Zone the Future - New Zoning By-law

Learn more about zoning and take a dive into the technical specifics! These discussion papers will be used as conversation starters and will form the basis for strategic recommendations that will frame the preparation of the new zoning by-law. Too much detail for you? Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a zoning expert to participate and voice your ideas about the future look and feel of our community.

The five Discussion Papers are:  

1. Official Plan and Town Standards Implementation: Describes how the By-law will ensure consistency with the Official Plan and other relevant Town plans, guidelines and standards.
2. By-law and Mapping Structure and Usability: Identifies design options and opportunities for text and mapping, and presents best practices to improve understanding and usability. Please note there are 5 appendices to this technical paper.
3. Intensification, Design and Sustainability: Defines intensification, design and sustainability in the planning context and how these concepts can be implemented in the new Zoning By-law to support complete communities.
4. Contemporary Zoning Principles and Trends and Gap Analysis: Explores modern best practices in zoning principles, trends and tools, and identifies gaps that should be addressed in the new By-law.
5. Site Specific Provisions: Reviews existing special provisions that apply on a site-specific basis and presents the range of options and recommendations for their future application, including trends in minor variances.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars to attend the virtual community conversation on October 23, 2024. There are two options for sessions (both will be the same content): 2:00-4:00 p.m. OR 6:30-8:30 p.m. This is a free event, but registration is required on Eventbrite at this link.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference! The Town of Collingwood is revamping its Zoning By-law, and we want YOUR voice to be heard as we “Zone the Future of Collingwood”! Join us for two exciting Community Conversations where your feedback will help us build a sustainable, more vibrant community!

🗓️ When:
October 23, 2024

🕒 Time Options:
2:00 – 4:00 PM

OR

6:30 – 8:30 PM

🌐 Where:
Virtual sessions from the comfort of your home or anywhere with a wifi connection!

✨ Why Attend?
This is your chance to dive into the draft recommendations and share your thoughts on our five discussion papers, each designed to spark conversation and innovation. Together, we can explore:

1. Official Plan & Town Standards: Ensure we’re all on the same page for a cohesive vision.
2. By-law Structure & Usability: Discover design options that help everyone understand the Zoning By-law!
3. Intensification, Design & Sustainability: Learn how to create vibrant, sustainable communities.
4. Contemporary Zoning Trends: Explore the latest trends and identify opportunities for improvement.
5. Site Specific Provisions: Discuss tailored solutions for unique site needs!

💻 Ready to Join?
Register now at collingwoodzbl.eventbrite.ca to secure your spot! A link to the virtual meeting will be sent to you on the day of the event.

📅 Got More Ideas?
We want to hear from you! After the conversations, send your thoughts to us via email at zoningbylawupdate@collingwood.ca by November 15, 2024.

Council received a presentation on May 22, 2024 to announce the beginning of a Zoning By-law Update project.

What is a Zoning By-law?

A Zoning By-law is a regulatory tool that supports a complete, sustainable, healthy, and affordable community. It controls the use of land and structures in our community, among other matters related to built form and community structure. It divides the Town into different land use zones with detailed maps, and specifies the permitted uses (for example, commercial or residential) and the required standards.

Why Update the Zoning By-law?

• Addresses the evolving Provincial, County and local policy, legislative and regulatory landscape;
• Brings the Zoning By-law into conformity with the new Official Plan (built-form focused approach with mixed land uses);
• Facilitates appropriate development/redevelopment/intensification/infill in Collingwood, including the concept of gentle density that recognizes the character of existing neighbourhoods;
• Brings an innovative lens to zoning as a tool to implement Town design and collaboration goals, including form-based zoning, coordination with surrounding municipalities, or other forward-thinking ideas;
• Addresses emerging issues and trends in land use planning and sustainable community planning, particularly to assist in addressing the housing and climate change crises;
• Enables flexibility to support and recognize new uses and types of development; and Improve and simplify the By-law’s content and organization to facilitate ease of understanding and interpretation, improve clarity, and streamline use.

The Town has retained a consulting team, led by The Planning Partnership, to assist the Town in delivering an innovative document that supports a complete and sustainable community for our future. The update process is anticipated to take 12-18 months, and will implement the Town's new Official Plan.

For more information and to monitor project activities please subscribe to updates on this project page.

Town staff are compiling a list of interested residents and landowners, to communicate with during the Zoning By-law Update project.

If you would like to receive email notification of project updates, please provide your name and email address along with the subject line "notice request" to zoningbylawupdate@collingwood.ca or subscribe to updates on the main project page.