Notice of Passing OPA25.004 and ZBA25.014

This Notice is to advise you that in accordance with Sections 17(23) and 34(18) of the Planning Act, 1990, the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville at its meeting on April 15, 2026 has made the decision to:

PASS BY-LAWs 2026-029-OP & 2026-030-ZO

OPA and ZBA (File No.OPA25.004 ZBA25.014) Town Wide

Explanation of the Purpose & Effect of By-law 2026-029-OP & 2026-030-ZO:

The purpose and effect of the proposed amendments to the Town’s Official Plan and the Town’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 2010-001-ZO is to support the delivery of a mix of housing options by modernizing zoning standards to enable a greater range of housing types, permit up to four units or more subject to locational criteria, and update parking requirements for medium and high-density developments.

The proposed changes include updates to permitted uses, development standards and provisions. This is required to be compliant with the Town’s Housing Accelerator Fund Agreement with the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

The two HAF Initiatives and resulting changes are as follows:

HAF Initiative 1: Medium/High-Density Parking Study: The Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments have applied changes to minimum parking requirements and other parking related provisions for medium and high-density residential uses, especially near Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs) and along portions of key streets such as Main Street. Increased height is also permitted to accommodate above ground parking in areas where it is demonstrated that below grade parking is not feasible.

HAF Initiative 2: Expanding Missing Middle Housing: The Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments will enable up to four residential units per property in select locations within the Town’s existing residential neighbourhoods (e.g., forms may include semi-detached dwellings, townhouses, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes) and reduces parking requirements for these forms built forms in certain areas. 

View the full notice here.