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Town of Fort Frances
Final Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances
Final Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Prepared for:
Town of Fort Frances
Planning Department
320 Portage Avenue, P9A 3P9
Fort Frances, ON
Phone: (807) 274-5323 ext. 1216
Prepared by:
WSP
2611 Queensview Drive, Suite 300
Ottawa, ON K2B 8K2
T: (613) 829-2800
Front and Inner Cover Photos: WSP, 2023
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
i
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
The Town of Fort Frances Comprehensive Zoning By-law 93-25 came into effect on December
8, 2025.
The following Table lists all of the Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law Office Consolidations
prepared to incorporate all amendments approved following December 8, 2025. While every
effort has been made to incorporate all approved amendments, the Town of Fort Frances does
not warrant or guarantee that there are no errors or omissions in this Office Consolidation.
This Office Consolidation has been prepared for the purpose of convenience only. For accurate
reference, the original Comprehensive Zoning By-law and amendments thereto should be
consulted.
Office Consolidation Date
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
The following Table lists all of the approved amendments to the Town of Fort Frances Zoning
By-law following December 8, 2025.
By-Law
Number
Date Passed by
Town Council
Effect of By-Law on Zoning By-Law Text
and / or Schedule A-1, A-2
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
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Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Table of Contents
1.1
Title............................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2
Lands Subject to this By-law .................................................................................................... 1
1.3
Scope of this By-law .................................................................................................................. 1
1.4
Interpretation .............................................................................................................................. 1
1.5
Zones ........................................................................................................................................... 2
1.5.1 Holding Zones ......................................................................................................................... 2
1.5.2 Primary Zones ......................................................................................................................... 3
1.5.3 Subzones ................................................................................................................................. 3
1.5.4 Exception Zones ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.5.5 Temporary Use By-Law ......................................................................................................... 3
1.6
Request for Amendments ......................................................................................................... 3
1.7
Zoning Schedules ...................................................................................................................... 4
1.7.1 Zones ........................................................................................................................................ 4
1.7.2 Schedules ................................................................................................................................ 4
1.7.3 Determination of Zone Boundaries ...................................................................................... 4
1.8
Permits ......................................................................................................................................... 4
1.9
Enforcement and Penalties ....................................................................................................... 5
1.10 Validity ......................................................................................................................................... 5
1.11 Repeal of Existing By-Laws....................................................................................................... 5
1.12 Effective Date .............................................................................................................................. 6
3.1
Accessory Uses, Buildings, and Structures ......................................................................... 37
3.2
Additional Residential Units .................................................................................................... 38
3.2.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 38
3.3
Adequate Municipal Services ................................................................................................. 40
3.4
Breweries .................................................................................................................................. 40
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
3.4.1 Microbrewery ........................................................................................................................ 41
3.4.2 Nanobrewery ......................................................................................................................... 41
3.5
Community Garden.................................................................................................................. 41
3.6
Established Building Line in Residential Zone ..................................................................... 42
3.7
Frontage on a Public Road ..................................................................................................... 42
3.8
Group Homes and Crisis Centres .......................................................................................... 43
3.9
Home Industry .......................................................................................................................... 43
3.10 Home Occupations .................................................................................................................. 44
3.11 Kennels ...................................................................................................................................... 45
3.12 Minimum Opening Elevation .................................................................................................. 45
3.13 Mobile Restaurants .................................................................................................................. 45
3.14 Motor Vehicle Gas Bar ............................................................................................................ 46
3.15 Multiple Zones on One Lot / Split Zoning ............................................................................. 46
3.16 Non-Conforming Uses ............................................................................................................. 46
3.17 Non-Complying Lots, Buildings, and Structures ................................................................. 47
3.18 Obnoxious Uses ....................................................................................................................... 48
3.19 Outdoor Storage ...................................................................................................................... 49
3.20 Peat Extraction, Pits and Quarries ......................................................................................... 49
3.21 Permitted Height and Yard Encroachments ......................................................................... 49
3.21.1 Height Exceptions ................................................................................................................. 49
3.21.2 Permitted Yard Encroachments ......................................................................................... 49
3.22 Planting Strips .......................................................................................................................... 51
3.23 Public Uses ............................................................................................................................... 51
3.24 Recreational Vehicles and Tents ........................................................................................... 52
3.24.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 52
3.24.2 Tents ....................................................................................................................................... 52
3.24.3 Motor Homes, Truck Campers, and Camper Trailers ..................................................... 53
3.25 Shipping Containers ................................................................................................................ 53
3.26 Sight Triangles .......................................................................................................................... 54
3.27 Special Setback Requirements .............................................................................................. 55
3.27.1 Development Abutting Watercourses ................................................................................ 55
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
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Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
3.27.2 Setbacks from Railways ....................................................................................................... 55
3.27.3 Waste Disposal Area Setbacks ........................................................................................... 56
3.28 Structures in Water .................................................................................................................. 56
3.29 Temporary Uses ....................................................................................................................... 56
4.1
Minimum Off-Street Parking Requirements ......................................................................... 57
4.2
Parking Area Regulations ....................................................................................................... 60
4.3
Barrier-Free Parking Spaces .................................................................................................. 61
4.4
Bicycle Parking Requirements ............................................................................................... 63
4.5
Loading Space Requirements ................................................................................................ 63
4.6
Drive-Through Businesses...................................................................................................... 64
