Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL) & Moving to a New Servicing Capacity Allocation Framework Supporting a Complete Community
Consultation has concluded
Update July 19, 2023 - Media Release: Collingwood's Interim Control By-law (ICBL) no longer in effect
The Town of Collingwood is pleased to announce that as of July 19, 2023, the Interim Control By-law (ICBL) that was put in place April 26, 2021, to address municipal servicing capacity limitations, is no longer in effect, as the final appeal to the Town’s Zoning By-law Amendment 2022-007 has now been withdrawn. This means that Interim Control By-law Exemptions are no longer required to allow development to continue.
Building continued while the ICBL was in effect through a variety of processes that facilitated both major and minor development proposals to advance. In fact, 2021 saw the highest number of building permits issued in the Town’s history. The Town was also able to grant 134 exemptions to the ICBL, allowing 1,225 building permits to be issued over the time it was in force and effect.
“I am pleased that we can announce the lifting of the Interim Control By-law today. Our servicing capacity allocation policy will continue to provide a clearly defined framework for the Town and developers to work within to ensure sustainable and responsible development”, says Mayor Yvonne Hamlin.
After considerable and accelerated efforts by the Town, development community and other stakeholders, the new Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy (SCAP) will continue to manage how servicing capacity is allocated in a sustainable, transparent, equitable and responsible manner, with most minor development proposals exempted from the SCAP process. Major development projects will require merit-based evaluations through the SCAP and may be allocated servicing capacity through the ‘batch review’ process.
If you have an approved ICBL exemption, Planning Services staff will be contacting you to advise of the next steps for your project.
Council approves 7 ICBL Exemptions to Permit Shovel Ready Development to Continue in second intake of 2023
Council received Staff Report P2023-16 on June 5, 2023, and approved the second round of 2023 exemptions from Interim Control By-law (ICBL) No. 2021-024 under an extension of the Short-Term Exemption Program that was endorsed by Council in December 2022.
The intention of the short-term exemption program is to further support shovel ready development projects to continue, particularly those that support local businesses and increase housing supply. During the period while the ICBL is in place, Council has expressed the desire to continue to support goals including employment, housing supply and predictability for the development industry within a complete community context.
Exemptions approved at the June 5th Council meeting include:
- 113 Stanley Street
- 49 Broadview Avenue
- 22 Lane C
- 795847 Osler Bluff Road
- 115 Sandford Fleming Drive
- 20 Ronell Crescent
- 40 Huron Street, Unit 202
The next intake is not open yet, but is targeted for Fall 2023, if the ICBL remains in effect at that time. Stay tuned to this page for more information.
Second Intake of ICBL Exemption Applications (2023) is Open (NOW CLOSED)
The Town will continue to support shovel-ready development projects by accepting Interim Control By-law exemption applications for the following forms of minor development:
- Development of an existing registered vacant lot;
- Consent applications to create new minor infill lots;
- Changes of use from one permitted use in the Zoning By-law to another, whether or not they require any additional servicing capacity allocation
Interim Control By-law Exemption Application Form
- Submit your application: No later than May 12, 2023
- Accelerated Council Consideration (Target): early June 2023
Recognizing that navigating the ICBL exemption process is complicated, please do not hesitate to reach out to Planning Staff if you have any questions about whether an ICBL exemption would be required at planning@collingwood.ca or by calling 705-445-1290 ext. 3275 or 3284.
Council approves 18 ICBL Exemptions to Permit Shovel Ready Development to Continue in first intake of 2023
Council received Staff Report P2023-05 on February 27, 2023, and approved the first round of 2023 exemptions from Interim Control By-law (ICBL) No. 2021-024 under an extension of the Short-Term Exemption Program that was endorsed by Council in December 2022.
The intention of the short-term exemption program is to further support shovel ready development projects to continue, particularly those that support local businesses and increase housing supply. During the period while the ICBL is in place, Council has expressed the desire to continue to support goals including employment, housing supply and predictability for the development industry within a complete community context.
Exemptions approved at the February 27th Council meeting include:
- 91 Summer View Avenue
- 650 Mountain Road
- 9520 Beachwood Road
- 19 Currie Avenue
- 207 Longpoint Road
- 9833 Beachwood Road
- 12 Lindsay Lane
- 276/278 Pine Street
- 26 St. Clair Street
- 325 Ontario Street
- 65 Raglan Street
- 594 Oak Street
- 80 Sandford Fleming Drive
- 10 Keith Avenue, Unit #406
- 43A Hurontario Street
- 180 Mountain Road
- 360 Raglan Street
- 172 Hurontario Street
A second intake for 2023 will be open until May 12, 2023.
Council Approves Amendments to Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy (SCAP)
On January 30, 2023, Council approved the staff recommended changes to the SCAP, based on consideration of feedback received from the Development Community and lessons learned from the first 6 months of implementation.
