Collingwood's Zoning By-law 2010-040 Under Review as Town Moves to Align with 2051 Official Plan

The Town of Collingwood is moving toward updating its primary development rulebook, Zoning By-law 2010-040, to align with a new Official Plan that sets land-use policies through 2051. The current by-law, enacted on April 12, 2010, governs how land can be used, where buildings can be erected, and standards for lot sizes, parking, heights, and setbacks across all properties within the town.

Under Ontario's Planning Act, the town must bring its zoning regulations into conformity with the newly approved Official Plan within three years of the plan's approval. That timeline puts Collingwood on track to review and revise its by-law in the near term, a process that will directly shape what kinds of development are permitted and where.

What the Zoning Update Means for Residents

For property owners and residents, the update could affect everything from the size of a new home addition to whether a small apartment building is allowed on a given street. The current by-law, Zoning By-law 2010-040, regulates building heights, densities, and setbacks for all lands in the town. As the town updates these rules to match the new Official Plan, residents may see changes in permitted uses and development standards in their neighbourhoods.

In a related policy shift, recent changes to the Planning Act mean that projects with 10 or fewer residential units are generally not subject to site plan control in Collingwood, unless they fall within specific prescribed areas. That adjustment streamlines approval for smaller-scale developments, potentially making it easier for homeowners and small builders to add secondary suites or duplexes without undergoing full site plan review, provided the zoning by-law permits such uses.

On July 16, 2024, Collingwood Council refused a Zoning By-law Amendment application that would have established new permitted uses and standards for Town-wide Development 'D' zones. That decision highlights the council's active role in shaping the town's zoning framework as the broader conformance process moves forward.

Looking ahead, the town is expected to conduct public consultation as part of the by-law update. Residents will have opportunities to review proposed changes and provide input before any amendments are adopted. The outcome will determine what can be built, where, and at what density in Collingwood for years to come.