The Corporation of the Town of Gravenhurst is holding a Public Open House to share preliminary information and obtain public input with respect to the preparation of a Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update, which is currently being undertaken in accordance with Section 34 of the Planning Act.

The Public Open House is scheduled for:

The Town of Gravenhurst recently initiated a work program to update its Comprehensive Zoning By-law. The Town’s current Zoning By-law, known as By-law 94-54, was adopted in 1994 and although it has been amended over time, there has not been a comprehensive review of the Zoning By-law since it was adopted.

The objective for the Zoning By-law Update is to create a modern, efficient, comprehensive Zoning By-law that will:

Implement and build upon the policies contained within the Town’s new Official Plan, approved in 2008;

Conform to the policies of the District of Muskoka Official Plan;

Be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement;

Reflect the aspirations of the Town’s residents;

Incorporate best zoning practices; and,

Update and digitize mapping.

The Comprehensive Zoning By-law applies to all land within the Town of Gravenhurst and will regulate the development of land by stating how land can be used, and the required standards (e.g., lot size and dimensions, building size, parking requirements and setbacks from property lines and shorelines).

The Public Open House is the first organized opportunity for the community to provide comment into the Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update process. The purpose of the Public Open House is to share background information gathered to date including existing zoning requirements and issues being considered and more importantly to obtain input from the public on these issues and any other zoning matters early in the process. Community members are welcome to drop into the Public Open House to understand the role of the Zoning By-law and review the background information. Town staff and consultants from PLANSCAPE INC. will be in attendance to discuss the update of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law.

IF A PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY does not make oral submissions at a public meeting (to be held later this year) or make written submissions to the Corporation of the Town of Gravenhurst before the By-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Gravenhurst to the Ontario Municipal Board.