The amendments include increasing clarity, streamlining processes, decoupling servicing allocation from planning approvals and making it easier for smaller-scale and lower-risk developments to proceed, including changes of use, consents, minor site plan or plan of subdivision amendments, and the development of existing vacant lots where no further planning applications are required.
For more information, please review Staff Report CAO2023-02 and Amended SCAP.
If you have questions about the amendments to the SCAP please contact Senior Planner, Nathan Wukasch nwukasch@collingwood.ca.
New Timeline - Short Term ICBL Exemption Program
At the December 19, 2022 regular meeting, Council approved an extension to the Short-Term Interim Control By-law (ICBL) Exemption Program. (View Presentation)
The Town will continue to support shovel-ready development projects by accepting Interim Control By-law exemption applications for the following forms of minor development:
- Development of an existing registered vacant lot;
- Consent applications to create new minor infill lots;
- Changes of use from one permitted use in the Zoning By-law to another, whether or not they require any additional servicing capacity allocation.
- Interim Control By-law Exemption Application Form
Timelines
Exemption requests for eligible development types will be considered by Council during two intake periods while the ICBL remains in effect.
First Intake of ICBL Exemption Applications for Minor Development (New Timeline!)
- Submit your application: January 3 - February 10, 2023
- Council Consideration: February, 2023
Second Intake of ICBL Exemption Applications (pending ICBL status and subject to available servicing capacity)
- Submit your application: No later than May 12, 2023
- Development and Operations Standing Committee (Target): June 12, 2023
- Council Consideration (Target): June 26, 2023
Recognizing that navigating the ICBL exemption process is complicated, please do not hesitate to reach out to Planning Staff if you have any questions about whether an ICBL exemption would be required at planning@collingwood.ca or by calling 705-445-1290 ext. 3275 or 3284.
Changes for 2023
- Additional Residential Dwelling Units (ADUs) within or accessory to existing residential dwellings are no longer required to submit an ICBL exemption application and can proceed directly to Zoning Certificate and Building Permit applications, provided that they can be demonstrated as accessory to the primary use.
- Changes of use from one permitted use in the Zoning By-law to another are no longer required to submit an estimate of water servicing capacity allocation with the ICBL exemption application, based on a Council decision approving amendments to the Town’s Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy (SCAP) through Staff Report CAO2023-02.
- Major developments that are the subject of active Planning Act applications, including site plans, draft plans of subdivision, and vacant land condominiums are not required to submit an ICBL exemption application. Servicing capacity allocation is decoupled from the planning application approval. Exemptions for major development are to be considered in a batch approach after or concurrent with Planning Act approvals, beginning in March 2023.
ICBL Short-Term Exemption Program for 2023
December 21, 2022 - On December 19, 2022, Council received Staff Report CAO2022-16 and approved an extension to the Short-Term Interim Control By-law (ICBL) Exemption Program. The presentation associated with Staff Report CAO2022-16 can be viewed here.
The Town will continue to support shovel-ready development projects by accepting Interim Control By-law exemption applications for the following forms of minor development:
- Development of an existing registered vacant lot;
- Consent applications to create new minor infill lots;
- Changes of use from one permitted use in the Zoning By-law to another, whether or not they require any additional servicing capacity allocation.
Interim Control By-law Exemption Application Form
Timelines
Exemption requests for eligible development types will be considered by Council during two intake periods while the ICBL remains in effect.
| First Intake of ICBL Exemption Applications for Minor Development |
|---|
| Submit your application | January 3 - February 10, 2023 |
| Development and Operations Standing Committee (Target) | March 13, 2023 |
| Council Consideration (Target) | March 27, 2023 |
| Second Intake of ICBL Exemption Applications (pending ICBL status and subject to available servicing capacity) |
|---|
| Submit your application | No later than May 12, 2023 |
| Development and Operations Standing Committee (Target) | June 12, 2023 |
| Council Consideration (Target) | June 26, 2023 |
Changes for 2023
- Additional Residential Dwelling Units (ADUs) within or accessory to existing residential dwellings are no longer required to submit an ICBL exemption application and can proceed directly to Zoning Certificate and Building Permit applications, provided that they can be demonstrated as accessory to the primary use.
- Changes of use from one permitted use in the Zoning By-law to another may not be required to submit an estimate of water servicing capacity allocation with the ICBL exemption application, pending a Council decision on proposed amendments to the Town’s Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy (SCAP) through Staff Report CAO2022-16.
- Major developments that are the subject of active Planning Act applications, including site plans, draft plans of subdivision, and vacant land condominiums are not required to submit an ICBL exemption application. Exemptions in such cases will be considered concurrently with the planning application process. Pending a Council decision on proposed amendments to the Town’s Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy (SCAP) through Staff Report CAO2022-16, servicing capacity allocation is proposed to be decoupled from the planning application approval. Servicing capacity is intended to be allocated for major developments that have received Planning Act approvals, subject to merit-based evaluation and available servicing capacity, in a batch approach beginning in March 2023.
