What is a Statement of Compatibility?
A Statement of Compatibility is a written summary that shows how your proposed project aligns with the City of Wrenford Official Plan. When you apply for a planning decision, staff need to see that your proposal supports the city’s long-term goals for growth, neighbourhood character, infrastructure, and the environment.
When do I need one?
Under the Planning Act, 2019, you must include a Statement of Compatibility with most formal planning applications. These include:
- Rezoning applications
- Site plan control applications
- Minor variance requests to the Committee of Adjustment
- Official plan amendment applications
- Subdivision applications
If you are applying for a building permit or a development variance permit, a separate statement is usually not required because the Zoning By-law 2016-040 and building code already cover those details.
What to include in your statement
Your statement should be clear, concise, and easy for staff and the public to read. Use the Official Plan as your main guide. Address the following points:
- Policy references: List the specific sections, objectives, and policies of the Official Plan that your proposal meets or supports.
- Land use compatibility: Explain how the proposed use fits with the surrounding area and the planned district.
- Neighbourhood character: Describe how the design, height, and scale respect the existing neighbourhood or planned future character.
- Infrastructure and services: Confirm that roads, transit, parks, water, and sewer capacity can support the project.
- Environmental and public safety considerations: Note any steps taken to protect trees, manage stormwater, or reduce noise and traffic impacts.
Keep your statement to no more than five pages. Attach maps, drawings, or studies as separate appendices.
How to submit your statement
Include your completed Statement of Compatibility with your application package. You can submit it:
- Online through the Planning Application Search Tool portal
- By email to [email protected]
- In person at Room 202, Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street
Staff will review your statement during the completeness check. If it does not clearly address the relevant Official Plan policies, we will contact you to request additional information before the application moves forward. The application fee is not refunded if a statement is returned for missing details.
Need help drafting your statement?
Planning staff can review a draft before you submit it, but they cannot write the statement for you. To schedule a pre-application meeting or ask questions about the Official Plan, contact the Planning Services team:
Planning Services
Room 202, Wrenford City Hall
100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 519-555-0100
For general questions about how the city plans for growth, see the Official Plan Summary page.