Interim Control By-law Study Underway

Township Initiates Review of Rural Employment Lands

The Township of Guelph/Eramosa has adopted Interim Control By-law 05-2026 to provide time for a planning study regarding the use of lands designated Rural Employment Area in the County of Wellington Official Plan. The by-law was passed under Section 38 of the Ontario Planning Act and is in effect for up to one year while the Township completes the study.

The Township is currently in the process of selecting a planning consultant to undertake this study. Once retained, the consultant will work with Township staff to review planning policies, analyze existing land use patterns, and provide recommendations to Council.

Why Has the Township Passed This By-law?

Council has identified concerns regarding the protection and long-term viability of rural industrial and employment lands within the Township. Specifically, Council wishes to better understand and evaluate certain transportation-related uses that may occupy significant areas of employment land without providing the employment opportunities or building development typically associated with employment areas. 

The study will examine transportation-related operations and land-intensive parking or storage uses, including those involving tractor trailers, transport trucks, commercial motor vehicles, trailers, and related equipment. 

The purpose of the study is to determine whether changes to the Township's planning policies or regulations are necessary to ensure Rural Employment Areas continue to support employment-generating uses over the long term.

What Lands Are Affected?

The Interim Control By-law applies to lands within the Township that are designated Rural Employment Area on Schedule B3 (Land Use) of the County of Wellington Official Plan.

A map showing the Rural Employment Area designation will be provided on this page as part of the study process.

What Does the By-law Do?

During the study period, the by-law temporarily prohibits:

• The establishment of new transportation-related uses identified as the subject of the study.
• The construction, alteration, or expansion of buildings, structures, or land uses associated with the studied uses. 
• Applications for Zoning By-law Amendments, Minor Variances, or Site Plan Approvals that would permit the studied uses.

The by-law is intended to pause new development of these uses while the Township gathers information and completes its review. 

What Is Not Affected?

The Interim Control By-law does not prohibit:

• Existing lawful uses that were operating when the by-law was passed. 
• Buildings or structures that received a building permit before the by-law was adopted, provided the permit remains valid and the development proceeds as approved.
• The expansion, erection, or use of buildings and structures that were legally established before the by-law was passed.

Next Steps

The Township is currently procuring consulting services to complete the study. Once the consultant has been retained, the project will include:

• Background research and policy review;
• Analysis of transportation and employment land uses;
• Consultation with property owners, businesses, agencies, and the public;
• Preparation of recommendations for Council's consideration.

As the study progresses, updates, reports, meeting notices, and opportunities for public input will be posted on this webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Interim Control By-law?

An Interim Control By-law is a tool available under the Ontario Planning Act that allows municipalities to temporarily prohibit certain development while a land use planning study is carried out.

How long will the by-law remain in effect?

The by-law came into effect when passed by Council and may remain in effect for up to one year. Council may consider an extension as permitted by the Planning Act if additional study time is required. 

Can I continue operating my existing business?

Yes. Existing lawful uses may continue to operate. 

Can I still apply for a building permit?

Property owners should contact the Township Planning Department to discuss their specific proposal and determine whether it is affected by the by-law.

Will there be opportunities for public input?

Yes. As part of the study process, the Township intends to provide opportunities for property owners, businesses, and residents to participate and provide feedback.

Contact Information

For questions regarding the Interim Control By-law or the upcoming study, please contact:

Planning Department
Township of Guelph/Eramosa
8348 Wellington Road 124
Rockwood, ON N0B 2K0

Phone: 519-856-9596
Email: planning@get.on.ca

Stay tuned for updates as the Township advances the consultant selection process and begins the study.