Building Permits

The permit process begins with a general review at the time of application intake. Then, if applicable, it will go through a zoning review. (Zoning review is quicker if projects have already complied with the requirements outlined on our Plan Your Development page). After zoning review, fees will be calculated and invoiced through Cloudpermit. Upon the date of fee payment, applications go into queue for full plans review which can take up to 10 business days. Once the application has gone through full plans review, you will either receive plan review notes or the issued permit.

Deposits are eligible for refund if final approvals are met on the project, and the permit closes, within three years from the date of issuance. 

If you are within the three years, and final approvals have been met, the Building Department will contact you to determine the best method of refunding your deposit. Depending on your chosen mode of refund, as well as the date your permit was closed, you will receive the amount either in the middle of the next eligible month or at the end of the next eligible month. 

If you miss the three year deadline, your deposit will be retained by the Town.

Fees can be paid through our Finance Department, either in-person at the Town Office or by telephone at 705-687-3412 ext. 2227 or 2257.

If a permit has already been issued with a set of approved drawings, and you are looking to make a change to the project, you can apply for a plans resubmission on Cloudpermit. The option will be listed under "More Actions" and will require the revised drawings to be uploaded. The new plans will then be placed in queue for review and, if applicable, fees will be calculated and invoiced according to our Building Fees and Services Charges. 

Site plans are required for all exterior projects as they indicate where the proposed structure is located in relation to property lines and/or existing structures. It is also required for most interior projects, but that will be determined during general review.

Site plans must outline ALL existing and proposed structures, ALL property setbacks to the project (including the 20m (~65ft) shoreline setback, when applicable), driveway entrance, hydro lines (above or buried), and, if not to scale, ALL structure dimensions.

If a party other than the registered property owner creates a permit application on behalf of the owner, they are required to submit an Agent Authorization Form. The Authorization form grants the party permission to apply and/or create the workspace.

Additionally, if the property owner is a type of corporation, you will need to provide a document outlining signing authority (i.e. Article of Incorporation).