5.1
Establishment of Zones ........................................................................................................... 66
5.2
Residential Type One (R1) Zone ............................................................................................ 67
5.2.1 Permitted Uses ...................................................................................................................... 67
5.2.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses .......................................................................................... 67
5.2.3 Exception Zones ................................................................................................................... 68
5.3
Residential Type Two (R2) Zone ............................................................................................ 69
5.3.1 Permitted Uses ...................................................................................................................... 69
5.3.2 Regulations for Single-Detached Dwellings ...................................................................... 69
5.3.3 Regulations for Semi-Detached, Duplex, Triplex, Fourplex, Townhouse Dwellings ... 69
5.3.4 Regulations for Apartment Dwellings ................................................................................ 70
5.3.5 Regulations for Boarding / Rooming House ...................................................................... 70
5.3.6 Exception Zones ................................................................................................................... 71
5.4
Residential Mobile Home (R3) Zone ...................................................................................... 73
5.4.1 Permitted Uses ...................................................................................................................... 73
5.4.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses .......................................................................................... 73
5.4.3 Regulations for Mobile Home Sites within a Mobile Home Park .................................... 73
5.4.4 Exception Zones ................................................................................................................... 74
5.5
Seasonal Residential (SR) Zone ............................................................................................ 75
5.5.1 Permitted Uses ...................................................................................................................... 75
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5.5.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses .......................................................................................... 75
5.5.3 Exception Zones ................................................................................................................... 75
5.6
Neighbourhood Commercial (NC) Zone ............................................................................... 76
5.6.1 Permitted Uses ...................................................................................................................... 76
5.6.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses .......................................................................................... 76
5.6.3 Exception Zones ................................................................................................................... 77
5.7
General Commercial (GC) Zone ............................................................................................ 78
5.7.1 Permitted Uses ...................................................................................................................... 78
5.7.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses .......................................................................................... 78
5.7.3 Exception Zones ................................................................................................................... 79
5.8
Mixed Use (MU) Zone ............................................................................................................. 80
5.8.1 Permitted Uses ...................................................................................................................... 80
5.8.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses .......................................................................................... 80
5.8.3 Exception Zones ................................................................................................................... 81
5.9
Highway Commercial (HC) Zone ........................................................................................... 82
5.9.1 Permitted Uses ...................................................................................................................... 82
5.9.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses .......................................................................................... 82
5.9.3 Exception Zones ................................................................................................................... 83
5.10 Tourist Commercial (TC) Zone .............................................................................................. 84
5.10.1 Permitted Uses ...................................................................................................................... 84
5.10.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses .......................................................................................... 84
5.10.3 Exception Zones ................................................................................................................... 85
5.11 Light Industrial (M1) Zone ....................................................................................................... 86
5.11.1 Permitted Uses ...................................................................................................................... 86
5.11.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses .......................................................................................... 86
5.11.3 Exception Zones ................................................................................................................... 87
5.12 Heavy Industrial (M2) Zone .................................................................................................... 88
5.12.1 Permitted Uses ...................................................................................................................... 88
5.12.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses .......................................................................................... 88
5.12.3 Exception Zones ................................................................................................................... 89
5.13 Waste Disposal Industrial (M3) Zone .................................................................................... 90
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
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Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5.13.1 Permitted Uses ...................................................................................................................... 90
5.13.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses .......................................................................................... 90
5.13.3 Exception Zones ................................................................................................................... 90
5.14 Institutional (I) Zone ................................................................................................................. 91
5.14.1 Permitted Uses ...................................................................................................................... 91
5.14.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses .......................................................................................... 91
5.14.3 Exception Zones ................................................................................................................... 92
5.15 Open Space (OS) Zone .......................................................................................................... 93
5.15.1 Permitted Uses ...................................................................................................................... 93
5.15.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses .......................................................................................... 93
5.15.3 Exception Zones ................................................................................................................... 93
5.16 Resource Development (RD) Zone ........................................................................................ 94
5.16.1 Permitted Uses ...................................................................................................................... 94
5.16.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses .......................................................................................... 94
5.16.3 Exception Zones ................................................................................................................... 94
5.17 Future Development (FD) Zone ............................................................................................. 95
5.17.1 Permitted Uses ...................................................................................................................... 95
5.17.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses .......................................................................................... 95
5.17.3 Exception Zones ................................................................................................................... 96
7.1
Force and Effect ....................................................................................................................... 98
7.2
Readings by Council ................................................................................................................ 98
7.3
Certification ............................................................................................................................... 98
Schedules
Schedule A-1
Rural Area - Zones
Schedule A-2
Settlement Area - Zones
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Territorial Acknowledgment
We respect and truly acknowledge that we are on treaty three territory, the traditional land of the
Anishinaabe and the Métis Nation. We give gratitude and honour to the Ancestors, Elders and all
Anishinaabe and Métis People for sharing their resources and knowledge.