Recognizing that navigating the ICBL exemption process is complicated, please do not hesitate to reach out to Planning Staff if you have any questions about whether an ICBL exemption would be required at planning@collingwood.ca or by calling 705-445-1290 ext. 3275 or 3284.
ICBL Short-Term Exemption Program and SCAP Update
On Monday, December 12, 2022, the Development & Operations Services Standing Committee received Staff Report CAO2022-16 ICBL Short-Term Exemption Program and SCAP Update. The purpose of the report is to request that Committee and Council consider extending the Short-Term Interim Control By-law (ICBL) Exemption Program so the Town can further support shovel-ready development projects to continue within the remaining water capacity up to an annual threshold.
During the period while the ICBL is in place, Council has expressed the desire to continue to support goals including employment, housing supply, and predictability for the development industry within a complete community context.
Proposed ICBL short-term exemption first intake timelines (pending 2023 Committee structure/schedule) will include a submission deadline in February, with Council decisions in March. Dates will be posted on the Town’s Engage page. Further, the report provided an update and proposed amendments to the Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy (SCAP), which includes preliminary feedback from the development community.
Stakeholders will have until January 16, 2023, to provide written comments and feedback on the proposed changes to the SCAP. The report is then expected to be considered by Council at their January 30, 2023 meeting.
The amendments are being advanced to increase clarity, streamline processes, and make it easier for smaller-scale and lower-risk developments to proceed, including changes of use, consents, minor site plan or plan of subdivision amendments, and the development of existing vacant lots where no further planning applications are required.
Comments on the proposed SCAP updates can be sent to the attention of Senior Planner, Nathan Wukasch nwukasch@collingwood.ca.
- Staff Report CAO2022-16 ICBL Short-Term Exemption Program and SCAP Update
- Presentation for CAO2022-16
Update on 2023 Water Capacity Allocation
November 3, 2022 - All of the available water capacity has been allocated by Council for 2022, and the Town is not currently accepting applications for Interim Control By-law (ICBL) Exemptions at this time.
Water capacity allocation granted by Council through ICBL exemptions during 2021 and 2022 has kept the Town on pace with the high rate of growth experienced over the past five years, maintaining the Town as one of the top five fastest growing census areas in Canada. Council has reserved a similar amount of water capacity for allocation in each of the coming years until the anticipated water treatment plant completion. For more detail on upcoming water capacity allocation, Staff Report PW2022-18(External link) “Semi-Annual Water and Wastewater Uncommitted Hydraulic Reserve Capacity Update” (September 20, 2022) identifies that the Town has approximately 450 Single Dwelling Unit Equivalents (SDUs) of available water capacity for allocation in 2023.
The Town is currently considering a sustainable and transparent process to allocate water capacity in 2023. Staff will be reporting to Council with recommendations in December 2022 on:
- New ICBL Exemption intake(s) for development that is not subject to Planning Act applications,
- Potential amendments to the Town’s Servicing Allocation Policy Framework (SCAP), and
- Allocation process for active development applications.
We would like to hear your feedback on how to improve the Town’s Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy (SCAP) and update the ICBL exemption process. Please provide your comments to planning@collingwood.ca by Tuesday November 22, 2022, which will be considered in the preparation of recommendations to Council.
Stay tuned to the Town’s Engage Page in early December 2022 for more information, including future ICBL Exemption application intake periods.
Please note that new and active development applications must submit a self-evaluation using the merit-based criteria established by Council in the Town’s Servicing Allocation Policy Framework (SCAP). A SCAP evaluation matrix template can be found here.
Council approves 16 ICBL Exemptions to Permit Shovel Ready Development to Continue in second and last round of exemptions planned for 2022
September 21, 2022 - Council has approved the second (and last) round of exemptions planned for 2022, from Interim Control By-law (ICBL) No. 2021-024 under the Short-Term Exemption Program, that was endorsed by Council in May 2022. This program will remain in place until the appeals to Town Zoning By-law Amendment No. 2022-07 are either withdrawn or resolved and the ICBL ceases to be in effect, or until December 2022, whichever is earlier.
The intention of this short-term exemption program is to further support shovel ready development projects to continue, particularly those that support local businesses and increase housing supply. During the period while the ICBL is in place, Council has expressed the desire to continue to support goals including employment, housing supply and predictability for the development industry within a complete community context.
