Technical Memorandum No. 1 – General Issues (Draft)

As part of the Town of Fort Erie’s Zoning By-law Review, a series of Technical Memoranda is being prepared to provide background research, identify issues and trends, and inform future zoning directions. Technical Memorandum No. 1 – General Issues is the first step in this process.

This memorandum establishes the key principles that will guide the Zoning By-law Review and identifies opportunities to improve the clarity, usability, and effectiveness of the Town’s zoning framework. It includes a review of the current Zoning By-law 129‑90, highlights best practices from other municipalities, and explores emerging themes such as increased flexibility in zoning, transportation and mobility considerations, improved public accessibility, and modern zoning administration.

The findings of this memo will inform subsequent Technical Memoranda focused on specific land use contexts, including:

  • Residential Areas;
  • Employment and Commercial Areas;
  • Agricultural, Open Space, and Parks; and
  • Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Hazard Lands.

Collectively, the Technical Memoranda will support the development of a new zoning by-law that conforms to the Town’s new Official Plan and advances a clear, consistent, and modern approach to land use regulation.

A copy of the Technical Memorandum No. 1, can be found under the Document Library section of this page.

Zoning By-law Review

The Town of Fort Erie (“Town”) is initiating a Zoning By-law Review (“Project”) to ensure it remains aligned with current Provincial policy, the Town’s new Official Plan, and evolving community needs. The Zoning By-law establishes detailed land use regulations that implement the Town’s new Official Plan, which was adopted by Council in August 2025. The Zoning By-law establishes clear, legally enforceable regulations for development, including permitted uses, building types, setbacks, heights, and site standards.

The new Zoning By-law will replace the current Zoning By-law 129-90. In accordance with the Planning Act, Council must undertake update the Zoning By-law to implement the new Official Plan. The new Zoning By-law will serve as a long-term regulatory framework for the Town, supporting economically sustainable growth while fostering strong, resilient, and vibrant communities.

Upon Project completion, the Town will have an updated Zoning By-law that is forward-looking, user-friendly, and tailored to the Town’s local context. These documents will ensure that future growth and development are implemented in a manner that conforms with the Official Plan and reflects of the community’s unique characteristics, needs, and aspirations.

Get Involved

The Town invites you to participate in the Zoning By-law Review. Engagement will occur throughout the Project to hear and learn from residents, share key findings and updates, and present and gather feedback on emerging ideas and topics.

Notifications about upcoming ways to get involved will be posted on this webpage. We encourage you to stay up to date with our eNewsletter or to check the Key Dates section for additional information on engagement events. Your perspective and input will help shape the future form and character of the Town!