Section 1.0 Administration
Final Zoning By-law - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
1
1.0 Administration and Interpretation
1.1 Title
This By-law may be referred to as "The Zoning By-Law of the Town of Fort Frances", the
"Zoning By-law", or By-law No. 93-25 of the Town of Fort Frances.
1.2 Lands Subject to this By-law
The provisions of this By-law shall apply to the whole of the Town of Fort Frances.
1.3 Scope of this By-law
a) No person shall use or cause or permit to be used any land, or erect, alter or use or cause
or permit to be erected, altered or used any building except in compliance with the
provisions of this By-law.
b) No land shall be used and no building or structures shall be erected, altered, enlarged, or
used within the municipal boundaries of the Town of Fort Frances except in compliance
with the provisions of this By-law.
c) This By-Law shall not reduce or mitigate any restrictions lawfully imposed by a government
authority having jurisdiction for any such revision. When the regulations or requirements of
any government authority impose greater restrictions than the restrictions imposed by this
By-law, then such greater restrictions shall govern.
1.4 Interpretation
a) This Zoning By-law should be read in its entirety, in conjunction with Schedule A-1 Rural
Area - Zones and Schedule A-2 Settlement Area - Zones, to determine the provisions
which apply to a lot, use, building or structure.
b) Illustrations are provided and form part of this By-law to clarify the intent of a definition
and/or regulation.
c) Character styles are provided for convenience purposes only. The usage or omissions of the
following shall not be considered to change the intent or meaning this By-law or any part
thereof:
i.
The terms that are defined in Section 2.0 Definitions of this By-law have been
bolded;
ii.
Section references to this By-law have been bolded;
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
iii.
The titles of Federal or Provincial legislation are underlined.
d) In this By-Law, unless the context requires otherwise the definitions set out in Section 2.0
Definitions shall apply. Where the term is not defined, its common usage shall apply.
e) The provisions of this By-law shall be held to the minimum requirements, except where the
word maximum is used, in which case the maximum requirement shall apply.
f) In this By-law, unless the context requires otherwise, words used in the singular number
include the plural and vice versa; words in the present tense include the future and vice
versa; and the masculine includes the feminine and vice versa.
g) In this By-law, the word "shall" and "will" means mandatory.
h) In this By-law, the words "used" and "occupied" shall include "intended," "arranged" and
"designed" to be used or occupied.
i) Measurements of length and area used in this By-law are given in metric units (e.g.,
hectares, metres). Where any provision in this By-law has been converted from imperial
standards to metric standards, any use, building or lot which was previously in compliance
with the imperial standard at the date of the passing of this By-law shall be deemed to
comply. Rounding associated with conversions from imperial standards to metric standards
shall be subject to the discretion of the Town.
j) Where reference is made in this Zoning By-law to other documents, such as Federal or
Provincial Acts, or other legislation, or to other documents that are not part of this By-law, it
is understood that it is the latest approved version of the document that is being reference
unless otherwise specified.
k) Where this By-law makes reference to the jurisdiction of a public authority or public
agency, and where the name or responsibilities of such public authority or public agency
are changed hereafter, the said reference shall be deemed to include any and all successors
to such public agency having jurisdiction over matters to which the said reference applies.
l) In the event of a conflict between this By-law and amendments thereto and any other
general or special By-law of the Town, the most restrictive By-law shall prevail.
