Applications, Forms, Licences and Permits

A “Permission to Access Park & Trail Property” permit is required anytime a contractor or homeowner plans to enter onto Township owned parkland, greenspace, or trails with any type of equipment or vehicle for the purpose of accessing private property. The Permission to Access Park & Trail policy is aimed to control access, prevent any damage to Township owned lands, and ensure the safety of park and trail users. Common examples of when you may need a permit include making improvements to your property such as landscaping, building a deck or fence, or installing a pool or hot tub.

Applying for a Permit

• Complete the access permit application to apply for your permit at least two weeks before you would like to access Township property.
• Obtain a certificate of insurance, completed by your insurer, with at least $2 million in coverage identifying the Township of Woolwich as an additional insured.
• A $2000.00 refundable damage deposit is required at time of application. Failure to return Township property to pre construction conditions will result in forfeiture of the damage deposit.
• Bring your payment of $75/day of access plus damage deposit, certificate of insurance, and completed application to the Woolwich Memorial Centre at 24 Snyder Avenue South in Elmira.
• There is no guarantee that your application will be approved.

Check with Building Services to see whether a Building Permit is also required.

For further information, please contact the Recreation and Community Services staff or call 519-669-1647 ext. 7024.

Birth Certificates are issued by the Province of Ontario for anyone born in Ontario. All requests for new or replacement certificates must be filed with Service Ontario.

Any construction or demolition, including septic work, that occurs within the Township of Woolwich will require a building permit. To find the required forms or for additional information please visit our Building Services page.

Fire permits are available from the Township Administration Building between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, or by completing our open burn application form or campfire permit form. Please note weekend Open Burn Permit Submissions made online or by phone will not be processed until Monday morning. View our fees and charges by-law for permit costs.

To notify our Revenue Clerk, Water Billing of a tenancy change please complete the Change of Tenancy form

If you are a registered Charitable or Non-Profit Organization under the provisions of the Canada Income Tax Act subsection 248 (1) and own or lease space in a commercial and/or industrial building, you may be eligible for a rebate in property taxes for the current taxation year.

Please complete the charitable rebate application form.

The Region of Waterloo regulates tree cutting in private and public woodlots.

A property owner who wishes to:

• divide their land for the purposes of selling it
• make a lot line adjustment between properties
• create an easement or right of way, or
• lease land for a period over 21 years

is required to meet with Township staff to discuss the consent (severance) process prior to submitting an application for consideration by the Committee of Adjustment.

Visit the Government of Canada's website for more information and a copy of the consent letter form.

The Community Alert Network system will no longer be active as of April 30, 2019.  

Please visit www.AlertWR.ca to register for our new system, or visit our Emergency Preparedness page to find out more information about the new Community Alert Network.

As a part of implementing this new system we would like to request that you take the time to register your contact information in our new system. If you have not yet registered in the new system by April 30, 2019 you will no longer receive Community Alert Messages from the Township of Woolwich.

If you do not have access to the internet you can pick up a sign-up form at the Township Administration Office (24 Church Street West, Elmira, ON) or the Woolwich Memorial Centre (24 Snyder Avenue South, Elmira, ON).

The Funeral Home provides the Township of Woolwich with the Death Registration documents when a death has occurred. The Township receives the information, issues a Burial Permit and then forwards the information to the Office of the Registrar General. 

The Township does not provide any information regarding Death Certificates to residents, as Death Certificates are issued by the Province of Ontario. All requests for new or replacement certificates must be filed with Service Ontario.

The Township of Woolwich has partnered with DocuPet to provide an enhanced pet licensing experience for residents.

All dog owners in Woolwich are required to buy dog tags for each of their dogs annually or within 21 days of moving into the Township. Licences now expire 365 days after the date of purchase.

Visit our Dog Tag page for information on dog tag fees and purchasing locations.

An entrance permit may be required of all persons, agencies, corporations (private or public), or institutions for a new entrance (driveway) or change to an existing entrance on any Township road.