Exemptions approved at the September 20th Council meeting, which account for 204 SDUs of water include:
• 77/79 Simcoe Street
• 350 First Street
• 64 Third Street
• 135 Hurontario Street
• 431 Ontario Street
• 307 Fourth Street West
• 79 Summerview Avenue
• 37 Callary Crescent
• 205 Long Point Road
• 648 Mountain Road
• 279 Robinson Street
• 6920 Poplar Sideroad/9745 Beachwood Road
• 11 Golfview Drive
• Unit 1 of the Vacant Land Condominium Plan located at 11403, 11453 &11461 Highway 26 (Residences of Silver Creek)
• 400 Maple Street (Victoria Annex)
In addition, an exemption was approved for the following lands for a total municipal servicing capacity commitment of an estimated 45 SDUs, which had previously been allocated:
• Summitview Subdivision - Plan 51M-1170, Lots 1-41 and Blocks 234, 235
The short-term ICBL exemption program brings the Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy (SCAP) into effect, which selects projects to proceed that demonstrate they are in line with our community’s values and help build a complete community. An overall annual capacity threshold is set, and projects that do not require planning approvals or are minor in nature as well as major applications such as plans of subdivision and vacant land condominiums that were submitted and deemed complete prior to May 17, 2022, are eligible. While the ICBL remains in effect, projects must be imminently ‘shovel-ready’ to receive water allocation. Overall, while this new complete community and value-based lens has been added, the pace and volume of construction proceeding is roughly on par with the past several years.
No further exemptions would be available in 2022, however staff will report to Council prior to the end of 2022 with recommendations on how to address further ICBL exemptions into 2023, if the ICBL remains in effect. Please stay tuned to the Town’s Engage Page for more information in the coming months.
Water Capacity update
As noted in Staff Report PW2022-18, with the water commitments made under the Servicing Allocation Policy (SCAP) and ICBL exemptions approved prior to September 20th, the uncommitted hydraulic reserve capacity for the drinking water system is currently 1,830 m3 /d (1,376 SDUs).
The remaining water capacity will be managed through implementation of the SCAP. The Water Treatment Plant Expansion design is well under way and on schedule to go out for tender in early 2023 and this water must be used wisely until the expansion is commissioned in by early 2026, and a notional total of about 450 SDUs per year has been anticipated, pending future Council decisions.
Council approves 17 ICBL Exemptions to Permit Shovel Ready Development to Continue
June 20, 2022 - Council has approved the first round of exemptions from Interim Control By-law No. 2021-024 under the Short-Term Exemption Program approved in May, further supporting shovel ready development projects to continue. During the period while the ICBL is in place, Council has expressed the desire to continue to support goals including employment, housing supply and predictability for the development industry within a complete community context.
Exemptions approved at the June 20th Council meeting include:
o 111 Napier Street
o 1 Nettleton Court
o 10 Dey Drive
o 68 Georgian Manor Drive
o 33 Glen Road
o 7704 Poplar Sideroad
o 40 Georgian Manor Drive
o 65A & 65B St. Vincent Street
o 9 Juniper Court
o 132 Bartlett Boulevard
o 9402 Beachwood Road
o Summitview Subdivision (51M-1170, Lots 42-47, 181-195, Blocks 236-254, 294 & 295)
o 2 Spruce Street
o 142 Sixth Street
o 60-62 Collins Street
o 10 Golfview Drive
o 502 Hume Street
The short-term ICBL exemption program brings the Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy (SCAP) into effect and in accordance with that document, considers exemptions for all development proposals that do not require planning approvals or are minor in nature (i.e. such as the creation of a single infill lot through consent) and for any major application that was submitted and deemed complete prior to May 17, 2022 (i.e. applications that were submitted during the first year of the development pause under the ICBL and prior to the effective date of the SCAP) up to an annual capacity allocation threshold. Major developments include plans of subdivision, vacant land condominiums and site plans and these must satisfy the required minimum 50% of available points per the SCAP criteria to be considered for an exemption, thus demonstrating that they are in line with our community’s values and help build a complete community. Projects must be imminently ‘shovel-ready’ to receive water allocation, while the ICBL is in effect.
Applicants under this intake met the deadline for application of May 27, 2022. The deadline for the Second intake of ICBL Exemption Applications is August 15, 2022. Those applications will be considered at the September 6th Strategic Initiatives meeting followed by Council on September 19, 2022.
- ICBL Exemption Application
- Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy (SCAP)
- Eligible ICBL Exemption Types and Process Chart (Minor Development vs. Major Development)
Next Steps
- For those developments and individuals who have been granted exemptions from the ICBL, your application can continue through the planning process and building permits may be issued.
- For those developments and individuals who have not been granted exemptions from the ICBL, your planning application will continue to be processed and reviewed, however no decision from Council will be available until the completion of ICBL.
- Please contact the Planning Division at planning@collingwood.ca should you have any questions.
Council approves Short-Term ICBL Exemptions Process to Permit Shovel Ready Development to Continue
During their regular meeting held May 16, 2022, Council approved a short-term Interim Control By-Law (ICBL) exemption program, allowing growth and development to continue in a manner that supports a complete, sustainable and healthy community by giving major pending planning applications, minor development or changes of use that are ready for approval or that do not require planning approvals, the opportunity to move ahead.
