Property Litigation
Summary of Property Issue



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In 2016, Dominique and James were recruited to work as an Emergency Department Physician and Health Researcher, respectively, at Health Sciences North in Sudbury. Dominique and James are proud Laurentian University Alumni, who collectively have obtained five degrees from Laurentian University.
Shortly after occupying their first home in June 2016, it was brought to Dominique and James’ attention that their backyard (landscaping, maintenance building, and septic system) was encroaching on their neighbour’s property, which happened to be Laurentian University.
After further research by Dominique and James, it was discovered that their purchased property had encroached on Laurentian University lands for more than 13 years and that the approximately 295 square metre encroachment represents roughly 0.0095% of the University’s total property area. After notifying the University of the encroachment, the University presented a formal proposal to Dominique and James asking them to make an offer to the University to purchase the encroached lands at fair market value. Dominique and James acted at Laurentian University’s request and subsequently presented a reasonable offer to purchase the encroached lands from the University, which included more than $12,000 for the property and offer to pay for all fees associated with the transaction.
To Dominique and James’ dismay, Laurentian University rejected their purchase offer without any explanation. Dominique and James presented an alternate proposal to the University, whereby they would exchange equal parts of land (2,891 square metres) with the University as a mutually acceptable way of resolving the issues that are jointly and adversely affecting the respective properties. They also offered to cover all fees associated with the proposed boundary readjustments, including consent, rezoning, planning, and surveying costs. As a gesture of goodwill, they offered to make a donation of $5,000 to the University following completion of the proposed property boundary readjustments. Laurentian University again rejected Dominique and James’ proposal without any explanation.
Laurentian University has refused numerous formal requests for Dominique and James to make deputations at meetings of the University’s Property Development and Planning Committee and Board of Governors.
Property & Litigation Documents
Litigation Against Ansell/Crispo
Settlement Offers & Refusals
Other Relevant Documents
Letters of Support
Other LU Property Encroachments
Media Reports - Property Conflict
- CBC Morning North interview with Markus Schwabe – May 17, 2019
- CBC Morning North interview with Robin De Angelis – June 14, 2018
- Sudbury couple fear legal action in Laurentian University land dispute – CBC Sudbury – June 14, 2018
- CBC Morning North interview with Markus Schwabe – July 4, 2017
Click here for additional information about Laurentian University’s governance and leadership.
The Board of Governors has retained the following elite team of Toronto-based lawyers to represent the University in its lawsuit against Dominque and James
Please sign Dominique and James’ petition at: www.lupetition.org
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