Sarah V. Powell

Partner

Sarah V. Powell

Sarah V. Powell

Partner

Bar Admissions
  • Ontario, 1993

“Sarah Powell is a wizard on environmental matters.”
Client – Chambers Global 2016

Sarah uses her thorough understanding of evolving issues in environmental and energy law to provide clients with practical, concise advice. She works with clients – both directly and as a member of Davies’ transaction teams – to evaluate environmental and social risks in Canadian and international deals.

Mining, renewable energy and Indigenous issues are significant areas of focus. Sarah is also very successful at advocating before administrative tribunals regarding permitting for infrastructure, resource development and manufacturing projects.

Sarah is a member of our Management Committee. She is deeply involved in the development and reform of Canadian environmental law and has held many leadership roles in prominent legal and business organizations.

Sarah V. Powell

Partner

“Sarah Powell is a wizard on environmental matters.”
Client – Chambers Global 2016

Sarah uses her thorough understanding of evolving issues in environmental and energy law to provide clients with practical, concise advice. She works with clients – both directly and as a member of Davies’ transaction teams – to evaluate environmental and social risks in Canadian and international deals.

Mining, renewable energy and Indigenous issues are significant areas of focus. Sarah is also very successful at advocating before administrative tribunals regarding permitting for infrastructure, resource development and manufacturing projects.

Sarah is a member of our Management Committee. She is deeply involved in the development and reform of Canadian environmental law and has held many leadership roles in prominent legal and business organizations.

Mobile Content:

GreenV B.V.

Acted for Green V B.V. in its acquisition of JV Energy Solutions Inc., a provider of customer-specific heating, electrical engineering and insulation for the greenhouse horticulture industry.

Mobile Content:

Axium Infrastructure

Acted for Axium Infrastructure Inc. in connection with the acquisition from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners of the Travers Solar Project located in Vulcan County, Alberta. Situated on approximately 3,330 acres of land, the project has a total nameplate capacity of 465 MW, making it the largest solar project in Canada at the time of closing.

Mobile Content:

Interfor Corporation

Acted for Interfor Corporation in its acquisition for over C$325-million of 100% of the equity interests of Kilmer Group-backed Chaleur Forest Products entities.

Mobile Content:

Birch Hill Equity Partners

Acted for Birch Hill Equity Partners in its joint acquisition (and related financing) with Investissement Québec of Québec-based Polycor Inc., the largest quarrier of natural stone in the world.

Mobile Content:

Umicore SA

Acting for Umicore SA/NV, a circular materials technology company headquartered in Belgium, in the development and construction of a first-of-its kind EV battery materials manufacturing plant in Loyalist Township, Ontario, that will be 100% fuelled by renewable energy from the start of production.

Mobile Content:

Henvey Inlet Wind LP

Advised Henvey Inlet Wind on the development of the regulatory framework for the largest First Nation wind partnership project in Canada on the lands of Henvey Inlet First Nation. We worked closely with Henvey Inlet Wind, First Nations and Environment Canada to develop the first environmental assessment and enforcement regime under the federal First Nations Land Management Act on three First Nations reserves. Key permitting issues included species at risk (and the negotiation of the first federal species at risk permit for a wind project, including complex offsetting commitments). We continue to work closely with Henvey Inlet First Nation on operational compliance matters, including species at risk.

Mobile Content:

Interfor Corporation

Acted for Interfor Corporation in its $490-million acquisition of 100% of the equity interests of Kelso & Company-backed EACOM Timber Corporation.

Mobile Content:

TPG Real Estate Partners

Acted for TPG Real Estate Partners, the dedicated real estate equity investment platform of alternative asset firm TPG, in its acquisition (and related financing) of Cinespace Film Studios, North America's second-largest independent sound stage platform with best-in-class studio campuses in Toronto and Chicago.

Mobile Content:

DIF Capital Partners and Valley Fiber Limited

Acted as lead transaction counsel to DIF Capital Partners and Valley Fiber Ltd. in their investment together with Canada Infrastructure Bank in the $328-million Manitoba Fibre project, which involves the construction of 2,657 kilometres of mainline fibreoptic cabling, targeting 48,500 underserved households with dedicated fibre-to-the-home.

