RNG Facility Commissioning & Testing Update

Waste Management (WM) is beginning the testing phase to prepare for the upcoming opening of our new Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility. This process started this past week and will take about 6 weeks to complete. What to Expect • Testing & Commissioning: WM will be thoroughly testing the facility systems over the next month and a half. • Potential Odours & Flaring: While major disruptions to the gas collection system are not expected, this onboarding period may cause short, periodic shutdowns. Th

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Planning

The Planning Department manages land use and growth to ensure the Township of Warwick remains a vibrant and sustainable community. Land use planning in the Township is governed by the Ontario Planning Act and must be consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS). These provincial frameworks ensure that land use decisions protect provincial interests, such as the management of natural resources and the coordination of regional infrastructure.

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to review the applicable process guides provided below, consult with the Planning Department, and/or schedule a pre-consultation meeting with Planning staff before submitting a formal application. This process ensures proposal alignment with local regulations and identifies necessary supporting documentation. Most planning applications are subject to administrative fees as outlined in the Planning Fees and Applications section.

The Township of Warwick retained NPG Planning Solutions Inc. (NPG) to undertake a Zoning By-law Review. Under the Planning Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13), local councils are required to amend their Zoning By-law to align with a new or updated Official Plan. Warwick’s updated Official Plan was adopted by Council on July 28, 2021, and was subsequently approved by the County of Lambton on August 17, 2021.

The Township of Warwick’s current Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 121 of 2012 was adopted by Council on December 12, 2012. Since the Official Plan has been approved, the Zoning By-law will need to be brought into conformity with the approved Official Plan.

Draft Documents

Residents can review a Draft of the Proposed Revised Zoning By-law at the following links:

Public Engagement

Attend one of the following events at the Municipal Office to get more information or provide your input. View the Notice of Open House and Public Meeting for additional details:

  • Open House – September 8, 2026, from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
  • Public Meeting – September 15, 2026, at 7:00 P.M.

Written comments can be submitted to:

Township of Warwick

5280 Nauvoo Road, PO Box 10

Watford, ON N0M 2S0

Phone: 226-848-3926

Email: warwick.planning@county-lambton.on.ca

 

The Official Plan is a statutory document required by the Province of Ontario. Prepared with public input, it serves as the community’s primary policy framework to ensure that future development meets the specific needs of Warwick residents and businesses. It establishes a long-term vision for the Township, providing policy direction for housing, agriculture, infrastructure, and natural heritage.

Official Plan Documents The 2021 Warwick Official Plan consists of the primary policy document supported by various technical appendices and schedules.

Official Plan Amendments (OPA) If a proposed development does not align with the designations specified in the Official Plan, an amendment is required. The OPA process involves public consultation and requires approval from both Warwick Township Council and the County of Lambton, to ensure conformity with County and Provincial policies, community goals, and good planning principles.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the process guide and consult with the Planning Department before submitting an application.

The Zoning By-Law (By-law 121 of 2012) implements the policies of the Official Plan by establishing specific, legally enforceable regulations for land use. While the Official Plan provides high-level direction, the Zoning By-law governs the day-to-day use of land and the placement of structures to ensure compatibility between neighboring properties and the orderly development of the community.

The Zoning By-law regulates specific development standards, including:

  • Permitted land uses and building types for every property in the Township.
  • Minimum lot dimensions, including frontage and depth.
  • Required setbacks from property lines and street centers.
  • Maximum building heights and lot coverage percentages.
  • Requirements for off-street parking and loading facilities.

Zoning Documents and Mapping The primary By-law document is supported by several schedules that provide the spatial mapping for the Township’s various zones.

Zoning By-law Amendments (ZBA) If a property owner proposes to develop or use a property in a manner that does not comply with the current Zoning By-law, a Zoning By-law Amendment is required. For instance, converting a residential structure into a commercial business necessitates an amendment to change the permitted use of the land.

The amendment process involves a formal application, a technical review by Planning staff, and a statutory public meeting. Certain complex developments may require a Zoning Amendment in conjunction with an Official Plan Amendment or a Site Plan Agreement. Decisions on Zoning By-law Amendment applications are made by the Township Council,  and must conform to Official Plan policies.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the process guide and consult with the Planning Department before submitting an application.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the process guide and consult with the Planning Department before submitting an application.

Zoning Certificates To obtain a formal Zoning Certificate or for information regarding associated fees, please contact the Planning Department at the County of Lambton. This certificate confirms the current zoning of a property and is often required for property sales or financial transactions.

