Accessing Land Application
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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 staffor call 519-669-1647 ext. 7024.
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Birth Certificate
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| 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. |
Building Permits
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Any construction 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.
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Burn Permits
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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.
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Certificate of Occupancy
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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 Certificate of Occupancy.
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Change of Tenancy
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To notify our Revenue Clerk, Water Billing of a tenancy change please complete the Change of Tenancy form
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Charitable Rebate
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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.
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Clearing of Lands
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The Region of Waterloo regulates tree cutting in private and public woodlots.
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Consent (Severance)
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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.
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Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad
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Visit the Government of Canada's website for more information and a copy of the consent letter form.
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Community Alert Network Information Update
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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).
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Death Registration
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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.
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Decks
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Decks greater than 24 inches in height require a building permit, you can download the building permit application form from our Building Permit Forms section above. For additional information please visit our Building Services page.
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Demolition
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When demolishing any structure, a demolition permit is required; please note that agricultural buildings do not require a demolition permit.
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Dog Tag Application
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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 Animal Services page for information on dog tag fees and purchasing locations.
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Entrance Permits
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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.
Printable application form: Entrance Permit.
Completed forms can be sent to the Township office by mail, fax, or in-person.
Fax: 519-669-4669
Main or in-person:
24 Church Street West
Elmira, ON N3B 2Z6
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.
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Fences
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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.
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Fireworks
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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
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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.
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Fireworks Display Permit
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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.
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Filming
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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.
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Freedom of Information
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| 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. |
Garage Sales and Sales Events
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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 |
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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.
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| Sales Events |
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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.
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Grant Application
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For information on the Township's annual community grants, visit our Grants and Special Assistance page.
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Inspections
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Building inspections are required during the building process. For more information on inspections, visit our Building Services page.
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Licensing
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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.
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, 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
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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
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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.
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Elmira Maple Syrup Festival Licensing
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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
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Kennel
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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
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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.
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Application Process
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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.
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Lottery (Charitable)
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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) is responsible for administering lottery licensing in the Province of Ontario. Both municipalities and the AGCO are responsible for issuing lottery licences to eligible charitable and religious organizations. An overview of Charitable Lottery Licensing can be found on the AGCO's website.
Order in Council 1413/08 provides municipalities with 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.
For more information on Charitable Lottery Licensing, please visit the AGCO's website. More information on each lottery scheme can be found on the the AGCO's Types of Charitable Gaming Lottery Licences webpage.
All lottery licence applications and lottery reports can be returned to the Township's Licensing Officer at the Township Administration Office.
Note: Some lottery schemes can only be licensed by the AGCO. Please visit the Provincial Lottery Licensing section below for details.
Eligibility
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Lottery licences can only be issued to eligible charitable and religious organizations who wish to raise funds to support charitable purposes. Eligibility decisions are based on what is considered charitable in law, including the Criminal Code of Canada, previous court decisions, Order in Council 1413/08 as amended, and the policies issued by the Registrar.
When a lottery licence application is received from an organization that has yet been deemed eligible by the Township, staff will provide the applicant with the necessary requirements for the organization's eligibility review. An organization must be deemed eligible before their application can be reviewed. Please note that the time required to conduct an eligibility review is not included in the fifteen business day processing timeline for lottery licence applications.
The following documents and/or information are required so that eligibility can be reviewed:
- A full and complete Township Eligibility Review Form
- Incorporation Papers (Letters Patent)
- Constitution and By-Laws
- Notification of Charitable Registration (Canada Customs and Revenue Agency), if applicable
- The most recent Registered Charity Information Return and Public Information Return, as submitted to Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (if applicable)
- Financial Statement for Previous Fiscal Year (audited, where applicable)
- Detailed outline of all programs/services provided in the previous year and specific costs incurred in delivery
- Detailed outline of all programs/service currently provided and specific costs incurred in delivery
- The current operating budget
- Current Listing of the Board of Directors
- Information on the organization's separate lottery trust account, designated as a trust account by the branch of a recognized financial institution, in the Province of Ontario. (Please see the Designated Lottery Trust Accounts section below for more information.)
- Any other information that will assist in determining the charitable nature of the objects and purposes. This could include an annual report, correspondence relating to its charitable number for income-tax purposes, and confirmation that it meets the reporting requirements of the Charities Accounting Act
- The proposed use of proceeds, which must be consistent with the primary objects and purposes of the organization and of a charitable nature consistent with at least one of the four classifications of charitable purposes.
