Planning and Development

The Township of Springwater is responsible for the review, development and implementation of land use policies and by-laws.

Zoning

Our Zoning By-law regulates the use, location, size and height of structures, as well as other provisions. Our Zoning By-law complements the Township's Official Plan to ensure thoughtful and sustainable development. Please check the zoning regulations for your property before applying for a building permit. Find the zoning of your property on our Zoning By-law page or by calling Planning at 705-728-4784 x2019.

Planning applications

Sometimes there are situations where property restrictions affect the property owner's project goals. In these situations, we encourage property owners to arrange a pre-consultation meeting with the Township of Springwater's Planning Department to find an application process that best suits their proposal. Please see our Planning Applications page for more information.

Planning public meeting notices

Visit our Newsroom for planning notices and information on upcoming public meetings.

Virtual planning public meetings

In an effort to further process Planning Act applications while being mindful of physical distancing requirements and gathering limitations due to COVID-19, the Township will be proceeding with statutory public meetings virtually using Zoom Conferencing and YouTube. Additional information on the process and how interested stakeholders may provide comment can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions document. Should you have any questions about the virtual public meeting process or a particular application, please email the Planning Department or call 705-728-4784 x 2019.

Additional links

Cannabis production study

In 2020, the Township of Springwater adopted an Interim Control By-law to place a one-year freeze on the establishment of new cannabis and/or hemp production facilities within Industrial and Agricultural zones. A cannabis and/or hemp production facility is described as lands, buildings or structures used for producing, processing or destroying cannabis, which is authorized by license issued by the Federal Minister of Health, pursuant to the previous Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations, SOR/2016-230, to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

A Public Meeting was held via Zoom on Monday May 31, 2021 at 6:30pm to consider a proposed Official Plan Amendment, a Zoning By-law Amendment and an amendment to the Site Plan Control By-law related to Cannabis Production Facilities.

On February 8 2022 County of Simcoe approved Official Plan Amendment 63 - Cannabis Production Facilities, and By-laws 5000-346 (Zoning By-law Amendment) and 2021-106 (Site Plan Control By-law Amendment) approved by Council are now in effect.