1.5 Zones
1.5.1 Holding Zones
Where an "(H)" prefix is included in any Zone and noted on Schedules A-1 and A-2, the lands
shall be deemed to be in a Holding Zone.
Where a Holding Zone applies, notwithstanding the permitted uses section of such Zone, no
land shall be utilized, and no building(s) and/or structure(s) shall be erected or used for any
purpose other than for uses existing on the date of passing of this By-law, or for any use
Section 1.0 Administration
Final Zoning By-law - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
3
described in an amendment by-law implementing a Holding Zone, until such time as the holding
designation has been removed.
Council may pass a By-law to remove the Holding Zone provision when Council has approved
a Site Plan or a Subdivision Agreement has been registered against the title of the lands. No
new buildings or structures may be constructed on the lands until the Holding Zone provision
(H) has been removed. Until such time as the Holding Zone provision has been removed by a
By-law passed by Council, the lands may be used for existing uses in accordance with the
provisions of the applicable Zone. Upon removal of the Holding Zone provision, all permitted
uses in such Zone shall once again continue to be permitted uses.
1.5.2 Primary Zones
Primary Zones are the basic structural unit of this Zoning By-Law and identify permitted uses
and regulations. Primary Zones are indicated by a set of symbols.
1.5.3 Subzones
Subzones are created by adding a number to the primary Zone code, and have the effect of
modifying the uses or the regulations of the primary Zone to the extent set out in the text of the
provisions for that subzone.
1.5.4 Exception Zones
Where the Zone classification is followed by square brackets and a number this denotes an
Exception Zone. Lands so zoned shall be subject to all of the provisions of the Zone
represented by the classification except as otherwise provided by the Exception Zone
provisions.
1.5.5 Temporary Use By-Law
Where a Zone classification is followed by a dash (-) and the letter "T", this denotes a temporary
use By-law pursuant to Section 39 of the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990, as amended. Details
concerning the temporary use are listed at the end of the specific Zone category and/or listed in
the Exception Zone subsections of this By-Law.
1.6 Request for Amendments
a) A request for an amendment to this By-law shall be accompanied by a completed copy of
the appropriate application form and all required supporting studies and documents as
requested by the Town or Council.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
b) Minor amendments to the Zoning By-law are permitted without adopting a formal
amendment under Section 34 of the Planning Act providing they do not change the intent of
the Zoning By-Law. Minor amendments include: number changes; cross references, and
correction of grammatical or typographical errors.
1.7 Zoning Schedules
1.7.1 Zones
For the purposes of this By-law, the Zones may be referred to by the name or Zone code.
1.7.2 Schedules
Schedule A-1 and A-2 - Zones consists of maps which form part of this By-law. The extent and
boundaries of all Zones are shown on Schedules A-1 and A-2. The colours provided on each of
these maps are for easy reference and Zone distinction. These colors do not form part of this
By-law, nor do they serve any legal purpose.
1.7.3 Determination of Zone Boundaries
Where any uncertainty exists as to the location of the boundary of any of the said Zones as
shown on Schedules A-1 and A-2, the following provisions shall apply:
a) A Zone boundary shown approximately at a lot line, street or laneway is considered to be
at the boundary of the lot line, street, or laneway.
b) A Zone boundary shown approximately in the centre line of a street or laneway is
considered at the centre line of the street or laneway.
c) A Zone boundary shown as following approximately a shoreline or the centre line of a
watercourse is considered to be the present shoreline or centre line and moves with any
natural change in the watercourse.
d) Where a Zone boundary is shown on Schedules A-1 and A-2, the Zone symbol within the
boundary shall apply to all lands within such boundary.
1.8 Permits
No person shall be entitled to a municipal permit, certificate, or license where the said permit is
required for a proposed use of land or a proposed erection, alteration, enlargement or use of
any building or structure that is in violation of any provisions of this By-law.
