Planning

What is an Official Plan Amendment?

A landowner who wishes to use his/her property or develop it in a way that conflicts with the policies of the Official Plan would need to apply to the Township for an amendment to the Official Plan to allow the development to occur. For example, an Official Plan amendment would be required to create a new lot in a Neighbourhood that does not support severances in the Official Plan policies for that Neighbourhood.

How do I apply?

It is strongly recommended that you consult with Planning Department staff prior to the submission of an application. It is helpful to discuss your proposal with staff to confirm whether a Zoning By-law amendment and/or other planning approvals are necessary. Contact information can be located on the Township’s website.

An application form to amend the Official Plan can be downloaded, printed and completed manually. For your convenience, the application can also be completed on-line in a fillable PDF format and then printed. Please note that applicants must submit an original application form containing original signatures where indicated. In addition, the applicant must complete the Affidavit or Sworn Declaration section of the application form before a Commissioner or other person empowered to take affidavits.

An information sheet accompanies the application form and provides details with respect to the application process, the costs involved and the information and documentation required to be submitted with the application.

How will my application be processed?

Planning Department staff will conduct a preliminary review of the application upon receipt of a completed application form, together with all required documentation and the application fee.

As part of the review, the application will be examined for consistency with the Township’s policies and the policies of the Provincial Policy Statement. This review may result in the need for the applicant to engage an environmental consultant to have a more thorough review of the potential impact to the natural heritage features on the property. The application cannot proceed to Council for consideration until such time as the environmental review has been completed.

The Township’s Planner will prepare a planning report and the application will be scheduled to be considered by Council. Council may direct that the proposed amendment be scheduled to be considered at a public meeting as required by the Planning Act, or, it may refuse to adopt the proposed Official Plan amendment.

The purpose of a public meeting is to provide an opportunity for the public to speak in support of or in opposition to the proposed amendment. Notice of the public meeting must be circulated to owners of land and other parties as prescribed by Township policy and Planning Act regulation.

Following the public meeting, Council will adopt or refuse to adopt the proposed Official Plan Amendment. If the Amendment is adopted, notice of the adoption of the amendment will be given to all persons and agencies as required by Planning Act regulation.

The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is the approval authority for Official Plan Amendments for the Township of The Archipelago. Following Council’s adoption of the Amendment, it will be submitted to the Ministry for approval. The Ministry may approve the Amendment as is, or it may approve the Amendment with modifications. The Ministry will forward notice of the Ministry’s decision with respect to the Official Plan Amendment to those parties that have forwarded a written request to be notified. The notice will outline the appeal procedures and identify the last day for appealing the Ministry’s decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). If no appeal is made by the end of the appeal period, the decision is final and binding and the Official Plan amendment comes into full force and effect.

Can an Official Plan Amendment be appealed?

In general, any person or public body who has made an oral submission at the public meeting or has provided Council with a written submission with respect to the application has the right to appeal the decision of Council to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). Parties also have the opportunity to appeal the Ministry of Municipal Affairs’ decision with respect to approval of the Official Plan amendment. Appeal forms and information on the electronic filing portal are available on the Ontario Land Tribunal's website.

For further information with respect to appeals, please contact the Planning Department. Additional information can also be found in the Ministry of Municipal Affairs’ Citizen’s Guide to Official Plans.

• Comprehensive Zoning By-law (Consolidated April 28, 2025)
• CZBL Schedule A: Zoning Maps (warning - large file 40MB)
• North Wards Map
• South Wards Map

Interactive Zoning Application

What is a Zoning By-law Amendment?  

A landowner who wishes to use his/her property or develop it in a way that is not allowed by the regulations of the Zoning By-law would need to apply to the Township for an amendment to the Zoning By-law to allow the development to occur. However, Council can only consider a Zoning By-law amendment if the proposed use is allowed by the Township’s Official Plan. If the proposed use was not allowed in the Official Plan, the landowner would need to apply for an Official Plan Amendment as well. See the Official Plan Amendment Section for more information.

How do I apply?  