A Minor Variance provides a process to seek relief from specific requirements of the Township of Warwick Zoning By-law. This is typically required when a proposed project (such as a building addition or a new structure) cannot meet a technical standard, such as a setback or height restriction, due to the unique physical constraints of the property.

To be approved under the Planning Act, a Minor Variance must satisfy four statutory tests. The proposal must:

  • Maintain the general intent and purpose of the Township of Warwick Official Plan.
  • Maintain the general intent and purpose of the Township of Warwick Zoning By-law.
  • Be desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building, or structure.
  • Be minor in nature.

Applications are heard and decided by the Committee of Adjustment. Property owners, or authorized agents, are encouraged to schedule a pre-consultation meeting with the Planning Department to confirm the requirements before filing an application.

A Consent is the formal authorization required to divide land to create a new lot or parcel. Consent is also mandatory for boundary adjustments, rights-of-way, easements, and any lease or mortgage agreement exceeding 21 years.

The Committee of Adjustment reviews each application to ensure it aligns with the Township’s growth strategies, applicable planning policies and regulations,  and does not result in the unnecessary fragmentation of agricultural land.

Surplus Farm Dwelling Severances In instances where a farm consolidation results in a residential dwelling becoming surplus to the farming operation, specific policies apply. These applications are subject to distinct criteria to ensure the remaining agricultural land remains protected for farming use.

Prospective applicants should consult with the Planning Department to discuss the feasibility of a severance before submitting a formal application.

Certificate of Cancellation (Facilitate Lot Merger)

In some situations, a property owner may wish to merge lots on title or may wish to adjust the boundary between two lots, but a past consent may prevent it. In such situations, the Committee of Adjustment can issue what is called a "Certificate of Cancellation" to nullify the effect of the consent and allow the merger. Contact Planning Staff to discuss if this may be appropriate in your situation and for instructions on how to submit a written request for a Certificate of Cancellation. 

Certificate of Validation (Validate Title)

If you discover that the Land Registry Office does not deem your lands to have a clear title because of a past land conveyance that contraveneed the Planning Act, the Committee of Adjustment can issue what is called a "Certificate of Validation" to nullify the effect of the past contravention. Contact Planning Staff to discuss if this may be appropriate in your situation and for instructions on how to submit a written request for a Certificate of Validation.

Site Plan Control is a technical review process used for commercial, industrial, and multi-residential developments. The purpose of this review is to ensure that the "on-site" elements of a development are safe, functional, and compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.

The review focuses on the physical arrangement of the property, including:

  • Grading, drainage, and stormwater management.
  • Landscaping, fencing, and required buffering.
  • Exterior lighting, signage, and waste disposal facilities.
  • Safe pedestrian and vehicular access, including parking layout and loading areas.

Once the technical review is complete, the owner enters into a Site Plan Agreement with the Township. This agreement is registered on the title of the property and serves as a permanent record of the development requirements. Most developments in these categories require Site Plan Approval before a building permit can be issued.

Plan of Subdivision and Condominium

The County of Lambton facilitates Plans of Subdivision and Condominium for the Township of Warwick. Please visit their website for more information.

On April 11, 2023, Warwick Township Council enacted a new Development Charges (DCs) By-Law. DCs are imposed to allow for the recovery of growth-related capital expenditures that occur as a result of providing municipal services to new residential and non-residential development.

You may view By-law 23-2023 for the full details.

For current DC rates, please view the Warwick DC Report.

Navigating the planning process requires specific documentation and the payment of administrative fees to cover the costs of public notices, professional reviews, and committee meetings. To streamline your project, all primary forms and financial information are consolidated here.

Planning Fees All planning applications are subject to the fees outlined in the Township’s current Fee Schedule. These fees must be paid at the time of submission for an application to be considered complete.

Consolidated Application Forms

NOTE: Before submitting any of the above, you are strongly encouraged to consult with and/or attend a pre-consultation meeting with Planning staff to identify any required supporting studies (e.g., environmental impact studies, traffic reports). Doing so will help avoid delays in approval or having your application deemed incomplete.

The Township of Warwick is committed to a transparent planning process. This section provides the public with access to information regarding current development proposals that are subject to a statutory public meeting.

Here you can find public notices, location maps, and supporting documents for applications currently under review.

Current Council Planning Applications:

  • None at this time

Current Committee of Adjustment Applications:

Archives of past planning decisions can be requested by contacting the Clerk’s Department.