A Legal Survey Plan, also known as a Plan of Survey, is a certified document that defines the boundaries, dimensions, legal interests, and physical features of a parcel of land. It is a critical tool in real estate transactions, land development, and property management.

This workshop provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of how to read, interpret, verify, and apply legal survey plans in real-world scenarios. Through instructor-led learning, practical exercises, and case studies, participants will gain confidence in working with survey plans and understanding their legal significance.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the role, responsibilities, and licensing requirements of an Ontario Land Surveyor
• Identify the appropriate type of survey plan required for different real estate and development projects
• Read and interpret all components of a Plan of Survey, including legal, boundary, and topographic elements
• Verify the accuracy and authenticity of a survey plan using the Surveyor’s Certificate and supporting reports
• Apply survey plans effectively in real estate transactions, land development, and dispute resolution

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for:

• Real estate professionals and brokers
• Land and property developers
• Architects and engineers
• Property managers
• Municipal staff
• Private landowners involved in property transactions or development projects

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Legal Survey Plans

• Role and governance of the Ontario Land Surveyor
• Overview of the land titles system and quality of title
• Legal definitions and terminology
• Types of survey plans and their applications

Module 2: Components of a Plan of Survey

• Legal fabric, title blocks, and certificates
• Boundary definitions, methodologies, and supporting evidence
• Street limits and monumentation
• Topographic and physical features
• Understanding units, tables, scale, benchmarks, and legal comments

Module 3: Survey Plan Creation Process

• Title research and boundary retracement
• Fieldwork and data collection
• Boundary calculations and drafting
• Regulatory compliance and certification
• Client delivery and professional responsibilities

Module 4: Interpreting Parcel Identification Numbers (PINs)

• Understanding PIN structure and registered instruments
• Analyzing legal descriptions
• Interpreting documentation associated with PINs

Module 5: Creating and Interpreting Legal Fabric

• Existing legal fabric
• Creation of new legal entities through Reference Plans, Subdivision Plans, and Condominium Plans

Module 6: Practical Applications

• Use of survey plans in buying, selling, and leasing property
• Integration into land development and redevelopment projects
• Supporting severances, title upgrades, and large-scale developments
• Application in dispute resolution

Module 7: Case Studies and Applied Exercises

• Review of real-world survey plans
• Identification of components and applications
• Applied exercises including report writing and plan analysis

Instructional Method

This one-day in-person workshop combines theoretical instruction with hands-on activities, group discussions, and applied exercises to reinforce learning and practical understanding.

Benefits of Attending

• Enhanced ability to interpret and use legal survey plans accurately
• Improved decision-making in real estate and development projects
• Practical skills that can be applied immediately in professional settings
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
• Networking with industry peers