Section 1.0 Administration
Final Zoning By-law - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5
1.9 Enforcement and Penalties
a) Unless otherwise stated, this By-law shall be administered and enforced by the Town of Fort
Frances Municipal Planner or designate, including the By-Law Enforcement, as appointed,
from time to time, by Council for the Town of Fort Frances.
b) Every person who contravenes any provision of this By-law is guilty of an offence and upon
conviction is liable to a fine as provided for by the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990,
Chapter c. P.33, as amended.
c) Any person convicted of a violation of this By-law is liable, at the discretion of the convicting
Justice, on first conviction to a fine of not more than $25,000 and on a subsequent
conviction to a fine of not more than $10,000 for each day or part thereof upon which the
contravention has continued after the day on which that person was first convicted in
accordance with the Planning Act.
d) Any Corporation convicted of violation of this By-law is liable, on first conviction, to a fine of
not more than $50,000 and on a subsequent conviction to a fine of not more than $25,000
for each day or part thereof upon which the contravention has continued after the day on
which the person was convicted, in accordance with the Planning Act.
e) Where a conviction is entered, in addition to any other remedy or any penalty provided by
law, the Court in which the conviction has been entered, and any Court of competent
jurisdiction thereafter, may make an Order prohibiting the continuation or repetition of the
offence by the person convicted.
1.10 Validity
If any Section or provision of this By-law, including anything contained in Schedules A-1 and A-
2 attached hereto, is for any reason declared by a Court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid,
the same shall not affect the validity of the By-law as a whole or any part thereof other than the
Section or provision so declared to be invalid and it is hereby declared to be the intention that all
the remaining Sections or provisions of this By-law shall remain in full force and effect until
repealed, notwithstanding that one or more provisions thereof shall have been declared to be
invalid.
1.11 Repeal of Existing By-Laws
Zoning By-Law 03/14, and all amendments thereto are hereby repealed.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
1.12 Effective Date
This By-law shall come into force the day that it was passed by Council, subject to the appeal
provisions of the Planning Act, as amended.
Section 2.0 Definitions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
7
2.0 Definitions
A
Accessory
A use, separate building or structure, which is usually incidental, subordinate, and functionally
associated with a principal use, and located on the same lot as the principal use, building or
structure.
Addition
In reference to a building or structure, an expansion of the building or structure.
Additional Residential Unit
A self-contained dwelling unit with kitchen and bathroom facilities that are intended for the
exclusive use of the unit only, which is secondary to a main dwelling unit, and which is
contained within a permitted single-detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, or
townhouse dwelling, or which is contained in a building or structure that is ancillary to a
permitted single-detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, or townhouse dwelling, and
which is accessed through a private entrance outside the main dwelling unit or through a
common hallway or stairway within the main dwelling unit.
Adult Entertainment Parlour
As defined in the Municipal Act, 2001 and includes any premises or part thereof where a body
rub is performed, offered or solicited in pursuance of a trade, calling, business, or occupation,
but does not include any premises or part thereof where the body rubs performed are for the
purpose of medical or therapeutic treatment and are performed or offered by persons otherwise
duly qualified, licensed or registered so to do under the laws of the Province of Ontario. An
adult entertainment parlour is required to be licensed under the Town's Business Licensing
By-law 57/05, as amended or its successor.
Agricultural Building
Any building or structure customarily used in connection with an agricultural use other than a
residence.
Agricultural Use
Means the growing of crops, including nursery, biomass, and horticultural crops; raising of
livestock; raising of other animals for food, fur, or fibre, including poultry and fish; aquaculture;
apiaries; agroforestry; and maple syrup production. Agricultural uses may include associated
on-farm buildings and structures, including, but not limited to livestock facilities, manure
storage, value-retaining facilities, and accommodation for full-time farm labour when the size and
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
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nature of the operation requires additional employment. Agricultural uses may include
associated agricultural uses including any use that is deemed to be consistent with normal
farming practices.
Aisle
Means a portion of a parking lot, which abuts one (1) or more off-street parking spaces to
which it provides access and which is not used for the parking of motor vehicles.
Animal Care
Means an establishment for the caring, grooming, and training of household pets. Animal care
does not include an animal hospital or a kennel.
Animal Hospital
A building or part of a building used by veterinarians, their staff, and their patients to provide
grooming, medical or surgical treatments, or similar services, and includes overnight
accommodation.
Asphalt Plant
Means an industrial establishment used for the production of asphalt or asphalt products used in
building or construction and includes facilities for the administration of the business, the
stockpiling of bulk materials used in the production process, or a finished product manufactured
on the premises and the storage and maintenance of required equipment.
Asphalt Plant, Portable
Means a temporary asphalt plant established for a public road project.
Assembly Hall
A building, or part of a building, in which facilities are provided for such purposes as meetings
for civic, educational, political, religious or social purposes and may include a bingo hall, a
banquet hall, private club, or fraternal organization.