Mobile Content:

Roxgold Inc.

Acted for Roxgold Inc. in its C$1.1-billion business combination with Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. to create a premier growth-oriented global intermediate gold and silver producer.

Guide
Mobile Content:

Davies Governance Insights – September 2022, contributor

Sept. 06, 2022 - Davies Governance Insights analyzes the top trends and issues most important to Canadian public companies and provides practical guidance for boards to meet these challenges head on. In this edition: Ten Regulatory and Judicial Developments That GCs and Boards Need to...

Speaking Engagement
Mobile Content:

Moderator, Canadian Bar Association, CBA Neerls Online Symposium, “State of Play in Renewable and Distributed Energy Across Canada”; Webcast

May 06, 2021

Guide
Mobile Content:

Davies Governance Insights 2020, contributor

Oct. 05, 2020 - Davies Governance Insights 2020 provides a comprehensive analysis of the trends and developments that have shaped the corporate governance landscape and those that are expected to define the next decade. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 crisis, this year’s report explores key issues...

Bulletin
Mobile Content:

IESO Releases Contract Review Directive Report

Sept. 03, 2020 - Last fall Ontario’s Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines directed the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to retain an independent third party to undertake a targeted review of existing generation contracts in the province (see our November 8, 2019 bulletin). The stated...

Bulletin
Mobile Content:

Ontario to Review Existing Generation Contracts

Nov. 08, 2019 - The Ontario government recently issued an Order in Council approving the issuance of a directive to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) with a view to “identifying viable opportunities to lower electricity prices for Ontario consumers while maintaining system reliability. ” The...

Bulletin
Mobile Content:

Canadian Securities Regulators Provide Guidance on Climate Disclosure

Aug. 08, 2019 - In recent years, awareness of the potential impacts of climate change on issuers has heightened both in Canada and internationally. As the risks of, and potential opportunities associated with, climate change become better understood, investors and other stakeholders continue to press for greater...

Speaking Engagement
Mobile Content:

Moderator, Canadian Bar Association, Environmental, Energy & Resources Law Summit, “Canada’s Green Energy Development Shifts West”; Vancouver, BC

May 03, 2019

In the News
Mobile Content:

Sarah Powell Discusses Ottawa’s New Environmental Regime in Canadian Lawyer

May 01, 2018 - In the April edition of Canadian Lawyer (available to subscribers), Davies partner Sarah Powell gives her perspective on the federal government’s proposed environmental overhaul introduced in February. Sarah believes there needs to be more clarity about what companies behind major energy...

Bulletin
Mobile Content:

Canadian Securities Regulators Report on Climate Disclosure

Apr. 06, 2018 - Following on the heels of the recommendations of the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-Related Disclosures (Task Force), the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) has published its Report on Climate change-related Disclosure Project. The CSA reviewed mandatory and voluntary...

Mobile Content:

Chambers Global: The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business—Environment (Band 1)

Mobile Content:

Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business—Environment (Band 1)

Mobile Content:

The Legal 500 Canada—Environment (Leading Individual)

Mobile Content:

The Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada—Environmental Law

Mobile Content:

Lexpert Special Edition: Energy

Mobile Content:

Lexpert Special Edition: Infrastructure

Mobile Content:

Lexpert Special Edition: Mining

Mobile Content:

Lexpert Zenith Award—Environmental Law (2014)

Mobile Content:

Lexpert Guide to US/Canada Cross-Border Lawyers in Canada—Environmental Law

Mobile Content:

The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory—Environmental Law (Most Frequently Recommended); Aboriginal Law

Mobile Content:

The Best Lawyers in Canada—Aboriginal Law; Energy Law (Lawyer of the Year 2017, Toronto); Energy Regulatory Law (Lawyer of the Year 2019, Toronto); Environmental Law (Lawyer of the Year 2018, Toronto); Natural Resources Law

Mobile Content:

Who’s Who Legal: Canada—Environment; Who’s Who Legal: Environment (Global Elite Thought Leader); Who's Who Legal: Thought Leaders Global Elite—Environment

