Public Consultation - Zoning By-Law and Official Plan Amendment

Dysart’s Official Plan includes policies which outline the ecological and economical importance of the natural environment. These policies aim to enhance and preserve these environmental qualities which contribute to the attraction of the Municipality.

The objective of the Plan is to protect natural heritage features as well as the natural characteristics, natural state, and visual aesthetics of shorelines. Current policy directs that development in shorelands will be set back from the shoreline to maintain the shoreline's natural characteristics, quality, and integrity, preserve its natural visual characteristics, and protect its natural heritage features.

All owners of shoreline lots are encouraged to leave the lands within the shoreline setbacks substantially undisturbed, up to the full depth of the setbacks where possible.

Additionally, where the shoreline setback has been disturbed by past activities, the owner will be encouraged to restore the setback to a natural state. Soil and vegetation within the setback should be disturbed as little as possible, to preserve the impression from the lake that the shoreline is undeveloped. Clearing should be restricted to the minimum required for access, the safety of residents, and a limited view to the water.

The shoreline setback for an individual lot is defined in the implementing zoning by-law as the "water setback." The minimum water setback is 30 metres. On historic lots, developed prior to March 11, 2004, the water setback is 20 metres.

The setback applies to all waterbodies, including lakes, rivers and streams and applies to all buildings, structures and tile fields.

The information below describes the current policies as they relate to structures permitted within the minimum water setback, as well as the policies being contemplated by Council.

The proposed changes will expand on current exceptions and proposes the addition of one (1) roofed structure within the minimum water setback. The draft policies limit the roofed structure to a shed, gazebo or sauna, while regulating their size (15 m2), height (3.5 m) and setbacks (3 m for sheds and saunas).

The proposed policies require the applicant to own the shore road allowance in front of their property, if the structure will be located on it. The applicants must also obtain a Shoreline Report, with a score of 100% through the Municipal Lake Health Assessment Program.

For more information on this amendment process, please review the Active Applications Page.