*NEW* Online application and payment now available. Please visit the Customer Portal to apply.

Please contact municipalconsents@woolwich.ca for any questions regarding the application process.

The Region of Waterloo has permit requirements for access work on Regional roads. Their permit process and detailed information can be found on the Region's website.

The Township of Woolwich does not regulate fencing unless you have a pool or are a corner lot. For more information, please visit our By-laws page.

As-per the Township's Fireworks By-law, the Fire Department and Corporate Services department oversee the following licensing categories:

• Fireworks Sales Licence
• Fireworks Display Permit

Additional information, application forms, and application requirements can be found in the sections below. Please note that all licence applications listed in this section require a minimum of fifteen (15) full business days to process. Please review the Township's Fireworks By-law for more information.

Please complete and submit the licence application form as well as the appropriate fee. Licence and Permit fees can be found in the Township's Fees and Charges By-law. For more information, contact the Township's Licensing Officer.

Fireworks Sales Licence

All retailers looking to sell fireworks within the Township of Woolwich are required to obtain a Fireworks Sale Licence. Fireworks sales may only be conducted on the six (6) business days before the Victoria Day and Canada Day statutory holidays each year. Please ensure your full and complete application with all required attachments is submitted a minimum of fifteen (15) full business days before the anticipated start of sales. A location inspection by the Township's Fire Department is required before a Fireworks Sales Licence can be issued.

Please Note: As-per the Fireworks By-law, For-Profit sales are not permitted from any mobile, portable, and/or temporary structure. For more information on organizations that are eligible for a Charitable/Non-Profit Fireworks Sales Licence, see the Fireworks By-law.

Fireworks Display Permit

Not all fireworks shows or displays require a Display Permit. If your event involves high-hazard professional fireworks, you will require a Fireworks Display Permit for private events and events that are open to the public. If you are setting off low-hazard, consumer fireworks, you will only need a Display Permit for events that are open to the public.

Please ensure your full and complete application is submitted a minimum of fifteen (15) full business days before the event.

Visit our Fire Safety and Prevention page for more information on fireworks rules and regulations.

A Filming Permit is required if filming is occurring within the road allowance or on Township property.  Filming permit applications can be emailed to Infrastructure Services staff.

Anyone wishing to obtain information kept by the Township should contact the Deputy Clerk, who will advise if a Freedom of Information (FOI) Request if needed or not. The FOI Request Form will need to be completed and returned to the Council and Administrative Services division with a $5 fee. More information is available on our FOI Requests page.

For more information on conducting garage sales and other sales events in the Township, please see the Township's Licensing By-law, see the Salesperson section of this page, or contact the Township's Licensing Officer.

Garage Sales

Garage sales conducted by tenant associations, community associations, and/or private individuals do not require a licence as long as:

• the goods sold are personal effects owned by the private individual(s) and/or members of the association
• the sale does not last for more than two (2) days
• no more than two (2) separate sales are held per calendar year

Any sales events that do not meet the above criteria will likely require a Salesperson Licence. For more information, see the Township's Licensing By-law, see the Salesperson section of this page, or contact the Township's Licensing Officer.

Sales Events

Public sales events conducted in the Township require a Salesperson Licence. Examples of sales events include:

• Craft shows
• Trade shows
• Sales of wares, goods, or merchandise other than foodstuffs
  • for more information on the sale of foodstuffs, please see the Refreshment Vehicle section of this page

Exceptions include:

• Existing brick and mortar retailers engaging in temporary selling activity as an extension of the existing business at the regular place of business, offering items typically sold at the regular place of business
• Local farm growers, if selling produce that has been grown and harvested by them, and the sales occur on their own property
• Farmers' Market vendors at an approved Farmers' Market

For more information, please see the Township's Licensing By-law, see the Salesperson section of this page, or contact the Township's Licensing Officer.

For information on the Township's annual community grants, visit our Grants and Special Assistance page.