Further, recognizing the hardships endured by small businesses during the pandemic, Council also expedited approval of several requests for exemption to the ICBL that require no or a small amount of water capacity, in an effort to bolster their economic growth.
For those with projects that are imminently ‘shovel ready’, while the ICBL is in effect, proponents are invited to submit applications through one of the two upcoming intakes of the short-term ICBL exemption program listed below or concurrently with minor planning applications.
During the period while the ICBL is in place, Council has expressed the desire to continue to support goals including employment, housing supply and predictability for the development industry within a complete community context.
- ICBL Exemption Application
- Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy (SCAP)
- Eligible ICBL Exemption Types and Process Chart (Minor Development vs. Major Development)
The short-term ICBL exemption program brings the Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy (SCAP) into effect and, considers exemptions for all development proposals that do not require planning approvals or are minor in nature (i.e. such as the creation of a single infill lot) and for any major application that was submitted and deemed complete prior to May 17, 2022 (i.e. applications that were submitted during the first year of the development pause under the ICBL and prior to the effective date of the SCAP) up to an annual capacity allocation threshold. Major developments include plans of subdivision, vacant land condominiums and site plans and these must satisfy the required minimum 50% of available points per the SCAP criteria to be considered for an exemption.
Timelines
Exemption requests for eligible minor development types will be considered by Council during two intake periods while the ICBL remains in effect.
First Intake of ICBL Exemption Applications
Submit your application May 17 – May 27, 2022
Special Strategic Initiatives Committee consideration June 13, 2022
Council Consideration June 20, 2022
Second Intake of ICBL Exemption Applications (subject to available servicing capacity)
Submit your application No later than August 15, 2022
Strategic Initiatives Committee consideration September 6, 2022
Council Consideration September 19, 2022
Separate exemption request applications are NOT required for eligible major development types and the exemptions will be considered concurrently with the relevant planning application.
For clarification regarding whether your project is minor or major, please contact the Planning Services Division representative: nwukasch@collingwood.ca.
Servicing Capacity Update and Proposed Short-term Exemption Program - Continuation of Interim Control By-law
Staff Report CAO2022-08 Servicing Capacity Update and Proposed Short-term Exemption Program - Continuation of Interim Control By-law No. 2021-024 (ICBL) is being presented to the Development & Operations Services Standing Committee on May 9, 2022 to update Council on appeals to Zoning By-law Amendment 2022- 007, advise Council on available Servicing Capacity, and to seek endorsement of a short-term exemption program to be implemented until the appeals are withdrawn or resolved and the ICBL ceases to be in effect or December 2022, whichever is earlier.
Town received three appeals to Zoning By-law Amendment (2022-007) extending the effect of the ICBL
The deadline for appeal to Zoning By-law Amendment 2022-007, stemming from the Land Use Planning Policy Study was March 29, 2022.
The Town received the following 3 appeals:
- Amber Stewart Law on behalf of John Welton (John Welton Custom Homebuilding Ltd., operating as Sunvale Homes)
- Aird & Berlis on behalf of 2554281 Ontario Ltd (Address: 121 Hume Street) *was granted an exemption from the ICBL
- Aird & Berlis on behalf of Crestpoint Real Estate (Blue Mountain) Inc – Blue Mountain Centre (Address: 2 and 6 Old Mountain Road and 5, 7 and 15 Balsam Street) *was granted an exemption from the ICBL
View full media release: Town received three appeals to Zoning By-law Amendment (2022-007) extending the effect of the ICBL.
Staff Report P2022-08 Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy - Servicing Allocation Framework was APPROVED during the regular meeting of Council help March 28, 2022.
Media Release: Council Approves Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy supporting a Complete Community
Proposed Servicing Allocation Policy - Supporting a Complete Community
Following another round of consultation in February 2022 on the second draft of the Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy, Staff Report P2022-08 - Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy is being considered by the Development & Operations Services Standing Committee on March 14, 2022, and is intended to be approved by Council on March 28, 2022.
This report seeks Council adoption of the proposed Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy which was recommended by the Land Use Planning Policy Study, as one of the three products that will collectively form part of an overall servicing capacity allocation framework for the Town of Collingwood to be holistically implemented after the expiry of the Interim Control By-law No. 2021-024, as amended.
A ‘tracked-change’ version of the Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy is available to identify revisions to the second draft based on feedback received.
Staff Report P2022-05 Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment - Servicing Capacity Allocation Framework for the Town of Collingwood was APPROVED during the regular meeting of Council held February 28, 2022.
Council passed by-law No. 2022-007 on February 28, 2022. The Notice of Decision was issued on March 9, 2022.
Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment Staff Report to be considered by Council on February 28, 2022
Following a statutory public meeting for the proposed zoning by-law amendment at the January 24, 2022 meeting of Council, Staff Report P2022-05 Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment - Servicing Capacity Allocation Framework for the Town of Collingwood was approved by the Development and Operations Committee on February 14, 2022 and recommended to proceed to the February 28, 2022 meeting of Council.
This report seeks Council approval of the proposed zoning by-law amendment recommended by the Land Use Planning Policy Study as one of the three products that will collectively form part of an overall servicing capacity allocation framework for the Town of Collingwood to be holistically implemented after the expiry of the Interim Control By-law No. 2021-024, as amended.
Interim Control By-law, Land Use Planning Policy Study, Updated Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy Engagement Sessions
Appropriately planning for growth requires an alignment between land use planning and infrastructure decisions to ensure that hard services are available to support construction.
Following the passing of an Interim Control By-law (ICBL) on April 26, 2021, the Town moved quickly to address the challenge of future water capacity allocation by advancing a Land Use Planning Policy Study. The goal is to implement the recommendations in advance of the expiration of the one-year ICBL study period.
The Town hosted engagement sessions on the proposed Servicing Capacity Allocation Framework on November 23, 2021. Following substantial feedback, the framework documents were updated and Council endorsed staff report P2021-38 Next Steps for a Servicing Allocation Framework on December 20, 2021, which recommended further consultation on the Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy component of the framework. Therefore, the Town is hosting a second round of consultation sessions with the general public and development community to provide the opportunity for feedback specifically on the updated Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy.
We want to hear from you! There are multiple ways to learn more and have your voice heard.
Two Virtual Presentations - Hosted through Zoom, were conducted on February 9, 2022:
- Session 1 –Development Community Second Round of Consultation from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
link to recorded session: https://youtu.be/AdJNlgZnRU8
- Session 2 –General Public Second Round of Consultation from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. February 9, 2022 - 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
link to recorded session: https://youtu.be/Nqg9oThyucI
Slide deck from both sessions: Presentation
Meridian Planning Consultants will give a presentation on the updated Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy, followed by a professionally facilitated Question-and-Answer period.
Please note these consultation sessions are being held in addition to a statutory public meeting on January 24, 2022 for the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment component of the Servicing Capacity Allocation Framework.
Unable to attend a session? Written comments will be accepted until February 22, 2022.
Engage Collingwood – You may provide comments and ask questions by using the Questions and Comments tools below.
Interim Control By-law (ICBL) exemption requests support accessory housing and economic development - DEADLINE TO APPLY: FEBRUARY 14, 2022
The Town is now accepting ICBL exemption requests for ‘Accessory Residential Units’ in order to support affordable/attainable housing opportunities in our community. This form of housing, also known as secondary dwelling units, accessory apartments, or secondary suites, provides more rental housing options and is an important component in addressing the current housing crisis.
The Town will also continue to accept requests for ‘Changes of Use that do not require additional water capacity’ in commercial, industrial and institutional settings and where planning approvals are in place, in order to support the business community and economic development.
Exemption requests will be reviewed and advanced to Council as they arise through the Strategic Initiatives Standing Committee. Please reach out to Planning Services by email to planning@collingwood.ca and Building Services by email to: building@collingwood.ca with any questions. NEW! Deadline for exemption requests to be submitted us February 14, 2022.
2021 Building Statistics Presentation
The 2021 Building Statistics were presented at the January 17, 2022 Development & Community Services Standing Committee. The statistics illustrate that building growth continued despite the ICBL and water constraint issues.
2021 Building Statistics Presentation
Next Steps in Interim Control By-law, Land Use Planning Policy Study - Release of Second Draft
Council endorsed the recommended next steps contained within Staff Report P2021-38 Next Steps for a Servicing Allocation Framework on December 20, 2021. This will advance the Land Use Planning Policy Study and preparation of a servicing capacity allocation framework prior to the expiry of the Interim Control By-law No. 2021-024, as amended.
The next steps are:
- Incorporate the proposed official policies into the first draft of the Town's updated Official Plan, targeted to be released in early 2022.
- Hold a statutory public meeting of the proposed zoning by-law amendment at the January 24, 2022 meeting of Council;
- Schedule a second round of public consultation on the revised Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy in January/February 2022 (date TBD). Please stay tuned to this page for more details on this consultation opportunity in the new year.
The presentation to Council can be viewed here.
UPDATE re: Accessory Residential Units ICBL Exemption Requests will be considered by Council.
Council passed a resolution during the December 13, 2021 meeting of Council, to continue to consider exemption requests for accessory residential dwelling units while the Interim Control By-law (ICBL) is in effect. For more information, please review Staff Report #CAO2021-15 – Interim Control By-law Exemption Requests – Commercial Projects with No Additional Water Capacity and Accessory Residential Units, which also granted five additional ICBL exemptions for various projects.