For more information on eligibility requirements, please visit the AGCO's Charitable Lottery Licensing Overview webpage and review relevant sections of the AGCO's Lottery Licensing Policy Manual (LLPM).
Please Note: The applying organization must be deemed eligible as-per the AGCO's regulations before a lottery licence application can be processed. Eligibility requirements are set by the AGCO.
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Designated Lottery Trust Accounts
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In order to be eligible for lottery licensing, organizations are required to possess a Canadian dollar lottery trust account in which to deposit all proceeds derived from lottery events. The account must be designated as a trust account by the financial institution in which it is held. Organizations without a designated lottery trust account cannot conduct charitable lottery events.
The Terms and Conditions for each type of lottery event set out specific accounting requirements for journals, monthly summaries, and bank reconciliation. To view the Terms and Conditions for each lottery scheme, please see the Reporting section below.
For more information on designated lottery trust account requirements, please visit the AGCO's Trust Accounts webpage and review the relevant sections of the LLPM.
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Application Process
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| The Township requires a minimum of fifteen (15) full business days from receipt of a full and complete application package to process all applications for lottery events licensed by the Township. Applicants are welcome to contact the Licensing Officer to request a review of the application package in advance of submission. New and returning organizations will be required to undergo an Eligibility Review process as part of their lottery licence application for each new licensing year. Lottery Licence fees are set by the AGCO.
Under Order in Council 1413/08, the Township has the authority to issue licences for the following lottery schemes. Application forms can be found via the links below. Please ensure you review the terms and conditions, standards, directives, and other regulations for each lottery scheme found in the AGCO's LLPM, in addition to those listed in the Reporting section below, prior to submitting your application package.
Please Note: The Township cannot process a new lottery licence application until all reporting requirements for the organization's previous licence have been satisfied. Please ensure you factor the report processing timeline in relation to submitting your next lottery licence application.
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Reporting
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Licensed charitable or religious organizations must must fulfill all prescribed reporting requirements outlined in the LLPM, the overall Lottery Licence Terms and Conditions, and all terms and condition specific to each lottery scheme.
The Township cannot process a new lottery licence application until all reporting requirements for the organization's previous licence have been satisfied.
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Bazaar
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Please review all relevant terms and conditions, standards and directives, and regulations pertaining to a Bazaar lottery scheme:
Report Form:
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Bingo
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Please review all relevant terms and conditions, standards and directives, and regulations pertaining to a Bingo lottery scheme:
Report Form:
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Break Open Ticket
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Please review all relevant terms and conditions, standards and directives, and regulations pertaining to a Break Open Ticket (BOT) lottery scheme:
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Raffles
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Please review all relevant terms and conditions, standards and directives, and regulations pertaining to Raffle lottery schemes:
Report Forms:
In addition to the information above, please review all relevant terms and conditions, standards, and directives, and regulations pertaining to Electronic Raffle lottery schemes:
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Annual Verified Financial Statements
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The terms and conditions of all charitable lottery licences require each licensed organizations to provide the licensing authority with a verified financial statement within 180 days of the organization's year-end each year.
The type of financial review required depends upon the licensee's gross annual revenues from all sources:
- Licensees that receive less than $250,000 in gross annual revenues must prepare financial statements in accordance with the standards set out in the CPA Canada Handbook.
- Licensees that receive $250,000 or more in gross annual revenues must prepare financial statements in accordance with the standards set out in the CPA Canada Handbook and which have been audited by a public accountant.
With prior approval from the licensing authority, licensees may use proceeds from the lottery to pay the expenses of the financial statements and reports required by this section.
Requirements for providing annual verified financial statements can be found in the AGCO's Lottery Licensing Policy Manual and in the terms and conditions for each lottery scheme.
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Provincial Lottery Licensing
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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.
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Refreshment Vehicles
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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:
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Class "A" - Mobile Food Truck - A motorized vehicle licensed to operate in any zone as set out in the Zoning By-law.
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Class "B" - Stationary Food Truck/Chip Wagon - A stationary vehicle licensed to operate at one specific location.
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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
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| 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.
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Salesperson (Temporary Non-Food Vendors)
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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
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| 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.
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Liquor Licensing
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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:
- Licences for establishments to sell or serve liquor to the public (e.g. bars, restaurants)
- Licences for ferment-on-premises facilities
- Licences to deliver liquor
- Manufacturers' licences
- Licences 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 Licences: Municipal Approval
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The AGCO requires the following documentation from the Township to support either a new liquor sales licence application or an extension of a licensed premise's existing liquor licence:
- 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 Licences webpage. For information on public health inspections, please contact the Region of Waterloo.