As per the Township's Licensing By-law, the Corporate Services department oversees the following licensing categories. Additional information, application forms, and application requirements can be found in the sections below. Please note that all licence applications listed in this section require a minimum of fifteen (15) full business days to process. Additionally, fees must be paid in full before applications will be processed.

• Drain Layer
• Kennel
• Lottery (Charitable)
• Refreshment Vehicle (Food Truck/Mobile Refreshment Vehicle, Stationary Refreshment Vehicle, Food Cart)*
• Salesperson (Temporary Non-Food Vendors)

For information on licence fees, please see the Township's Fees and Charges By-law. All applications must be submitted a minimum of fifteen (15) full business days, with all required documentation, and associated fees, prior to the anticipated start of operation or sales. For all other licensing inquiries, please contact the Township's Licensing Officer. 

*Please Note: All applications for events involving the preparation and sale of food must include approval from the Region of Waterloo's Public Health Department. As part of your application to the Township, applicants are required to submit Waterloo Region Public Health Approval. To contact the Region, see the Region of Waterloo Special Event Form: Vendor Application Form to Public Health for their review and approval thirty (30) days prior to the event. Additional requirements from Public Health can be found on the Region of Waterloo Food Safety webpage. Questions and concerns regarding safe food handling requirements should be directed to the Region of Waterloo.

Drain Layer

All Drain Layers operating in the Township of Woolwich are required to obtain a Drain Layer's Licence annually. Please complete and submit a complete licence application form as well as the appropriate fee.

For more information, please contact the Township's Licensing Officer.

Application Requirements

New applications and renewals are required to be submitted to the Clerk's Division a minimum of fifteen (15) full business days before January 31 of each calendar year with all required documentation. New applicants are required to submit proof that they are the holder of a valid Drain Layer's licence and have successfully passed an examination at one or more of the following municipalities:

• City of Kitchener
• City of Brantford
• City of Cambridge
• City of Stratford
• City of London

If the applicant has not been licensed at one of the above municipalities, they must successfully complete an examination with the Township to test their qualifications and provide the following documentation:

• A description of their qualifications, which shall include at least two years experience as a Drain Layer; and
• The operating name and mailing address of the drain contractor with whom they are currently employed.

Applicants must complete a minimum standing of 70% in each section of the examination to receive a passing grade overall. The Licensing By-law and Fees and Charges By-law provide additional information about license requirements and licensing fees.

Elmira Maple Syrup Festival Licensing

The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival Committee works diligently each year to create the best and safest Festival possible for both vendors and visitors. In past years, the number of unlicensed vendors setting up in the downtown core and surrounding areas of Elmira has increased. Pedestrian traffic at the Festival has been negatively impacted, and vendors, agencies and community members have raised safety concerns about unregulated food and goods. The Maple Syrup Festival Committee is working with the Township of Woolwich to implement changes to improve the safety of the Maple Syrup Festival for all involved.

Proceeds from licence fees will go back into the community.

To learn more, visit our Elmira Maple Syrup Festival Licensing webpage

Kennel

All residents wishing to keep more than three dogs on their property must possess a kennel licence. For more information on kennels, view our Animal Control By-law and our Animal Services webpage.

Requirements

Kennels are only permitted in Agricultural zones and must be located at least 60 metres, or 200 feet, from any neighbouring habitable building, including any buildings housing animals. For more information on zoning requirements for new applicants, please see Section 6.22 of the Township's Zoning By-law and/or contact the Township's Planning Services division. 

All new kennel applications must initially be heard by Council, and Council makes the decision on whether to license the kennel or not.

The Animal Control Officer performs an annual inspection on all kennels, in addition to spot inspections throughout the year.

Application Process

The Kennel Licence Renewal Application form must be accompanied by a site map showing the entire property and the nearest neighbours' habitable buildings. If you prefer a paper application form, please contact the Licensing Officer. Kennel licence renewal fees can be viewed in the Township's Fees and Charges By-law in the Corporate Services section.