Attached
A building otherwise complete in itself, which depends for structural support or complete
enclosure, upon a division wall or walls shared in common with an adjacent building or
buildings.
Art Gallery
A building, place or area where paintings, sculptures or other works of art are exhibited or sold.
Section 2.0 Definitions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
9
B
Bar
A bar or public house as defined by the Liquor License Act, but does not include a hotel or
restaurant.
Basement
Basement means one (1) or more storeys of a building located below the first storey.
Bed and Breakfast
A home occupation within a single-detached dwelling wherein not more than five (5) guest
rooms are rented for gain or profit with breakfast included, for the temporary accommodation of
the traveling public and includes the living accommodation of the residents of the dwelling.
Boarding / Rooming House
A building containing boarding / rooming units, and which may also contain dwelling units
and an accessory office and provides accommodation for at least three (3) persons and no
more than ten (10). The definition of a boarding / rooming house does not include a hotel,
motel, or a residential dwelling.
Boarding / Rooming Unit
A furnished or unfurnished room, or suite of rooms including no more than two (2) bedrooms,
within a boarding / rooming house that constitutes an independent residential occupancy, but
which is not self-contained and which requires access to other parts of the boarding / rooming
house intended to serve the residents, including kitchen and sanitary facilities or common
areas. The definition of a boarding / rooming unit does not include a dwelling unit.
Boathouse
A building used for the storage of boats and boating equipment.
Boat Slip
A single parking space for a boat or other marine vessel forming part of a dock, boathouse, or
other mooring facilities.
Brewery
A building that is used for the self-contained manufacturing, production, storage, packaging,
bottling, canning, and shipping of beer authorized by a license issued by the Alcohol and
Gaming Commission of Ontario and may include the following accessory uses:
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
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a) An area where products made on the premises and products made off the premises, by
or in collaboration with another brewery, wintery, or distillery, are sold to the general
public for consumption on the premises;
b) A private hospitality area for tasting and dining where products made on the premises
are provided to private groups;
c) An area for the retail sale of products made on the premises for consumption off the
premises;
d) Special events and tours; and
e) An office for administration purposes.
Brewery, Micro
A brewery completely contained within a structure that produces 300,000 litres or more, but
less than 1,500,000 litres of beer per year.
Brewery, Nano
A brewery completely contained within a structure that produces less than 300,000 litres of
beer per year.
Building
Any roofed structure, whether temporary or permanent, used or intended to be used for
shelter, accommodation or enclosure of persons, animals, materials or equipment and includes
any vessel or container used for any of the foregoing purposes.
Building Height
The vertical distance, measured between the average natural or finished grade at the front of
the building, to the highest point of the roof surface.
Illustration of building heights
Section 2.0 Definitions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
11
Illustration of building heights
Building Supply and Lumber Outlet
The use of land, buildings, or structures for the storing and sale of lumber, building supplies
construction and home improvement materials, and construction tools are offered or kept for
sale at retail and may include outside storage and the fabrication of certain materials related to
home improvements and in compliance with the general provisions for outside storage.
Bulk Fuel Depot
Lands, buildings and structures used for the storage and distribution of fuels and oils, but does
not include retail sales, except cardlock operations.
C
Campground
Lands used for the parking and temporary use for at least five (5) campsites occupied by tents,
trailers, motor homes, truck campers and recreational vehicles and accessory uses and
facilities such as administrative offices, sanitary facilities, and recreational facilities. A
campground does not include a residential mobile home park.
Cannabis
The cannabis plant, including cannabis-based products, and anything referred to in Schedule 1
of the Cannabis Act, S.C. 2018, c. 16, as amended.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Cannabis Production and Processing Facility
Lands, buildings, or structures used for producing, processing, testing, destroying, packaging,
and/or shipping of cannabis authorized by a federally issued license or registration.
Cardlock Fuel Retailing Depot
The above-ground storage of fuel for sale by one or more pump islands to retail customers
where access to the pump is self-service through the use of an access card or code but does
not include wholesale distribution but may include bulk delivery retails sales by the proprietor.
Cemetery
The land that is set apart or used as a place for the interment of the dead or in which human
bodies have been buried.
Chief Building Official / Building Official
An officer, employee, or designate of the Town charged with duty of enforcing the provisions of
the Building Code, Zoning By-law, and other municipal by-laws.
By-law Enforcement Officer
Any official or an employment of the Town charged with duty of administering and enforcing the
provisions of the Zoning By-law and all other municipal by-laws.