It is strongly recommended that you consult with Planning Department staff prior to the submission of an application. It is helpful to discuss your proposal with staff to confirm whether an Official Plan amendment and/or other planning approvals are necessary. Contact information can be located on the Township’s website. Due to the complexity of some zoning applications, applicants may wish to engage the services of a planning consultant for guidance and advice.

How will my application be processed?  

What if the Zoning By-law amendment is appealed?  

For information on the Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review please visit the dedicated webpage.

Note: The Archipelago Area Planning Board's Tariff of Fees was amended on October 17, 2024. The updated fees will come into effect beginning January 1, 2025.

2024 Planning Board Tariff of Fees

View Minutes and Agendas for the Planning Board in the Council Agendas & Minutes folder

Please note that only minutes and agendas beginning in 2022 are available for download. If you wish to acquire older documents, please contact the Planning Department at 705-746-4243 Ext. 304 or email planning@thearchipelago.ca.

What does The Archipelago Area Planning Board do?

The Archipelago Area Planning Board has jurisdiction over lands within the Township of The Archipelago, the unincorporated Townships of Wallbridge, Brown, Blair, Mowat and Henvey and that portion of Harrison Township that is not in the Township of The Archipelago. The Planning Board consists of 8 members, 6 of which are Township of The Archipelago councillors appointed by Council and 2 of whom are Provincial delegates chosen by the Province to represent the unincorporated areas.

The Province has delegated authority under the Planning Act to The Archipelago Area Planning Board (the "Planning Board") to make decisions on consent applications, requests for approval of plans of subdivision and on condominium developments within the Township of The Archipelago. The Planning Board has the authority to grant consents only within the unincorporated Townships as identified above.

Link to download the Archipelago Area Planning Board Boundary Map:

• divide land (or sever it) to create a new lot;
• adjust boundaries of existing land parcels to enlarge or decrease the size of a property (a lot addition);
• register an easement or right-of-way;
• register a mortgage or discharge a mortgage over part of a parcel of land;
• register a lease over part of a parcel of land when the term of the lease is 21 years or more (inclusive of renewal options)

What is a land severance?

A land severance is the authorized separation of a piece of land to form a new lot or a new parcel of land. This is commonly known as a consent. Planning Board approval is required to ensure that land severances are considered within an established planning framework, that they do not conflict with overall future planning goals and policies and that consideration can be given to the effect of the severance on the site, the neighbours and on the community as a whole.

The Township of The Archipelago's Official Plan contains policies and requirements for land severances within the Township.

The Planning Board has adopted a Minimum Standards By-law that establishes minimum lot areas and lot frontages for new lots created within the unincorporated areas under the Planning Board's jurisdiction. See below for more information regarding minimum lot standards in the unincorporated areas.

What is a plan of subdivision?

If several severances are intended in the same area, a plan of subdivision may be more appropriate. In isolated cases, the Planning Board may consider the appropriateness of creating multiple lots by subdivision rather than by consent. However, in the Township of The Archipelago, the creation of new lots is likely to proceed by consent as opposed to a plan of subdivision.

How do I apply?

It is strongly recommended that you consult with Planning Department staff prior to the submission of an application. Contact information is located above.

A consent application form can be downloaded, printed and completed manually. For your convenience, the application can also be completed on-line in a fillable PDF format and then printed. Please note that applicants must submit an original application form containing original signatures where indicated. In addition, the applicant must complete the Affidavit or Sworn Declaration section of the application form before a Commissioner or other person empowered to take affidavits.

An information sheet accompanies the application form and provides details with respect to the Planning Board, the costs involved and the information and documentation required to be submitted with the application.

How will my application be processed?

Upon receipt of a completed application form, together with all required documentation and the application fee, Planning Department staff will conduct a preliminary review of the application. A site inspection will be conducted of the subject property following which the Township's Planner will prepare a planning report. The report will be provided to the Board members and to the applicant.

The Planner will review the application for consistency with Township policies and the policies of the Provincial Policy Statement. This review may result in the need for the applicant to engage an environmental consultant to have a more thorough review of the potential impact to the natural heritage features on the property. The application cannot proceed to the Planning Board for consideration until such time as the environmental review has been completed.