A full list of requirements can be found in the Township's Animal Control By-law. For information on new and expanded kennel applications, please contact Planning Services. 

Lottery (Charitable)

For all Township-issued lottery licenses, visit the Lottery Licensing page to access all the information, forms, and resources you will need for lottery licensing.

The Township is the licensing authority for:

• Bingo events, including table board bingo, with prize boards of up to $5,500;
• Media Bingo events with prizes up to $5,500;
• Break Open Tickets (BOTs) for local organizations;
• Raffle lotteries for total prizes of $50,000 and under; and
• Bazaar lotteries which include: wheels of fortune with a maximum bet of $2.00, raffles not exceeding $500, and bingo events up to $500.

Provincial Lottery Licensing

The AGCO is the licensing authority for:

• bingo events (i.e., Special Bingo, Monster Bingo) with a prize board over $5,500;
• super jackpot bingo events;
• progressive bingo game events and loonie progressive games;
• special occasion gaming event
• raffle lotteries for total prizes over $50,000;
• electronic raffles;
• break open tickets sold by organizations with a provincial mandate;
• lotteries held in conjunction with another gaming event, including break open tickets at bingo events;
• all lottery schemes conducted in unorganized territories; and
• lottery schemes at designated fairs or exhibitions.

For more information, please visit the AGCO's Charitable Lottery Licensing Overview webpage.

Refreshment Vehicles

Refreshment Vehicles are regulated by the Township's Licensing By-law. A licence is required for the sale of food by any Refreshment Vehicle operating within the Township for any duration.

Refreshment Vehicle Categories

The Township of Woolwich licenses three categories of refreshment vehicle:

• Class "A" - Mobile Food Truck - A motorized vehicle licensed to operate in any zone as set out in the Zoning By-law.

• Class "B" - Stationary Food Truck/Chip Wagon - A stationary vehicle licensed to operate at one specific location.

• Class "C" - Food Cart - A vehicle propelled by muscular power from which Food Stuffs are sold or offered for sale.

For more information, please view the Township's Licensing By-law or contact the Township's Licensing Officer.

Application Process

Please complete and submit the licence application form as well as the appropriate fee. Licence fees can be found in the Township's Fees and Charges By-law.

The Township requires that complete applications including all required documentation are submitted a minimum of fifteen (15) full business days before the event or anticipated start of sales. Applications received less than fifteen business days before the event must be accompanied by the processing fee, as noted in the Fees and Charges By-law. Please note that completion of this application form does not guarantee final approval of a licence. 

Salesperson (Temporary Non-Food Vendors)

Salesperson's Licences are required by the Township's Licensing By-law for the temporary sale of any non-food goods, wares, or merchandise within the Township of Woolwich.

Application Process

Please complete and submit the licence application form as well as the appropriate fee. Licence fees can be found in the Township's Fees and Charges By-law.

The Township requires that complete applications are submitted a minimum of fifteen (15) full business days before the event or anticipated start of sales. Please note that completion of this application form does not guarantee final approval of a licence.

For more information, please contact the Township's Licensing Officer.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for administering the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (LLCA), which together with its regulations and the standards and requirements established by the Registrar establish the licensing and regulatory regime for most aspects relating to the sale and service of liquor in Ontario.

The AGCO is responsible for issuing:

• Licenses for establishments to sell or serve liquor to the public (e.g. bars, restaurants)
• Licenses for ferment-on-premises facilities
• Licenses to deliver liquor
• Manufacturers' licenses
• Licenses to represent a manufacturer
• Special Occasion Permits (SOP) for the sale and service of liquor on special occasions (e.g. cash bars at fundraising events, weddings, receptions)

Please visit the AGCO's website for more information.

Liquor Sales Licenses: Municipal Approval

The AGCO requires the following documentation from the Township to support either a new liquor sales license application or an extension of a licensed premise's existing liquor license:

• Municipal Information Form
• Agency Letters of Approval

Detailed information on the municipal approval process for liquor licence applications is available on the AGCO's Liquor Sales Licenses webpage. For information on public health inspections, please contact the Region of Waterloo.