Mobile Content:

Expert Guides’ Women in Business Law; Expert Guides—Environment

Bar Admissions
Mobile Content:

Ontario, 1993

Education
Mobile Content:

Queen’s University, LLB, 1991
McGill University, BA (Honours), 1988

Professional Affiliations
Mobile Content:

American Bar Association
Canadian Bar Association
Ontario Bar Association
Law Society of Ontario, Certified Specialist in Environmental Law

Board Memberships
Mobile Content:

ERCO Worldwide
The Stop Community Food Centre
Soulpepper Theatre Company, Chair’s Advisory Council

Community Involvement
Mobile Content:

Canadian Centre for Environmental Arbitration and Mediation, Mediator/Arbitrator
Ontario Bar Association, Environmental Law Section, former Public Affairs Liaison

“Sarah Powell is a wizard on environmental matters.”
Client – Chambers Global 2016

Sarah uses her thorough understanding of evolving issues in environmental and energy law to provide clients with practical, concise advice. She works with clients – both directly and as a member of Davies’ transaction teams – to evaluate environmental and social risks in Canadian and international deals.

Mining, renewable energy and Indigenous issues are significant areas of focus. Sarah is also very successful at advocating before administrative tribunals regarding permitting for infrastructure, resource development and manufacturing projects.

Sarah is a member of our Management Committee. She is deeply involved in the development and reform of Canadian environmental law and has held many leadership roles in prominent legal and business organizations.

GreenV B.V.

Acted for Green V B.V. in its acquisition of JV Energy Solutions Inc., a provider of customer-specific heating, electrical engineering and insulation for the greenhouse horticulture industry.

Axium Infrastructure

Acted for Axium Infrastructure Inc. in connection with the acquisition from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners of the Travers Solar Project located in Vulcan County, Alberta. Situated on approximately 3,330 acres of land, the project has a total nameplate capacity of 465 MW, making it the largest solar project in Canada at the time of closing.

Interfor Corporation

Acted for Interfor Corporation in its acquisition for over C$325-million of 100% of the equity interests of Kilmer Group-backed Chaleur Forest Products entities.

Birch Hill Equity Partners

Acted for Birch Hill Equity Partners in its joint acquisition (and related financing) with Investissement Québec of Québec-based Polycor Inc., the largest quarrier of natural stone in the world.

Umicore SA

Acting for Umicore SA/NV, a circular materials technology company headquartered in Belgium, in the development and construction of a first-of-its kind EV battery materials manufacturing plant in Loyalist Township, Ontario, that will be 100% fuelled by renewable energy from the start of production.

Henvey Inlet Wind LP

Advised Henvey Inlet Wind on the development of the regulatory framework for the largest First Nation wind partnership project in Canada on the lands of Henvey Inlet First Nation. We worked closely with Henvey Inlet Wind, First Nations and Environment Canada to develop the first environmental assessment and enforcement regime under the federal First Nations Land Management Act on three First Nations reserves. Key permitting issues included species at risk (and the negotiation of the first federal species at risk permit for a wind project, including complex offsetting commitments). We continue to work closely with Henvey Inlet First Nation on operational compliance matters, including species at risk.

Interfor Corporation

Acted for Interfor Corporation in its $490-million acquisition of 100% of the equity interests of Kelso & Company-backed EACOM Timber Corporation.

TPG Real Estate Partners

Acted for TPG Real Estate Partners, the dedicated real estate equity investment platform of alternative asset firm TPG, in its acquisition (and related financing) of Cinespace Film Studios, North America's second-largest independent sound stage platform with best-in-class studio campuses in Toronto and Chicago.

DIF Capital Partners and Valley Fiber Limited

Acted as lead transaction counsel to DIF Capital Partners and Valley Fiber Ltd. in their investment together with Canada Infrastructure Bank in the $328-million Manitoba Fibre project, which involves the construction of 2,657 kilometres of mainline fibreoptic cabling, targeting 48,500 underserved households with dedicated fibre-to-the-home.

Roxgold Inc.

Acted for Roxgold Inc. in its C$1.1-billion business combination with Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. to create a premier growth-oriented global intermediate gold and silver producer.

