatives introduced to accelerate infrastructure and project development. We guide clients through this multi-layered framework of programs and incentives - including those announced in recent federal budgets helping identify opportunities, meet eligibility requirements, and secure support.
ESG & Sustainability: Embedding Responsible Practices
Environmental, social, and governance considerations are central to project success. We assist clients in integrating ESG principles into planning, financing, and operations, helping projects meet regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations while advancing sustainability goals.
What Sets Us Apart
Established, Integrated Project Development Team
Our Project Development group is a long-standing, cohesive team with proven experience delivering complex projects. With offices in Canada, London and Johannesburg, we provide local insight and support for projects from North America to Europe, Africa and beyond. This combination of regional knowledge and global perspective enables us to help clients achieve success wherever their projects take them.
Innovative Delivery Models and Procurement Strategy
We have led the way in shaping the development of progressive procurement strategies, including alliance models and alternative finance approaches, helping clients, both public and private, adapt to evolving frameworks.
Award-Winning Track Record in Major Projects
Our involvement in complex projects around the world – and the recognition and awards we have earned - demonstrate our ability to deliver results that stand out for innovation and excellence.
Cross-Sector Depth for Complex Challenges
Energy, mining, infrastructure, finance, Indigenous relations, ESG, and government strategy, our team brings practical solutions to overcome complexity and deliver results.
Connect with our Project Development team to learn how we can help drive project success.