The application will be scheduled to be considered by the Planning Board. Notice of the Application must be circulated at least 14 days prior to the meeting, to owners of land within an area established by the Planning Board and to other parties as prescribed by Planning Act regulation.

The Planning Board will make a decision to grant or refuse the application. If granted, the Planning Board will impose such conditions as are necessary for the consent to be granted. Conditions could include such things as requiring that the lands be rezoned, or that the owner enter into an agreement with the Township.

Notice of the Decision will be sent not later than fifteen days from the making of the Decision, to the applicant and to each person who appeared in person or by counsel at the meeting and who filed a written request to be notified of the Decision. Information included in the Notice of Decision outlines the appeal procedures and identifies the last day for appealing the Planning Board's Decision to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT). If no appeal is made by the end of the appeal period, the Decision is final and binding.

What if the Decision is appealed?

A Notice of Appeal to the OLT must be submitted through the OLT e-file portal or personally delivered or sent to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Planning Board. Information on the appeal process and appeal forms are available on the Ontario Land Tribunal website. The appeal must set out the reasons for the objection and must include the OLT's prescribed appeal fee. The Secretary-Treasurer will then prepare an appeal package and forward it to the OLT. The OLT will give the appeal a case number and assign a case coordinator who will review the file.

For further information with respect to appeals, please contact the Planning Department. Additional information can also be found in the Ministry of Municipal Affairs' Citizen's Guide to Land Severances.

What if a rezoning is required as a condition of consent?

Where a consent is granted with conditions, the conditions must be fulfilled within two years of the giving of notice of the Planning Board's decision, or the consent is deemed to be refused.  When all conditions have been met, the Secretary-Treasurer will issue a Certificate to grant final consent which must then be registered at the Land Registry Office.

1. Is the variance being requested minor in nature?  The term "minor" is relative in nature and each application must be interpreted on its own merits and in conjunction with the remaining key tests for what constitutes a variance.
2. Is the variance being requested desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building or structure?  Committee members should consider aspects of the application such as its effect on adjacent properties and the effect on the municipality as a whole and on its policies.
3. Does the variance maintain the intent and purpose of the Township's Zoning By-law?  Committee members must review the relative provision of the Zoning By-law and then weigh the variance being requested against this provision.  For example, if the applicant is seeking relief from the required front yard setback, the committee must review the reasons for establishing a front yard setback in the Zoning By-law, and then decide if the variance applied for will compromise the basis for this provision. 
4. Does the variance maintain the intent and purpose of the Township's Official Plan?  Committee decisions should maintain the policy directives and objectives of the Official Plan.

How do I apply?

It is strongly recommended that you consult with Planning Department staff prior to the submission of an application. Contact information can be located on the Township's website.

A Committee of Adjustment application can be downloaded, printed and completed manually. For your convenience, the application can also be completed on-line in a fillable PDF format and then printed. Please note that applicants must submit an original application form containing original signatures where indicated. In addition, the applicant must complete the Affidavit or Sworn Declaration section of the application form before a Commissioner or other person empowered to take affidavits.

An information sheet accompanies the application form and provides details with respect to the Committee of Adjustment, the costs involved and the information and documentation required to be submitted with the application.

How will my application be processed?

A complete application must be submitted a minimum of four weeks prior to the Committee meeting at which the application could first be considered. Due to the complexity of some applications, Planning staff require sufficient time to undertake a review of the application, conduct a site inspection, prepare a Planning report to the Committee and to fulfill the requirements of the Planning Act with respect to the giving of Notice of the Hearing.

A Hearing date will be set for the Committee to consider your application. The Committee of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial body which makes decisions solely on information gathered as a Committee. To avoid a conflict of interest, Committee Members are not to be contacted prior to the Hearing date.

