2026 Parkland Dedication By-law Update

The Town of The Blue Mountains has initiated a review to update and replace its existing Parkland Dedication By-law (2003-31).

Approved in 2003, the current By-law no longer reflects recent legislative changes to the Planning Act and Town Policies. This update will ensure the Town’s approach to parkland dedication is aligned with current provincial requirements and best practices.

The new By-law will introduce provincially mandated updates and provide clearer direction on how parkland dedication is calculated across different development types and land uses. Proposed changes also include exemptions for certain types of development, such as on-farm diversified uses, reduced parkland dedication requirements to support affordable housing and a simplified flat-rate approach for residential severances.

The updated Parkland Dedication By-law will apply to all lands within the Town of The Blue Mountains.

On this page:
1. About Parkland Dedication
2. Get Involved
3. Staff Reports and Council Decisions

About Parkland Dedication

Under Section 42 of the Planning Act, municipalities have the authority to require the dedication of land for park purposes, or the payment of cash-in-lieu, as a condition of development or redevelopment. This tool enables the Town to secure land or funding through the development process to support the growth and improvement of parks and open spaces.

By aligning parkland contributions with new development, the Town can ensure its park system grows alongside the community. This approach helps maintain access to safe, well-located and functional parks and recreational spaces for both current and future residents.

On October 25, 2022, the Ontario government introduced the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23), amending provisions affecting parkland dedication and cash-in-lieu requirements.
Key changes include:
- Reduced parkland requirements for affordable and attainable housing units.
- Exemptions for certain accessory residential units and non-profit housing.
- Introduction of alternative rates for land dedication and cash-in-lieu, with maximum limits.
- Requirements for fund administration, reporting and transparency.
Since the adoption of the Town’s 2003 Parkland Dedication By-law, legislative changes and updates through the Draft Official Plan (2025) have created the need to review and revise the By-law to ensure it complies with current provincial legislation and aligns with the Draft Official Plan’s policies on parkland provision.

Get Involved

In accordance with Ontario Regulation 509/20 under the Planning Act, this review will include opportunities for public consultation. Feedback from the public, Council, and Town staff will help inform and shape the recommended revisions to the updated Parkland Dedication By-law.

Public Meeting

A Public Meeting regarding this project was held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in a hybrid format (in-person AND virtual/online).

View Notice of Public Meeting

View Town Presentation Watch Public Meeting Recording

Stay tuned or subscribe for updates and future engagement opportunities.

Staff Reports and Council Decisions

Staff Report PBS.26.005 was presented at the January 13, 2026, Committee of the Whole meeting to provide Council with an update on the review of the Town’s Parkland Dedication By-law. A draft version of the proposed By-law was included as an attachment to the report. The Committee voted 6 - 0 to receive the report and directed staff to proceed with public consultation on the draft By-law.
The discussion begins at the 6:46:19 mark of the meeting recording.
View Committee of the Whole Meeting Recording