Bio
Marika’s strong listening skills enable her to develop trusting relationships with clients who view her as a valued member of their team. She is committed to representing her clients with integrity and providing a transparent approach.
Marika practices energy, environmental and regulatory law and litigation. She regularly represents and advises developers, energy companies, government agencies, administrative bodies, municipal corporations, and individual landowners. Her experience includes working with both project proponents and interveners, including landowners, corporations and municipalities in projects related to the development of electricity (power plants, transmission lines and renewable energy facilities), as well as oil and gas facilities.
In her practice, Marika is often called upon to assist with land acquisition matters. In recent years, she successfully assisted the Government of Alberta in negotiating agreements with landowners for large tracts of land required for a major water management project. She recently acted as second counsel to a landowner in a successful appeal of the compensation awarded by the Surface Rights Board in the Alberta Court of King’s Bench decision: Pentelechuk v Grand Rapids Pipeline GP Ltd, 2023 ABKB 692.
Marika has appeared at all levels of Court in Alberta and has extensive experience before a variety of administrative tribunals, including the Alberta Utilities Commission, the Alberta Energy Regulator, the Land and Property Rights Tribunal, the Natural Resources Conservation Board and the Subdivision and Development Appeal Boards.
Understanding the importance of identifying the unique needs of each individual client, Marika provides realistic and pragmatic advice that identifies solutions that best suit each client’s current and long-term goals.
In addition to her energy and environmental practice, Marika frequently applies her knowledge and experience with the various statutes, regulations, bylaws and planning documents applicable in the context of municipal planning decisions to assist municipalities and individual landowners, developers and other government entities to navigate the complex legal landscape related to municipal law.
She also has experience assisting municipalities pursue statutory enforcement remedies under the Municipal Government Act and other related statutes. This includes preparing and reviewing enforcement-related documents, providing legal advice and guidance on land use, safety codes, nuisance and unsightly premises, animal control and other bylaw related matters and representing municipalities in the prosecution of bylaw offences before the Court of Justice, as well as in civil proceedings brought under the Municipal Government Act before the Court of King’s Bench.
Marika regularly shares her legal insight by publishing and presenting on various topics of interest to her clients. Understanding the importance of giving back to the community, Marika is heavily involved in various mentorship activities both inside and outside of McLennan Ross, including volunteering as a mentor for law students with the Canadian Bar Association.
Outside of work, Marika is an avid NHL fan and in particular, a passionate Edmonton Oilers fan.