Committee of Adjustment

In response to the ongoing Canada Post service disruptions, Planning staff will be posting all public notifications for Planning Act applications (e.g. Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments and Plans of Subdivision), including those pertaining to the Committee of Adjustment (e.g., Consents and Minor Variances), and associated public meetings through the Planning Notices and Committee of Adjustment sections of the website.

The Town of Wasaga Beach has established a Committee of Adjustment to make decisions on applications for Consents and Minor Variances. The Committee is made up of five members (including a chair), appointed by Council to serve a four-​year term. The Committee also has special powers to grant permission to expand or enlarge a legal, non-conforming use; or permit enlargements, extensions, or changes to legal non-conforming building or structures.

Severance/Consent Applications:

A Severance/Consent Application is required to subdivide land without the requirement of a plan of subdivision. Consent applications can take the form of the creation of new lots, lot boundary adjustments, the creation of easements, and leases exceeding a period of 21 years.

In accordance with section 54 (5) of the Planning Act, Council has delegated the authority to grant a Consent to the Committee of Adjustment. The Committee of Adjustment may g​rant a Consent if satisfied that a Plan of Subdivision is not necessary for the proper and orderly development of land.

Minor Variance Applications:

A Minor Variance Application is for permission or relief from the requirements of the Town's Zoning By-law where circumstances make it difficult to comply with the specific zoning standards.

In accordance with section 45 of the Planning Act, Council has delegated the authority to authorize a minor variance to the Committee of Adjustment. The Committee of Adjustment may authorize a minor variance if the Committee is satisfied that:

1. The variance requested is minor in nature. 
2. The general intent and purpose of the Town's Official Plan is maintained.
3. The general intent and purpose of the Town's Zoning By-law is maintained.
   • The proposal is desirable for the development of the land.

Committee of Adjustment Public Meetings

All Committee of Adjustment meetings are open to the public and any interested party can appear before the Committee to express their views in support of, or opposition to, an application. Download the 2024 Committee of Adjustment Meeting Schedule (PDF).

At the meetings, the committee will announce the application(s) to be heard and the applicant will provide a brief overview of the application to the committee and the public. The Secretary-Treasurer will provide a summary of staff and agency comments, after which the chair will open the floor to members of the public to provide comments on the application.

Register for a Hearing

You can sign up for a hearing by contacting planning@wasagabeach.com. Registration closes at 12 noon, on the day before the meeting. Town staff will contact you with virtual attendance instructions to join the hearing. 

Members of the public may also submit written comments to the Secretary-Treasurer in advance of the meeting by:

• Emailing comments to: cofa@wasagabeach.com
• Mailing comments to the Town of Wasaga Beach, Planning Department, 120 Glenwood Drive, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 2K5
• Delivering In-Person to Town Hall at 120 Glenwood Drive, Wasaga Beach.

Once a decision has been made at the meeting, a notice of decision will be sent to all interested parties. The applicant, the Minister or a specified person or public body that has an interest in the matter may appeal the committee's decision within 20 days of the decision being made. If no appeal is received within the 20-day appeal period, the decision is final and binding. In accordance with Section 45 (12) of the Planning Act third party appeals by persons or individuals are not permitted.  

Committee of Adjustment Meetings will be held every 3rd Wednesday of each month (with some exceptions) at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom and in-person. All meetings will be held in the Council Chambers (Town Hall, 30 Lewis Street, Wasaga Beach). Registered attendees will be provided with a Meeting I​D and Participant number.