Notice of the Hearing must be circulated at least 10 days prior to the Hearing, to owners of land within an area established by the Committee and to other parties as prescribed by Planning Act regulation. These parties are invited to attend the Hearing to express their views about the application or to submit written comments to the Committee. It is important that you and/or your agent attend the Hearing to explain the reasons for your application; if you do not attend, the Committee may proceed in your absence. If granted, the Committee may or may not impose conditions to be satisfied.

Notice of the Decision must be sent not later than ten days from the making of the Decision, to the applicant and to each person who appeared in person or by counsel at the Hearing and who filed a written request to be notified of the Decision. The Notice of Decision outlines the appeal procedures and identifies the last day for appealing the Committee's Decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). If no appeal is made by the end of the appeal period, the Decision is final and binding.

What if the Decision is appealed?  

A Notice of Appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) can be submitted through the e-file portal or personally delivered or sent to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment. Information on the appeal process and Appeal forms are available on the Ontario Land Tribunal's website. The appeal must include the OLT's prescribed fee. The Secretary-Treasurer will then prepare an appeal package and forward it to the OLT. The OLT will give the appeal a case number, assign a case coordinator and contact the appellant.

For further information with respect to appeals, please contact the Planning Department. Additional information can also be found in the Ministry of Municipal Affairs' Citizen's Guide to Zoning By-laws.

• to improve the image and aesthetic appearance of properties;
• to reduce the impact of development on surrounding land uses;
• to protect environmental areas (e.g. wetlands, hilltops, wildlife habitats) through the appropriate location of buildings and structures

• all commercially zoned properties;
• all properties zoned Private Club (PC);
• all properties on Blackstone Lake;
• all properties on Wah-wash-kesh Island of Kapikog Lake;
• all properties on Sandy Island and Ingersoll Island;
• all properties on Frying Pan Island;
• all properties on Ojibway Island; and
• all properties on Pentecost Island

In addition, there are a number of individual properties which Council has designated as site plan control areas.  Applicants should consult the Planning Department to determine whether a property is affected.

What is Site Plan Approval?  

Site Plan Approval is administered by the Township’s Planning Department pursuant to Section 41 of the Planning Act. Site Plan approval given by the Municipality for all properties designated by Township by-law as a site plan control area. Site plan approval is a prerequisite to an application for a building permit.

How do I apply?  

It is strongly recommended that you consult with Planning Department staff prior to the submission of an application. Contact information can be located on the Township’s website.

The Development Application for Lands Under Site Plan Control can be downloaded, printed and completed manually. For your convenience, the application can also be completed on-line in a fillable PDF format and then printed. Please note that applicants must submit an original application form containing original signatures where indicated. In addition, the applicant must complete the Affidavit or Sworn Declaration section of the application form before a Commissioner or other person empowered to take affidavits.

An information sheet accompanies the application form and provides details with respect to the application process, the costs involved and the information and documentation required to be submitted with the application.

How will my application be processed?  

Planning Department staff will conduct a preliminary review of the application upon receipt of a completed application form, together with all required documentation and the application fee.

The Planning Department staff will review the application for completeness and may conduct a site inspection of your property. Once Planning staff are satisfied that all required information has been submitted the Planner will then prepare the agreement for execution and will forward it to all owners for their signature. Once the agreement has been signed by the owners, it will then be signed by the Municipality and provided to the Township’s Solicitor to register the site plan agreement on title.

Building permits are generally not issued until site plan control requirements are addressed.

What is a site plan agreement?  

A site plan agreement is an agreement registered on title that describes the manner in which a property is to be developed. It contractually binds the owner to develop and maintain a site in accordance with the approved plans and the terms of the agreement. The agreement may or may not include financial guarantees to ensure compliance with the agreement.

Commercially zoned properties and properties zoned Private Club (PC) are generally required to enter into site plan agreements.  In addition, site plan agreements may be imposed as conditions of an application for rezoning, minor variance or severance on residentially zoned properties.

The Site Alteration and Tree Preservation By-law’s were adopted by Council on January 17, 2025. The by-laws came into effect on April 1, 2025. 

For more information, please visit our Site Alteration and Tree Preservation By-laws webpage.