In the final report from the Town of Collingwood Affordable Housing Task Force, the importance of accessory residential units (also known as secondary dwelling units, accessory apartments, secondary suites, etc.) was emphasized as one of the pillars necessary to address the housing crisis. Land use planning legislation and policy at all levels of government also recognize the need for accessory residential units and supports streamlining approvals and/or permits necessary to establish these uses.
Exemption applications for accessory residential dwelling units will continue to be reviewed and advanced to Council for a decision as they arise.
If you would like to pursue an accessory residential dwelling unit on your property, please speak with Planning and Building Department staff.
Interim Control By-law, Land Use Planning Policy Study Engagement Sessions - We Want to Hear from You!
The Town hosted two consultation sessions with the general public and development community to provide the opportunity for feedback on servicing capacity allocation solutions. Based on a best practices review, tools were shared that the municipality can utilize to provide a fair and predictable process for servicing capacity allocation that clarifies how a finite resource can be managed in the best way for our community. A preliminary Water and Wastewater Allocation Policy along with zoning and official plan changes were presented for comment and feedback.
Two Virtual Presentations - Hosted through Zoom, were conducted on November 23, 2021:
- Session 1 – Development Community from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
link to recorded session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbg7A172L5c - Session 2 – General Public from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
link to recorded session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqfFPQ87XPY - Slide deck from both sessions: Presentation
Meridian Planning Consultants presented the preliminary Servicing Capacity Allocation Policy framework followed by a professionally facilitated Question-and-Answer period. Please review: Staff Report P2021-35 with a best practices review and the recommended tools for a Servicing Capacity Allocation Framework.
Were you unable to attend a session? You may provide comments and ask questions using the Questions and Comments Tools below or by email to planning@collingwood.ca or deliver comments to Town Hall, 97 Hurontario Street.
Written comments will be accepted until December 3, 2021.
UPDATE re: ICBL Exemption Requests
During the regular meeting of Council held July 19, 2021, 36 Interim Control By-law (ICBL) exemptions were granted to allow construction of 316 Single Dwelling Equivalent Units, using some of the remaining water capacity in Collingwood.
To view the full list of exemptions view Appendix C of Staff Report: CAO2021-10 Interim Control By-law No. 2021-024 – Evaluation of Exemption Requests
Next Steps:
- For those developments and individuals who have been granted exemptions from the ICBL, your application can continue through the Planning process and building permits may be issued. Please contact the Planning Department should you have any questions.
- For those developments and individuals who have not been granted exemptions from the ICBL, your planning application will continue to be processed and reviewed, however planning decisions from Council will not be made unless a future exemption is granted or until the completion of ICBL or the completion of the Planning Study. Please contact the Planning Department should you have any questions. No further exemptions for residential developments are being contemplated at this time. Please contact the Planning Department should you have any questions.
ICBL Exemption Requests
Staff Report CAO2021-10 is now available and will be considered at the SIC Meeting on July 5, 2021, at 2:00 pm. This report provides an overview of the exemption requests received, the process undertaken when evaluating the requests, and the recommended exemptions for the Strategic Initiatives Standing Committee and Council to consider. Details on how to watch and participate in the meeting are available on our website at https://collingwood.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=777.
***NEW*** Now Accepting ICBL Exemption Requests - Exemption Application process now closed
At the Special Council meeting held June 3, 2021 Collingwood Town Council approved Staff Report CAO2021-07 Interim Control By-law No. 2021-024 - Exemptions and Procedure for Receipt and Evaluation of Exemption Requests.
Who should apply for an exemption:
Anyone that is planning to develop or construct a building in the Town of Collingwood before April 2022 who has not yet received a building permit and is changing the use of a property or requires water services supplied by the Town should submit an Exemption Request Form. This includes, but is not limited to, the following types of construction:
• Construction of individual homes, including individual infill lots
• New accessory apartments within a home
• New subdivisions, or sections of subdivisions waiting to be built
• Commercial development, including the addition of units within a commercial development not yet built
• Industrial development, including the addition of units within a commercial development not yet built
If you are not sure if you need to apply for an exemption, please email building@collingwood.ca or call 705-445-1030 ext. 3243. If you have any questions or concerns when completing the request form, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Clerk Services at clerk@collingwood.ca
The steps of this process are as follows:
- Applicant fills out the prescribed Exemption form available on Engage.Collingwood.ca and submits the form to the Town Clerk;
- Requests are received by Council and referred to the CAO for review by senior management and the Town solicitor; and
- Requests which are deemed to be eligible for possible ICBL exemptions are identified and, where applicable, performance conditions (such as the use of the water by a set date) or other terms are recommended in a staff report prepared for Council’s consideration.
