Rezoning & Land Use Bylaw Amendments

Rezoning allows property owners, developers, or the Town itself to change how a piece of land can be used. This process is a type of Land Use Bylaw amendment, and it’s often the first step in bringing a new project to life. In other cases, a Land Use Bylaw amendment is requested to add a use not previously contemplated to the list of permitted or discretionary uses in a specific land use district or to create site-specific regulations for a property faced with unique circumstances.

Whether you're hoping to develop multi-family housing, open a new business, or repurpose an underutilized site, we’re here to guide you through the process.

Why Amend the Land Use Bylaw?

A land use bylaw amendment may be requested when:

A property’s current zoning doesn’t support the intended use
A new subdivision is proposed for an undeveloped area
A property owner wants to add new permitted or discretionary uses to a district
Site-specific regulations are needed to accommodate unique conditions

Before You Start: Book a Pre-Application Meeting

We strongly recommend booking a pre-application meeting early in your planning process. It’s the best way to identify:

Major considerations or red flags
Required permits and approvals
Application materials and requirements
Regulatory considerations

Bring any preliminary drawings or project descriptions to the meeting to help us provide accurate guidance.

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What is the process?

1. Submit Your Application

Complete a Land Use Bylaw Amendment Application form and submit it to the Planning & Development Department along with the applicable fee as per our Fee Schedule.

2. Initial Review

Our staff reviews your submission and prepare a draft bylaw amendment.

3. First Reading by Council

Council considers the draft bylaw at a regular meeting and sets a date for a Public Hearing.

4. Public Hearing

Held at a regular Council meeting at least one month after First Reading, following required advertising. Residents and community members impacted by the proposal may attend and provide input.

5. Final Decision

Council may give Second and Third Reading at the same meeting as the Public Hearing. If passed, the bylaw takes effect immediately.

6. Next Steps

Once approved, you may proceed with a related development permit or subdivision application.

Please note: Council approval is not guaranteed. Each application is evaluated on its individual merits and alignment with Town other Planning Documents & Policies.

Need Help?

We’re here to support you with your application or to answer any questions you may have about rezoning or bylaw amendments.