Municipal Information Form

The applicant must provide Township's Licensing Officer with a Municipal Information Form. Following an internal approval process, the form must be put forward for Council's approval at a Council Meeting. An approval timeline will be assessed and provided upon receipt of a complete Municipal Information Form and is dependent on the date of the next Council Meeting. Meeting dates are available in the Council and Committee Calendar.

For more information, including relevant fees, see the Fees and Charges By-law and/or contact the Licensing Officer. 

Agency Letters of Approval

The applicant must submit individual Agency Letters of Approval to the Building Services division and the Fire Department.

By-the-Glass Endorsement

For information on municipal approval requirements for a By-the-Glass Endorsement, see the AGCO's Municipal Approval Requirements for a Liquor Sales Licence including Manufacturer's "Tied House" webpage. 

Tied House Liquor Licences

For information on the AGCO's Tied House liquor licences, including municipal approval requirements, visit the AGCO's Municipal Approval Requirements for a Liquor Sales Licence including Manufacturer's "Tied House" webpage. 

Caterer's Endorsement

As-per the AGCO, a Caterer’s Endorsement allows breweries, distilleries, and wineries that hold a By-the-Glass Endorsement to sell and serve their products at catered events at locations away from the manufacturer’s licensed premises.

The sale and service of liquor under a Caterer’s Endorsement must be primarily aimed at promoting the licensee’s product and either providing an enhanced tourist experience or fulfilling an educational purpose.

Catering notification requirements may vary, depending on where the individual event is being held.

Notification Requirements

Providing the Township with notification of an individual event is required if the event is being held in an area not under the exclusive control of the licence holder, as defined by the AGCO.

A minimum of ten (10) days before the event begins, a licence holder with a Caterer's Endorsement must provide notification to the Township's Fire Department and Building Division with details on:

• The nature of the event,
• The name of the event sponsor,
• The event location (full address),
• The date(s) and hours during which the event will be held,
• The estimated attendance for the event,
• The boundaries of the area where liquor will be sold and served, and
• The location of any tiered seating in the area, if applicable.

For more information, please contact the AGCO.

New Framework Temporary Extension of Outdoor Liquor Licensed Premises

The Government of Ontario has amended Regulation 746/21 under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 establishing a new framework for temporary outdoor physical extensions (temporary patios), which took effect on January 1, 2023. These changes impact liquor sales license holders and manufacturer by-the-glass endorsement holders.

For information on the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program (OWDCP), or to submit a claim, visit our Animal Services page or contact the Corporate Services department.

To schedule a marriage ceremony please complete the Online Marriage Ceremony Request Form or contact Corporate Services staff at 519-669-6000. In order to ensure that an officiant is available, a minimum of 24 hours notice is requested.

More information on marriage ceremonies is available on our Marriages page.

Marriage Licence Application Forms must be submitted in person by at least one of the individuals getting married. The application form must be signed by both parties and two pieces of government-issued identification for each applicant are required.

Marriage licences are issued at the Township Office, located at 24 Church Street West, Elmira, ON. Please note that appointments are necessary to ensure that an issuer of marriage licences is in the office.

More information on applying for a marriage licence and relevant contact information is available on our Marriages page.

A variance is a minor change to the Zoning By-law for a specific property. Property owners are advised to consult with Planning staff regarding the minor variance process prior to submitting an application for consideration by the Committee of Adjustment.

Municipal consent approval is required when performing work within the Township of Woolwich's road right-of-way. Written consent from a designate from the Infrastructure Services Department is required to install, upgrade, downsize, occupy or remove private or public infrastructure, equipment, hardware or appurtenances, and incudes excavating, directional boring and/or drilling within the road right-of-way.

*NEW* Online application and payment now available. Please visit the Customer Portal to apply.

Please contact municipalconsents@woolwich.ca for any questions regarding the application process.

