Planning & Land Use
The Planning & Land Use Department supports responsible growth and development in the Municipality of Huron Shores, a single-tier municipality in Northern Ontario.
We manage applications for consents (severances), minor variances (site-specific zoning changes), zoning by-law amendments, and more. Our role is to ensure that development complies with the Ontario Planning Act, the Provincial Policy Statement, and local policies such as the Huron Shores Official Plan and Comprehensive Zoning By-law.
Our Services Include:
- Administering the Official Plan and Zoning By-law
- Coordinating planning applications, public notices, and statutory meetings
- Assisting applicants through the development approval process
- Ensuring legislative compliance and facilitating appeals when necessary
We’re here to help you understand planning requirements, avoid delays, and support decisions that reflect long-term community goals.
NEW publicly accessible zoning maps:
Understanding Planning in Huron Shores
Land use planning ensures that growth and development happen in a way that benefits our community, protects the environment, and aligns with provincial policy. Most planning decisions in Huron Shores are guided by three core documents:
- The Official Plan
- The Zoning By-law
- The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) & Growth Plan for Northern Ontario
The Official Plan is the long-term vision for how land will be used in the Municipality. It guides decisions on housing, infrastructure, the natural environment, and economic development. All planning decisions must conform to the policies in the Official Plan.
The Zoning By-law implements the Official Plan by dividing the Municipality into zones and specifying how land in each zone can be used. It controls things like:
- Permitted uses (e.g., residential, commercial)
- Lot sizes and setbacks
- Building heights and locations
🚧 ** This section below ⬇ is under construction **
A Site Specific Zoning Amendment (Minor Variance) is a small change from the zoning requirements, such as needing a slightly smaller setback or a slightly taller building.
You may need a Minor Variance if your project doesn’t fully comply with the Zoning By-law but still meets the general intent.
Learn more about the Zoning Amendment process →
In the Municipality, site-specific zoning amendments—commonly referred to as minor variances—are handled through a single application process. This allows property owners to request relief from certain zoning requirements where a proposed development does not fully comply with the Zoning By-law but otherwise maintains the general intent and purpose of municipal planning policies.
For example, a minor variance may be requested to reduce a required setback or increase the maximum permitted height of a building.
Applications are reviewed by municipal staff and Council, and must meet the four tests under the Planning Act. A public meeting is required, with notice provided to neighbouring property owners and the public.
Application Fee: $900.00
Zoning Amendment Application Form
A Consent (Severance) is required if you want to legally divide a parcel of land to create a new lot, adjust boundaries, or add a right-of-way.
Common reasons for applying for Consent include:
- Selling a portion of your land
- Giving land to a family member
- Correcting a title or access issue
- Application for Consent.
Learn more about the Consent process →
🏡 Huron Shores Zoning By-law Review
The Municipality of Huron Shores is conducting a comprehensive review of its Comprehensive Zoning By-law #18-18. We invite property owners, community members and the general public to help shape the future of development in our community.
📄 View the Draft Zoning By-law Here (PDF)
📄 View the Draft Zoning By-law Background Document Here (PDF)
We want to hear from you! Join us at one of our upcoming open houses to learn about proposed changes, ask questions, and share your input:
📅 Virtual Open House
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Details: Our Municipal Planner will present an overview of the review and key changes, followed by a live Q&A.
Recording Available: Can’t make it? A recording will be available by email or in-office by appointment.
📍 In-Person Open House
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Lions Hall, 10 Clarissa Street, Iron Bridge
Format: Come-and-go style. Drop in anytime to view display boards, speak with representatives, and provide feedback.
💬 We encourage everyone to share ideas, join the discussion, and consider each other’s points of view.
Help us spread the word and ensure all voices in Huron Shores are heard.
📣 Share your feedback anytime:
📧 Email: email@huronshores.ca
📞 Phone: 705‑843‑2033
PLANNING FEES
By-law #23-53 to Amend Planning Application Fees
PRE-CONSULTATION
While pre-consultation is not mandatory for all planning applications, the Municipality of Huron Shores strongly encourages applicants to speak with staff before submitting a formal application.
This early discussion helps ensure that applications are complete, appropriate, and in line with local and provincial policies. Applications submitted without pre-consultation may be delayed due to missing information or incorrect details.
The pre-consultation meeting allows for direct communication with the Municipal Planner and helps applicants understand:
- Application fees and timelines
- Applicable land use policies
- Zoning requirements and possible variances
- Required studies or reports
- Public consultation expectations
- Engineering, environmental, or servicing considerations
📌 Start with a conversation — Pre-consultation can save time and cost in the long run, or book your pre-consultation today.
Amber Shannon, Deputy Clerk
amber@huronshores.ca
705-843-2033
Official Plan
The Official Plan sets out how land in the Municipality of Huron Shores should be used and developed over time. It ensures growth reflects the community’s values, protects the environment, and aligns with provincial policies under the Ontario Planning Act.
The Official Plan addresses:
- Where new housing, businesses, and industries will go
- What services are needed, such as roads, water, and parks
- When and how parts of the municipality will grow
🛠️ 2023 Draft Official Plan — Under Review
📌 Schedules:
- Schedule A – Land Use
- Schedule B – Environmental Features 1
- Schedule C – Environmental Features 2
- Schedule D – Hazards
- Schedule E – Wildland Fires
- Schedule F – Community Facilities & Infrastructure
- Background Report
The current Official Plan (2011) here:
✅ Stay informed!
Subscribe to our website updates, visit our Stay Informed page, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Tune in to Council meetings for live discussions.
We also encourage you to share this information with your neighbours and community—let’s keep everyone in the loop!
Provincial Plans and Legislation
Land use planning in Ontario is shaped not just by municipal documents like the Official Plan and Zoning By-law, but also by provincial laws and policies. These set the foundation for how growth, housing, environmental protection, and infrastructure decisions are made across the province.
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) works with municipalities to support strong, healthy communities, promote housing affordability, and ensure good planning decisions.
🔗 Visit the MMAH Website for helpful resources on:
- Land use planning policies and procedures
- Provincial Policy Statement (PPS)
- Housing and development legislation
- Municipal roles and responsibilities
- Building and fire codes
- Infrastructure funding and guidance
Active Planning Applications
The Municipality of Huron Shores processes planning applications in accordance with the Planning Act and encourages public participation in the review process.
📢 To view current planning applications and related notices, please visit our Planning Applications – Public Notices.
For questions or more information about an application, please contact the Planning Department at 705-843-2033 or amber@huronshores.ca.
