Beth Morton, Clerk-Administrator
1695 Emsdale Road, PO BOX 70
Emsdale, ON P0A 1J0
(705) 636-5941
Email
NOTICE: Postal Strike Lifted - Mail-out Notices for Planning Applications Resume
(December 18, 2024) As the Canada Post strike is now lifted, regular mail-outs of Planning Applications will resume. Notices for planning applications in the Township of Perry will continue to be available online through the Township website under our Planning Notices Page. These include applications for Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, and Consents (severances). If you are interested in whether there is a planning application occurring on a property near you, please visit the Planning Notice Page or contact the Township Office at 705-636-5941 or at info@townshipofperry.ca.
Land Use Planning services, in collaboration with the South East Parry Sound District Planning Board, is responsible for the review and approval process for changes to land use within the Township of Perry. Land Use in the Township is guided by our Official Plan and the Zoning By-law.
Visit our Permits, Licences, and Applications Page under Planning Policies and Documents for additional information or to view our Zoning By-law Map.
The Planning Department is responsible for both short-term and long-range planning within the Township, which includes the processing of official plan and zoning by-law amendments, site plan approvals, plans of subdivisions and condominiums, applications to purchase shore road allowances and providing staff support to Council.
If you are thinking of severing a lot, changing a use (such as adding a commercial use), or changing a building on your property which does not conform to the zoning by-law, you will need to speak with the Clerk-Administrator.
Development review includes pre-consultation of potential planning applications. Those considering a planning application are encouraged to consult early with the Clerk-Administrator. Staff are able to assist you with your application to ensure you are well aware of the process, required information, and timing before you pay any required fees.
For information on Additional Residential Units, view our By-law.
Before submitting a Planning Application, we strongly encourage you to consult early with the Clerk-Administrator to receive information which could save you time as you proceed through the review process.
Applications for Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, Consents, Site Plan Approvals, Plans of Subdivisions, and Purchase of Shore Road Allowances are found on our Applications, Licenses, and Permits.
Applications are heard by the Council of the Township of Perry. Regular public hearings are held to consider planning applications.
To view upcoming public meetings, proposed amendments, and notices see our Planning Notices page.
To view our complete list of Planning Application fees, please view our Fees and Charges By-law.
For any inquiries regarding a property in the Township of Perry, please email us. If you are representing the property owner, please have a written authorization confirming this.
If you are not the property owner there will be an administrative fee of $100.
Note: Inquiries are completed on a first-come, first-serve basis and may take up to 2 weeks to process.
The Township will consider applications from abutting landowners to close and sell Shore Road Allowances. Shore Road Allowances were originally laid out for roads by Crown surveyors, generally 66’ in width. Many of these allowances were never developed into travelled roads and they remain unopened in public ownership.
All road allowance closures are at the discretion of Council.
Do I own my waterfront?
It is the responsibility of the property owner to verify and confirm whether or not they own the Shore Road Allowance in front of their property. Often waterfront property owners do not own property rights to the water’s edge unless the Shore Road Allowance is stopped up, closed, and sold.
In many cases, property owners have encroached onto these allowances with the construction of entire buildings, parts of buildings, boathouses, docks, garages, landscaping, etc. There is no adverse possession (squatters rights) on Shore Road Allowances.
How do I apply to purchase my shore road allowance?
If you are interested in applying to purchase your shore road allowance:
- Review the Shore Road Allowance Closing Procedures and Application Form
- Contact the Clerk’s Department
- Submit your application and applicable fees
Licence of Occupation Agreement
The Township offers property owners the option of entering into a Licence of Occupation Agreement (rental) of the shore road allowance. This Agreement is for a term of 10 years, and permits structures (e.g. dock, boathouse, etc.) to be located on the Township-owned shore road allowance. All Agreements are entered into at the discretion of Council.
If you are interested in applying for a Licence of Occupation Agreement:
- Review the Licence of Occupation Agreement Procedures and Application Form
- Contact the Clerk’s Department
- Submit your application and applicable fees
The Southeast Parry Sound District Planning Board operates collaboratively with the Township of Perry for certain planning applications, including consents.
Office Location: 1695 Emsdale Road, Emsdale, ON
Telephone: 705-787-5070
Email
Hours: Mondays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Mailing Address: PO BOX 310, Kearney, ON, P0A 1M0

The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hears and adjudicates matters related to land use planning, environmental and natural features, heritage protection, land valuation, land compensation, municipal finance, and related matters. The Tribunal was established on June 1, 2021 under the authority of section 2 of the Ontario Land Tribunal Act, 2021.
APPEALS PROCESS
If you wish to file an objection, appeal or application with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), you can submit your request online through the e-file portal or by completing and submitting the appeal form to the correct entity. If required, you will also have to pay an appeal fee. Please review the fee chart to determine if a fee is required for your appeal.
Learn more about filing an "Objection, Appeal or Application" in the Appeal Guide. If you have any questions, please reach out to the OLT at olt_efile_admin@ontario.ca or visit their website.