Official Plan

The official plan for the Township of Gillies sets out the municipality's general policies for future land use.

Zoning By-law

A zoning by-law implements the objectives and policies of a municipality's official plan.  It provides a legal way of managing land use and future development and  contains specific requirements that are legally enforceable.  Construction or new development that does not comply with the zoning by-law is not allowed and the Township will refuse to issue a building permit.

The Township of Gillies has a comprehensive zoning by-law  that divides the municipality into different land use zones, with detailed maps. The by-law specifies the permitted uses (e.g. commercial or residential) and the required standards (e.g. building size and location) in each zone. 

Citizens Guide to Zoning By-laws from Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Council is currently undertaking a review of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law.  Learn more...

Zoning By-law Amendments 

If you want to use or develop your property in a way that is not allowed by the zoning by-law, you may apply for a zoning change, also known as a zoning by-law amendment or a rezoning. But council can consider a change only if the new use is allowed by the official plan.

Before you apply for rezoning, you should talk to the municipal staff for advice and information. You must complete an application form which requires information identified by the Minister and the municipality. Most municipalities require that you pay an application fee.

If local council refuses your zoning application, or if it does not make a decision within 120 days of the receipt of your application containing the prescribed information, you may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board.

Recreation Zone 

Property owners who own remote property (property without road frontage) in Gillies Township are able to apply for a Zoning Amendment to possibly have their property re-zoned as Recreation.  This process may allow the property owner to obtain a building permit to construct a remote cottage on that remote property.  Please call the Office for details on this process.

 Application for Zoning Amendment

Land Severance (Consents)

 A consent is required to sub-divide a parcel of property into two or more parcels.  A consent application must be submitted to the municipality, together with the prescribed fee.  The approval authority for consents is the Lakehead Rural Planning Board.

Consent Application Instructions

Consent Application

Sample Sketch for Consent Applications

Official Plan Information on Consents

Citizen's Guide to Consents from Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Under the Planning Act, if two properties abut each other, and are registered in the name of the same person, these properties are deemed to be one property and require a consent in order to register one of the pieces in another person's name. 

Please contact the Municipal Office for more information. 

Minor Variances

If your proposed change doesn't conform exactly to the zoning by-law, but follows its general intent, you can apply for a minor variance. For example, you might want to locate something on your property but the shape of your lot won't let you meet the minimum setback requirements.

To obtain a minor variance, you need to apply to the Township's committee of adjustment appointed by council to deal with minor problems in meeting by-law standards. The committee will hold a hearing and decide on your application.

Ontario Municipal Board

The Ontario Municipal Board is an independent administrative tribunal that is responsible for hearing appeals and that decides on a variety of contentious municipal matters.

If council refuses your zoning application, or if it does not make a decision within 120 days of the receipt of your application containing the prescribed information for either an official plan or zoning by-law amendment, you may appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board.

Visit the OMB website