Find below recently published Halton decisions, available for free through CanLII.org.
Superior Court of Justice
Zhao v. Goldentrust Development Inc. (2026 ONSC 4652)
The Court struck the Vendor Defendants' defence and counterclaim for failing to comply with prior court orders, including payment of security. The related defendant was not in breach but must amend its pleading. Costs of $5,000 were awarded against the Vendor Defendants.
Associate Justice Glick
Zaidi v. Zia (2026 ONSC 4693)
In a Hague Convention child abduction case, the Court awarded $150,000 in costs to the successful father, citing the mother's unreasonable litigation conduct, refusal to narrow issues, and rejection of a reasonable settlement offer. The Court declined to find bad faith but emphasized proportionality and fairness in the award.
Justice M. Kurz
Bandy v. Newell (2026 ONSC 4702)
The Court dismissed a motion to stay orders reversing parenting time and decision-making authority, citing the mother’s contempt and the child’s best interests in fostering a relationship with the father.
Justice M. Kurz
The Corporation of the Town of Saugeen Shores v. 2706913 Ontario Inc. (2026 ONSC 4927)
In an application for a declaration that a lease dispute was not arbitrable, the judge held that arbitrability turned on contractual interpretation and could not be decided on a superficial record review. Applying s. 17 of the Arbitration Act, 1991 and the competence-competence principle, the application was dismissed and the arbitrator must decide arbitrability first.
Justice M. Kurz
Ontario Court of Justice
R. v. Hanna (2026 ONCJ 501)
The Court dismissed a Charter application alleging unreasonable trial delay, finding defence-caused delays reduced the net delay below the presumptive ceiling.
Justice P. Maund
Court of Appeal Decisions of Local Interest
R. v. Britton (2026 ONCA 585)
The Court upheld an eight-year sentence for two sexual assaults, finding no errors in principle or unfitness in the sentencing judge's decision. The appellant's mitigating factors were considered, but the seriousness of the offences justified the sentence. The appeal was dismissed.
Justice C. Conlan
Fan v. Yang (2026 ONCA 601)
In an appeal from a family law order, the appellate court dismisses arguments of procedural unfairness and failure to decide support and separation-agreement issues. It holds the appellant should have appealed the in‑person trial order rather than disobey it. The trial properly proceeded in her absence and dismissed her claims.
Justice C. Chang
