Civil Mediation

This Mediation Program was established to provide the community with an alternative forum in which to resolve civil disputes. Through the process of third-party facilitated negotiation, disputants are empowered to reach mutually beneficial agreements without expending the significant time and costs often associated with civil litigation. In establishing the Civil Mediation Program, the Centre hopes to dramatically increase the public's access to an improved quality of justice, while at the same time conserving community resources and reducing delays in the disposition of court cases.

The civil mediation process is designed to give parties an opportunity to explore settlement options before they invest large amounts of money and other resources into litigation.

Civil disputes capable of being mediated include commercial and contract disputes, libel and slander claims, real estate disputes, landlord-tenant disagreements, insurance claims, merchant-customer disputes, construction claims, estate administration disputes, wrongful dismissal claims, and many others.

Although mediation of civil matters can be done voluntarily at any time, most civil mediations in Ontario occur pursuant to the Mandatory Mediation Program in some Ontario's courts.

What is Civil Mediation?

Civil mediation brings parties together to discuss and resolve issues in dispute in a confidential manner with the help of a neutral third party.  Mediation can provide parties involved in disputes many benefits that the court system cannot.  These include quick resolutions, reduced costs and confidentiality.  Mediation can help preserve relationships and can help parties to a dispute find creative solutions which may benefit all.

What types of issues can be mediated in civil mediation?  Disputes may include:

  • Contracts
  • Contractors
  • Employment
  • Personal Injury
  • Homeowner associations
  • Landlord and tenant disputes
  • Partnerships
  • Medical malpractice
  • Real estate
  • Discrimination