- All request forms are to be submitted to clerk@collingwood.ca by no later than June 18, 2021, to be considered by the Strategic Initiatives Standing Committee on July 5, 2021, and Council on July 19, 2021.
At the Council meeting held April 26, 2021 Collingwood Town Council approved Staff Report P2021-12 Interim Control By-law & Land Use Planning Policy Study and associated Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL) BL2021-024, applicable to all lands within the Town of Collingwood.
Why was this Recommended?
Collingwood has a significant water capacity issue, while facing significant development growth. An Environmental Assessment has been completed for the expansion of the Water Treatment Plant, however the build will not be completed until 2025. By implementing the ICBL, this pause in development will enable us to determine the best ways to continue to build and support the best community possible in line with our Official Plan and Strategic Plan.
Collingwood’s ICBL generally restricts development that does not already have a building permit, however, work that does not use more water such as most residential renovations can continue. There are exemptions for construction, alteration and expansion projects such as decks, patios, fences, porches, accessory buildings or structures, temporary buildings or structures, and interior or exterior renovations to an existing building.
The Town is committed to rapidly developing a Land Use Planning Policy Study and implementing the outcomes as quickly as possible to limit negative impacts on development that represents a priority interest for the community.
What is an ICBL?
An ICBL is a tool provided by the Ontario Planning Act that effectively allows a municipality to halt development while it manages an identified issue.
Next Steps
- The Chief Administrative Officer has been authorized to retain qualified consulting services as required including by non-standard procurement as may be deemed necessary in regard to the timely completion of the Land Use Planning Policy Study.
- The Consultant will carry out a Land Use Planning Policy Study including, but not limited to, the consideration of: any required changes to the Town’s land use planning policies and/or regulatory framework resulting from water and wastewater servicing capacity limitations; and the implications of water and wastewater servicing constraints for growth management, servicing implementation and any other impacted policies within the Official Plan and as related to the Town’s land use planning policies and reinforcing a regulatory framework and delivering upon the Town’s Community-based Strategic Plan.
Public Engagement
Under the Land-Use Planning Policy Study process, there will be further opportunities for public engagement. Check back to this page for updates.
In addition, members of the public are welcome to provide comments and ask questions using the tools below. We will be collecting this feedback for general consideration and using it to update this page as appropriate.
Stakeholder Engagement
Council has provided direction to staff to specifically pursue insight from the development community that may expedite resolutions of identified planning
issues caused by the water capacity challenges and potential exemptions to allow projects that are important to the community to continue. Check back to this page for updates.
Council gave direction to staff to engage the engineering community to provide any expertise that might identify possible opportunities for capacity release in the near term. Check back to this page for updates.
How is the Water Treatment Plant Expansion being paid for?
The Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is included in the Development Charges Background Study. The cost that has been included in the study is just over $50 Million (this is subject to change once the tender has closed). The funding for this project is 1) $41.7 Million contribution from New Tecumseth; 2) $8 Million from the Town of Collingwood's Development Charge fees; and 3) $1 Million from existing Water Reserves. At this time the Water DC Reserve Fund has a balance of $5.2 Million and the existing Water Reserve fund has a balance of $11.8 Million. Once the final costs are calculated a full financing plan will be developed, that may include a combination of the above Reserve Funds, internal borrowing and external debentures.
I think that the road infrastructure needs to be updated before more growth to the town can happen. I believe that the town should prioritize widening Poplar Sideroad, finishing widening High Street and fixing the existing part of High Street that is cracked and covered in potholes. The traffic in town has gotten really bad, and is only going to get worse with another couple thousand people living here.
I am very familiar with the points allocation system implemented in North Grenville. The developers were included in the preparation of the bylaw and have found it to be a good direction for new applications. I do not believe it has been applied to applications already in the system.
I think the concept is very important and critical to a community getting what it wants and needs and not what is most profitable for the entrepreneurs. Developers are in for the bucks and not addressing the less profitable needs of the community. I think using water capacity as leverage in reviewing proposals is absolutely the right way to go. It is one of the few tools in the municipal tool box to control development.
Good work and please proceed as drafted with point reallocation as needed.
The proposed point system for water capacity allocation puts “an orderly and sequential expansion of the community outward from the existing built-up area” in the same category as “efficient land use”. These two seem unrelated, and arguably at odds with each other. There is nothing efficient about expanding the boundary of the built up area - it means fewer people on more land, more town infrastructure with less tax revenue, more energy and pollution per capita. For the sake of clarity, the expansion of the boundary of the town’s built-up area should be assigned to its own category. Further, as an option that has almost no merit, should it not also be assigned a negative score?
Please, let's not do anything piece-meal. I respectfully suggest that whatever study is being done that it considers various and many aspects of Collingwood's needs from the waterfront area to parks and from the Collingwood Terminals (what's going to happen there?) to our health needs with Collingwood General and Marine Hospital.