Property Subdivision

Property subdivision is the division of an area of land into two or more parcels, and includes a resubdivision or a consolidation of two or more parcels. Most subdivisions require the approval of a Development Officer.

Subdivision approval is not required for defacto consolidation. Two or more lots that are and have been in common ownership and used together since April 15, 1987, or earlier are deemed to be consolidated if the owner or the owner's agent registers a statutory declaration in the land registration office stating that the lots were in common ownership and used together on or before April 15, 1987, and have continued to be so owned and used.

Subdivision approval is also not required for a subdivision in the following circumstances:

  • Where all lots to be created, including the remainder lot, exceed ten hectares in area
  • Resulting from an expropriation
  • Of a cemetery into burial lots
  • Resulting from the disposal of a street, trail, or abandoned railway right of way or part thereof, including consolidation with adjacent land
  • Resulting from the quieting of a title
  • Resulting from a devise of land by will executed on or before January 1, 2000

*Note this list is not comprehensive. Please consult your lawyer to determine if any of these or other exemptions apply.

The Subdivision Bylaw

The Subdivision Bylaw (within the Consolidated Subdivision Regulations (1.48 MB) controls the subdivision of land in the municipality in accordance with the development policies of the municipal planning strategy. It includes regulations dealing with lot size and shape, access, procedures for approval. As with development permits, the Development Officer has very little discretion in approving subdivision plans. An application must comply with the subdivision and land use bylaws; otherwise, the Development Officer must refuse to approve it.

Other Subdivision Regulations

  • Subdivision Fees Policy: Sets the fees charged by the Municipality related to the application and approval of subdivisions.
  • Public Roads Policy: Sets out the conditions and standards which must be met before the Municipality will accept ownership of any Municipal Public Road.
  • Road & Street Standards Manual (Private Road Standards): Sets out the conditions and standards which must be met before the Municipality will approve a Private Road.

These are found along with the Subdivision Bylaw within the Consolidated Subdivision Regulations.

Subdivision Fees

Please see our fee schedule.

Regulations

The Subdivision Bylaw (1.48 MB) includes the fees policy, Public Roads Policy, Road & Street Standards Manual and applicable forms.

Forms