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By-the-Glass Endorsement
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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.
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Tied House Liquor Licences
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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.
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Caterer's Endorsement
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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.
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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.
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Special Occasion Permits
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The AGCO administers the Special Occasion Permit (SOP) program, which allows for the sale, service, and consumption of liquor on special occasions (e.g. cash bars at weddings or private receptions, larger-scale events open to the public, charity fundraisers, etc.) The SOP may be issued for:
- Private Events
- Public Events
- Events of provincial, national, or international significance, or events designated by Council or its delegate as an event of municipal significance
- Charity events conducted by a registered charitable organization or non-profit for specific purposes
- Tailgate events
- Industry Promotional Events
- Auctions
For more information, see the Municipally Significant Events section below.
| Notification Requirements |
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For outdoor events, the applicant must provide written notice to the following, informing them of the event and providing a sketch identifying the physical boundaries.
If a tent, marquee, pavilion or tiered seating is used, Building Services staff must also be notified in writing.
The timelines for applicants to provide notification are:
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a minimum of 30 days before the event takes place, if fewer than 5,000 people per day are expected to attend the event; or
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a minimum of 60 days before the event takes place if 5,000 or more people per day are expected to attend the event.
For more information, see the AGCO's Special Occasion Permit Guide.
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| Municipally Significant Events |
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An Event of Municipal Significance requires a designation by the municipality in which the event will take place. SOP applications for a municipally significant public event must be accompanied by a letter from a municipal official designating the event as municipally significant.
The applicant must submit a written request to the Township Clerk, with the Liquor Letter Fee as set-out in the Township's Fees and Charges By-law. Please ensure your request includes:
- Applicant name and contact information
- Organization name, if applicable
- Event name
- Event location, including the address
- Event date(s)
- Event start and end time(s)
- The time(s) during which alcohol will be served
- Event description, including information on why the event is of municipal significance
If the event meets the applicable criteria, Clerk's Division staff will provide the applicant with a letter designating the event as Municipally Significant.
For more information, please visit the Municipally Significant Events section of the AGCO's Liquor Sales Licences webpage. For more information on the event designation process, contact the Township's Licensing Officer.
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Livestock Claim (Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program)
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| 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. |
Marriage Ceremony Request Form
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To schedule a marriage ceremony please complete the Online Marriage Ceremony Request Form or contact Corporate Services staffat 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.
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Marriage Licence
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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.
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Minor Variance
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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.
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Municipal Consent
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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 driling within the road right-of-way.
Applications can be sent to the Township office by email, fax, mail or in-person.
Email: municipalconsents@woolwich.ca
Fax: 519-669-4669
Mail or in-person:
ATTN: Infrastructure Services
24 Church Street West
Elmira, ON N3B 2Z6
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.
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Noise Exemption Requests
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For information on Noise By-law exemption requests, please visit the By-law Enforcement page.
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Official Plan Amendment
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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.
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Pools and Hot Tubs
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Pools and hot tubs require a building permit, you can download the building permit application form from our Building Permit Forms section above. They also are regulated under our Pool Fence By-law.
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Pre-Application Consultation Meeting Request
Development Services Applications
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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)
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Road Work Permits
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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.
Printable application form: Road Work Permit
Completed forms can be sent to the Township office by email, fax, mail or in-person.
Email: municipalconsents@woolwich.ca
Fax: 519-669-4669
Mail or in-person:
ATTN: Infrastructure Services
24 Church Street West
Elmira, ON N3B 2Z6
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.
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Septic Systems
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Major and minor changes or repairs to a septic system requires a building permit application to be filled out and a Schedule 2: Sewage System Installer Information Sheet filled out. You can download the building permit application form and the Schedule 2 from our Building Permit Forms section above.
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Sheds
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Any shed over 108 square feet requires a building permit, you can download the building permit application form from our Building Permit Forms section above
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Sign Permits
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| Signs are regulated under the Township's Sign By-Law and may require a building permit, you can download the building permit application form from our Building Permit Forms section above. 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
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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.
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Special Event Permits
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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.
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Subdivision Approvals
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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.
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Temporary Tents
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Temporary tents or a group of tents that is more than 646 square feet will require a building permit, you can download the building permit application form from our Building Permit Forms section above.
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Zoning
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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.
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