The policy enquiry process provides information to applicants on development proposals that do not comply with by-laws and policy related to rezoning.
This process allows us to explore compelling development proposals that may offer opportunities and benefits warranting further consideration by Council. Proposals are assessed against established criteria, leading to a recommendation of a pathway for next steps.
The policy enquiry process may take place before submission of a formal rezoning enquiry or rezoning application.
Policy enquiry flowchart
Policy enquiry steps
Background
Council endorsed the policy enquiry process on July 8, 2021. Information about the guiding principles and criteria of this process can be found below:
- Staff Report PDF file (467 KB) - Refer to Meeting Minutes below for amendments to the report
- Meeting Minutes PDF file (159 KB)
- Council Agenda
Guiding principles for the process
- Respect the intent of Council-adopted policy while recognizing some policies may be outdated or compete with other higher priority policies, and may contain inherent limitations.
- Recognize that significant departures from Council-adopted policy will require public consultation to maintain public trust.
- Recommend outcomes based on sound planning principles and professional judgment rooted in the public interest.
Steps to make a policy enquiry
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Step 1: Find out if policy supports your proposal
The policy enquiry process is appropriate for proposals that either have no rezoning-enabling policy, or that deviate significantly from policy.
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Step 2: Assess your proposal against the baseline criteria
Proposals meeting one or more of the Baseline Criteria will be prioritized through the policy enquiry process.
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Step 3: Prepare and submit your policy enquiry
Complete the application form.
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Step 4: Next steps
Proposals considered through the policy enquiry process will receive a letter of response from staff describing the recommended pathway forward.
