You can be a apart of the work to update the rules that Owen Sound uses for land development.
The City is developing a new Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw.
Chair of the Planning Committee and Councillor Deb Haswell says the city’s zoning bylaw dates back to 1985 when it was originally drafted.
She says since that time there has been significant changes in the planning process in not just Owen Sound but the Province as well.
Haswell says because of these changes and the focus of the city’s official plan, its necessary to develop a new bylaw.
The new rules will control the development of land by stating just how it can be used and just what standards are required — such as lot size, building location and building type.
Haswell says considering the amount of development that has and is occurring in the city, the time is right to not just fine tune, but develop a completely new zoning bylaw.
The first chance for residents, businesses and community groups to provide input is today during Open House meetings.
They will be held from 12 PM to 2 PM and 4:30 PM to 7 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
She says while zoning issues are really not hot button topics for the majority of the population — it is an issue that affects everyone in the city.
Haswell says it impacts everyone in terms of where they play, where you live and work and where residential and commercial development can take place.
In short, she says this has the potential to change neighbourhoods.