Guide

Davies Governance Insights – September 2022, contributor

Sept. 06, 2022 - Davies Governance Insights analyzes the top trends and issues most important to Canadian public companies and provides practical guidance for boards to meet these challenges head on. In this edition: Ten Regulatory and Judicial Developments That GCs and Boards Need to...

Speaking Engagement

Moderator, Canadian Bar Association, CBA Neerls Online Symposium, “State of Play in Renewable and Distributed Energy Across Canada”; Webcast

May 06, 2021

Guide

Davies Governance Insights 2020, contributor

Oct. 05, 2020 - Davies Governance Insights 2020 provides a comprehensive analysis of the trends and developments that have shaped the corporate governance landscape and those that are expected to define the next decade. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 crisis, this year’s report explores key issues...

Bulletin

IESO Releases Contract Review Directive Report

Sept. 03, 2020 - Last fall Ontario’s Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines directed the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to retain an independent third party to undertake a targeted review of existing generation contracts in the province (see our November 8, 2019 bulletin). The stated...

Bulletin

Ontario to Review Existing Generation Contracts

Nov. 08, 2019 - The Ontario government recently issued an Order in Council approving the issuance of a directive to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) with a view to “identifying viable opportunities to lower electricity prices for Ontario consumers while maintaining system reliability. ” The...

Bulletin

Canadian Securities Regulators Provide Guidance on Climate Disclosure

Aug. 08, 2019 - In recent years, awareness of the potential impacts of climate change on issuers has heightened both in Canada and internationally. As the risks of, and potential opportunities associated with, climate change become better understood, investors and other stakeholders continue to press for greater...

Speaking Engagement

Moderator, Canadian Bar Association, Environmental, Energy & Resources Law Summit, “Canada’s Green Energy Development Shifts West”; Vancouver, BC

May 03, 2019

In the News

Sarah Powell Discusses Ottawa’s New Environmental Regime in Canadian Lawyer

May 01, 2018 - In the April edition of Canadian Lawyer (available to subscribers), Davies partner Sarah Powell gives her perspective on the federal government’s proposed environmental overhaul introduced in February. Sarah believes there needs to be more clarity about what companies behind major energy...

Bulletin

Canadian Securities Regulators Report on Climate Disclosure

Apr. 06, 2018 - Following on the heels of the recommendations of the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-Related Disclosures (Task Force), the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) has published its Report on Climate change-related Disclosure Project. The CSA reviewed mandatory and voluntary...

Chambers Global: The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business—Environment (Band 1)

Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business—Environment (Band 1)

The Legal 500 Canada—Environment (Leading Individual)

The Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada—Environmental Law

Lexpert Special Edition: Energy

Lexpert Special Edition: Infrastructure

Lexpert Special Edition: Mining

Lexpert Zenith Award—Environmental Law (2014)

Lexpert Guide to US/Canada Cross-Border Lawyers in Canada—Environmental Law

The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory—Environmental Law (Most Frequently Recommended); Aboriginal Law

The Best Lawyers in Canada—Aboriginal Law; Energy Law (Lawyer of the Year 2017, Toronto); Energy Regulatory Law (Lawyer of the Year 2019, Toronto); Environmental Law (Lawyer of the Year 2018, Toronto); Natural Resources Law

Who’s Who Legal: Canada—Environment; Who’s Who Legal: Environment (Global Elite Thought Leader); Who's Who Legal: Thought Leaders Global Elite—Environment

Expert Guides’ Women in Business Law; Expert Guides—Environment

Bar Admissions

Ontario, 1993

Education

Queen’s University, LLB, 1991
McGill University, BA (Honours), 1988

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association
Canadian Bar Association
Ontario Bar Association
Law Society of Ontario, Certified Specialist in Environmental Law

Board Memberships

ERCO Worldwide
The Stop Community Food Centre
Soulpepper Theatre Company, Chair’s Advisory Council

Community Involvement

Canadian Centre for Environmental Arbitration and Mediation, Mediator/Arbitrator
Ontario Bar Association, Environmental Law Section, former Public Affairs Liaison