Community Centre
Any tract of land or building, or buildings or any part of any buildings used for community
activities whether used for commercial purposes or not, the control of which is vested in the
Town, a local board or agent thereof, and may include an auditorium, swimming pool, arena,
library, and fitness centre.
Community Health and Resource Centre
Land, buildings, or structures where health, welfare or social support services and resources
are provided to the public, or that is used for community or cultural activities, including
recreation, arts, crafts and social or charitable events and where neither overnight care nor
living accommodation is provided.
Community Garden
Communal premises open to community members and operated and maintained by a public
authority, residents' association, similar organization, or residents, for the small-scale cultivation
of plants, including vegetables, fruits, grains, flowers or herbs for personal use, consumption or
donation, and not for commercial purposes, and shall exclude the cultivation or production of
cannabis.
Section 2.0 Definitions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
13
Conservation
The preservation, protection and improvement of the components of the natural environment
through a comprehensive management and maintenance program administered by a public
authority for individual or public use.
Continuous Use
In the context of non-conforming uses, shall mean the continued use of a lot, building or
structure, notwithstanding the change of ownership of the property where the use is located.
Use shall further be deemed continuous if, after having ceased, the same use recommenced
within a period of one (1) year from the date of cessation, and / or if a structure is destroyed or
damaged, it is rebuilt or repaired to the same use within a period of two (2) years from the date
of its destruction or damage. This is in addition to the protection afforded by Section 34(9) of the
Planning Act. The onus is on the owner to provide evidence of continued use.
Contractor's Yard
A yard of any general contractor or builder where equipment and materials are stored or where
a contractor performs shop or assembly work but does not include any other yard or
establishment otherwise defined or classified herein.
Council
The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Fort Frances.
Crisis Centre
A single housekeeping unit licensed or funded by the Province of Ontario for the short-term
(averaging 30 days or less) accommodation of three (3) to nine (9) persons, exclusive of staff,
living under supervision and who, by reason of either emotional, mental, social or physical
condition or legal status, require a group living arrangement for their well-being.
D
Day Care Centre
A day care centre operated for pre-school age children within the meaning of the Child Care
and Early Years Act, 2014, S.O. 2014, C. 11, Sched. 1, as amended, or a building where
temporary care and/or guidance is provided for five or more individuals, for a continuous period
not to exceed 24 hours.
Day Care, Private Home
A home occupation where temporary care and/or guidance is provided for five (5) children or
less, who are under ten (10) years in age, for a continuous period not exceeding 24 hours.
14
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Deck
A structure without a roof, having a foundation to hold it erect, the floor which is more than 0.3
m above finished grade, and attached to or abutting one or more walls of a building or
constructed separately from a building, with or without direct access to the ground, but shall
not include a landing or a step.
Dock
A structure for the mooring of boats, attached to or forming part of the mainland or used in
conjunction with a use on the mainland.
Dwelling
A building or part of a building occupied or capable of being occupied, containing one (1) or
more dwelling units.
Dwelling, Apartment
A building containing four (4) or more dwelling units sharing a
common entrance from the street level wherein the occupants
have the right to use common halls and/or stairs and/or elevators
and yards.
Dwelling, Duplex
A dwelling located on one (1) lot which contains two (2) dwelling units, each of which
has an independent entrance either directly from the outside or through a common
vestibule.
Dwelling, Fourplex
A dwelling, containing only four (4) dwelling units, which is divided vertically into four
(4) parts, with each unit having direct access to the ground floor.
Dwelling, Modular
A transportable, pre-fabricated dwelling unit designed to be used as a year-round
occupancy and has been manufactured to comply with the Canadian Standards
Association (CSA) Standard No. A-277, as amended. A modular dwelling shall be built
in two (2) or more major pieces and transported to the site where it is assembled as
opposed to a dwelling built entirely on site. For the purposes of this By-law, a modular
dwelling shall be considered as a single-detached dwelling, including a dwelling
made of shipping containers.
Section 2.0 Definitions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
15
Dwelling, Semi-Detached
The whole of a dwelling divided vertically into two (2) separate
dwelling units.
Dwelling, Single-Detached
A completely detached building dwelling unit.
Dwelling, Townhouse
A dwelling divided into no less than three (3), but no more than
eight (8) dwelling units attached by common walls
extended from the base of the foundation to the roof line,
each dwelling unit having a separate entrance at grade. A
townhouse dwelling shall mean row townhouses, stacked
townhouses, and back-to-back townhouses.
Dwelling, Triplex
The whole of a dwelling divided horizontally into three (3) separate dwelling units, each
of which has an independent entrance either directly or through a common vestibule.
