Proposed Zoning By-law

The Comprehensive Zoning By-law being proposed is a hybrid using contextual zoning primarily in the greenfield areas of the Town and conventional zoning in the built-up areas and rural agricultural areas of the Town. There will be extensive use of graphics to illustrate the various zone provisions which is aimed at providing for ease of use. Properties that have received site-specific zoning exceptions will continue to be recognized. In addition, the General Provisions and Definitions need to be updated to reflect more contemporary standards and to eliminate discrepancies.

The Comprehensive Zoning By-law also needs to conform to the Town Official Plan. Additionally, is anticipated that some amendments to the Official Plan will be required to address certain issues that have been identified during the review of the Zoning By-law. The amendment to the Official Plan would be considered to be a housekeeping amendment and will be presented to Council as we move through the process.

More importantly, since the Zoning By-law was originally prepared, there have been some fundamental shifts in the focus of the Provincial, Regional and local policy framework. As a result, there is a need to bring the Zoning in line with the current policy framework at all levels of government.