Project Summary N-118: Zoning Bylaw Review and Update
Comprehensive update to the 2014 Zoning Bylaw to align with the new OCP and housing legislation.
Project Summary
Priority: Required Public Engagement: Consult Project Name: Zoning Bylaw Review and Update Project Code: 1-2-05100-615 CC510-38 Submitted by: Leanne Taylor, Director of Development Services Director: Leanne Taylor, Development Services
Executive Summary
The Province’s Bill 44 Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023, requires Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2014 be updated to align with the Interim Housing Needs Report by December 31, 2025, and again by December 31, 2029, following the completion of a new Housing Needs Report by December 31, 2028. Moreover, Bill 16, Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 gives local governments new authorities to adopt inclusionary housing and density bonus bylaws to require affordable housing in new residential developments and other amenities. The Zoning Bylaw has not had a comprehensive update since its adoption in 2014. An update would address technical inconsistencies, and modernize various sections, including the general regulations, off-street parking, and various maps and illustrations, to name a few. Furthermore, the Zoning Bylaw must align with the new OCP, which is to be completed in 2026.
Business problem and opportunity
New Provincial housing legislation requires local governments to carry out substantial updates to Zoning Bylaws. Furthermore, the Zoning Bylaw requires a comprehensive review to fix technical inconsistencies and update zoning regulations.
Proposed project objectives
- Update the Zoning Bylaw to align with the interim Housing Needs Report by December 31, 2025 and develop inclusionary housing and density bonus bylaws to require affordable housing as a component of new residential development and other amenities (FY1).
- Conduct a comprehensive review and update of the Zoning Bylaw following the adoption of the new OCP, fix technical inconsistencies and update and modernize various zoning regulations in 2027 (FY3).
- Update the Zoning Bylaw so that it aligns with the Housing Needs Report by December 31, 2029 (FY5).
Business risks
The Province has mandated through legislation that all municipalities update their Zoning Bylaws by December 31, 2025. Failure to accomplish this task may result in the Province issuing a ministerial order. Neglecting to carry out fulsome review and update of the Zoning Bylaw will result in misalignments between the OCP and Zoning Bylaw, interpretation errors and confusion among staff, Council and the public.
Proposed sources of funding
Casino revenue and/or Provincial grants
Costs and benefits
| Costs | FY1 | FY2 | FY3 | FY4 | FY5 | 5-year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Operational | 40,000 | 75,000 | 0 | 25,000 | 0 | 140,000 |
| Total | 40,000 | 75,000 | 0 | 25,000 | 0 | 140,000 |
Benefits
- Tangible: Updated Zoning Bylaw to provide clear zoning regulations and guide growth and development in the Town
- Intangible: Increase community involvement and awareness
Recommendation
THAT the Committee recommend the 2026-2030 Financial Plan include Zoning Bylaw Review and Update in 2026 to be funded by provincial grant.