What We Do
The Committee of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial committee established by Council under the Planning Act by By-law No. 2022-074. The committee exercises its independent decision-making authority in accordance with the Statutory Powers Procedure Act. The committee conducts public hearings and makes decisions on applications for minor variances and consents. Decisions of the committee may be appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal in accordance with the Planning Act.
In addition to its responsibilities under the Planning Act, the committee also acts as the:
- Property Standards Hearing Committee under the Building Code Act;
- Court of Revision under the Drainage Act;
- Line Fences Review Committee under the Line Fences Act;
- Appeal Board regarding the regulation and control of dogs under the City's Dog By-law; and
- Short-Term Rental Appeals Committee under the City's Short-Term Rental By-law.
A quasi-judicial committee is an administrative tribunal with the legal power to review applications, hold public hearings, and make legally binding decisions. It typically involves a less formal process than a court of law.
Membership
The Committee of Adjustment consists of five (5) members appointed by City Council. Members are appointed for a four-year term, aligned with that of the City Council, and remain in office until their successors are appointed.
Members are eligible for reappointment.
Members are subject to the Code of Conduct for Members of Council, Local Boards and Committees.
For information on recruitment for the Committee of Adjustment, please visit our Committee Vacancies webpage. Committee of Adjustment members exercise significant decision-making authority in matters that may involve planning, engineering, law, construction, public administration, and related fields. Experience in these areas is not required for appointment but is considered an asset.
For a list of current committee members, please view the Board and Committee By-law.
Meeting dates and times can be found by visiting our Meetings of Council and Committees webpage.
For more information on this committee, please contact the Secretary-Treasurer, Staci Landry, at slandry@owensound.ca or 519-376-4440 ext. 1235.
Remuneration
Effective January 1, 2027, members will receive $100 for each meeting they attend.