The Region of Waterloo has municipal consent requirements for work requiring access on Regional roads. Their permit process and detailed information can be found on the Region's website.

For information on Noise By-law exemption requests, please visit the By-law Enforcement page.

At times, an individual property may need an amendment to the Official Plan for new development or re-development proposals. Prior to submitting an application to amend the Official Plan, please consult with Planning Services staff. The public always has opportunity to review and provide input on a proposed amendment prior to the adoption by the Township.

Pools and hot tubs with a depth of 37" or greater require a building permit. To find the required forms or for additional information please visit our Building Services page. They also are regulated under our Pool Fence By-law.

If you are planning to apply for an:

• Official Plan Amendment;
• Zone Change;
• Plan of Subdivision;
• Site Plan Approval;
• Minor Variance; or
• Consent (Severance)

for your property, you are required to discuss the proposal with Township and/or Regional staff through a pre-application consultation meeting, ahead of making a formal application. Please complete the necessary meeting request form and submit it to Planning staff for review. Once received Planning staff will contact you to advise the applicable pre-application meeting fee and steps to move forward.

Pre-application Consultation Meeting Request Form (including the Region of Waterloo Site Screening Questionnaire)

A road work permit is required of all persons, agencies, corporations (private or public), or institutions to occupy or close any Township road, sidewalk, boulevard or right-of-way to complete work. 

*NEW* Online application and payment now available. Please visit the Customer Portal to apply.

Please contact municipalconsents@woolwich.ca for any questions regarding the application process.

The Region of Waterloo has permit requirements for work requiring access on Regional roads. Their permit process and detailed information can be found on the Region's website.

Signs are regulated under the Township's Sign By-Law and may require a building permit. To find the required forms or for additional information please visit our Building Services page. 

Should a variance to the Sign By-law be required for the installation of a sign please consult with Planning staff on the Sign Variance application and process.

Site Plan Approval is required for all commercial, institutional, industrial and some multi-residential developments within the Township and must be completed prior to the issuance of any building permits.

Site Plan approval is an interactive process involving the property owner, their consultant(s), Township staff, and other local government agencies. The Site Plan process is intended to match the property owner's requirements with the unique characteristics of each property while protecting the interests of all parties and ensuring development is designed to municipal standards.

For Site Plan application submission requirements, please view the applicable Landscape and Design Guidelines.

Contact Planning Services staff to arrange a pre-application consultation meeting for your proposal.

Special events which occur within the road allowance or on Township property require a Special Event Permit. Special Event applications can be emailed to Infrastructure Services staff.

Before starting a Special Event Permit application, please read and understand the information regarding Special Event Permits on our Roads and Sidewalks page. There are changes to the application process as of January 2023.

Subdivision approvals are handled between the Region, who is the approval authority, and the Township, who holds the public meeting.  Generally, when you divide a piece of land into multiple lots (i.e. three or more), you are subdividing the property. Subdivisions can be created for residential, industrial, or multi-use developments.

If you are considering a subdivision development on a parcel of land, a pre-application consultation meeting with the applicable Regional, Township, and other agency staff will be required prior to submission of an application.

Temporary tents or a group of tents that is more than 646 square feet in total area will require a building permit. To find the required forms or for additional information please visit our Building Services page.

Every property in the Township is subject to policies in the Zoning By-law. A zoning by-law contains provisions that regulate the use, size, height, density, and location of buildings on properties. The by-law consists of the following basic components:

• Maps are the most common feature of any zoning by-law as they indicate which zone a property is in.
• The corresponding wording for the zone, which then lists the permitted uses and regulations applicable to that zone.

Property owners are advised to consult with Planning Services staff regarding the zone change process prior to submitting an application for consideration by Council.

Are you planning to start a home-based business or establish or change a commercial or industrial business? See the new regulations for a home business for a tradesperson on Agricultural properties that are 6 ha or less in area. Please contact Planning Services staff to discuss the necessary requirements and how to obtain a Zoning Compliance Certificate.