What is a Municipal Plan and Zoning By-Law review?

    A Municipal Plan and Zoning By-Law review is an opportunity to review and update the current planning documents to better meet the needs of the current and future community and guide the City’s growth for the next 25 years. The updated Municipal Plan and Zoning By-Law will provide a more efficient development review and approval process with greater clarity of land use regulations.  

    Why is the City updating the Municipal Plan and Zoning By-Law?

    This update to the Municipal Plan and Zoning By-Law is being undertaken to satisfy the requirements of the provincial Community Planning Act and to update these documents to address changes in the community, including population and employment growth, development demands, and provincial legislative changes. A major review of these documents takes place every 10 years.  

    How long will the review take?

    The Municipal Plan and Zoning By-Law review is expected to take about a year and a half; however, this is subject to change.

    What is inclusionary zoning and density bonusing zoning?

    An Inclusionary Zoning and Density Bonusing Zoning Study is being conducted as part of the Municipal Plan and Zoning By-Law review. It will evaluate the costs and benefits of inclusionary and density bonusing zoning in the development process. Inclusionary zoning requires new residential projects to include a certain amount of affordable housing, while density bonusing allows for higher building densities in exchange for providing community amenities or affordable housing.