Dwelling Unit
A combination of rooms in which a kitchen, living quarters and sanitary conveniences are
provided for the exclusive use of the residents and with a private entrance from outside the
building or from a common hallway or stairway inside a building. It may include a modular
home constructed in accordance with the Building Code and CSA A-277 Regulations.
E
Equipment Sales and Rental, Heavy
A building or part of a building or structure in which heavy machinery and equipment
including farm vehicles and transport trucks are offered or kept for sale, rent, lease or hire under
agreement for compensation, but shall not include any other establishment defined or classified
in this By-law.
Equipment Sales and Rental Establishment, Light
A building or structure or part of a building or structure in which light machinery and
equipment such as air compressors and related tools and accessories; augers; automotive tools;
cleaning equipment; light compaction equipment; concrete and masonry equipment; electric
tools and accessories; fastening devices such as staplers and tackers; floor and carpet tools;
gasoline generators; jacks and hydraulic equipment; lawn and garden tools; ladders; moving
16
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
equipment; painting and decorating equipment; pipe tools and accessories; plumbing tools and
accessories; pumps; hoses; scaffolding; welding equipment; and, other similar tools and
appurtenances are offered or kept for rent, lease or hire under agreement for compensation, but
shall not include any other establishment defined or classified in this By-law.
Erect
To build, construct, reconstruct, alter or relocate including any preliminary physical operation
such as excavating, grading, piling, cribbing, filling or draining, or structurally altering any
existing building or structure by an addition, deletion, enlargement or extension.
Established Building Line
The average distance from the front lot line to existing buildings measured not more than 100
m on either side of the lot where the frontage has been built upon, as of the date of passing of
this By-law.
Existing
Legally in existence as at the date of passing of this By-law, or where construction has not
commenced, a use documented by the issuance of a building permit.
F
Farmer's Market
The retail sale of agricultural, food, art and craft projects, including produce and value-added
products where the majority of vendors are almost the primary producers of the products for
sale.
Financial Institution
Means a building or part of a building in which a bank, trust company, finance company, or
investment company is located.
Finished Grade
The average elevation of the finished surface of the ground at ground level measured on any
side of a building or structure, excluding any localized depressions for windows or other such
building features.
Floor Area, Gross
The total area of all floors above grade measured between the outside surfaces of exterior walls
or between the outside surfaces of exterior walls and the centre line of firewalls, except that, in
any occupancy other than a residential occupancy, where an access or a building service
penetrates a firewall, measurements shall not be taken to the centre line of such firewall.
Section 2.0 Definitions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
17
Floor Area, Ground
The maximum ground floor area of a building measured by the outside walls, excluding, in the
case of a single detached dwelling, any private garage, carport, porch, verandah or sunroom
(unless such sunroom is habitable at all seasons of the year).
Funeral Home
A building designed for the purpose of furnishing funeral supplies and services to the public
and includes facilities intended for the preparation of the dead human body for interment or
cremation.
G
Garage, Private
A detached accessory building or portion of a dwelling, which is designed or used for the
sheltering of a private motor vehicle and storage of household equipment incidental to the
residential use and which is fully enclosed and roofed and excludes a carport or other open
shelter.
Garden Suite
A separate dwelling, containing one (1) dwelling unit containing kitchen and bathroom
facilities, which is accessory to, and located on the same lot as a permitted single-detached
dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, or townhouse dwelling and is designed to be temporary
and portable, as per the Planning Act, but excludes a recreational vehicle.
Gazebo
A freestanding roofed accessory structure which is not enclosed, except for screening or glass
and which is utilized for the purposes of relaxation in conjunction with a dwelling but shall not
include any other use or activity otherwise defined or classified in this By-law.
Golf Course
A public or private area operated for the purpose of playing or practicing the game of golf,
including a club house, restaurant, banquet hall, and recreational facilities, accessory driving
ranges and miniature golf courses, and similar uses.
Group Home
A single housekeeping unit in a residential dwelling in which no more than ten (10) persons,
excluding staff or receiving family, live together under responsible supervision consistent with
the requirements of its residents and which is licensed and/or approved under Provincial
statutes and use in compliance with municipal by-laws.
18
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
H
Hazard Land
Means land that exhibits, or potentially exhibits, a hazardous condition as a result of its
susceptibility to flooding, erosion, subsidence, inundation, as the presence of organic soils or
steep slopes, or where, by reason of its low lying marshy or unstable character, the cost of
construction of satisfactory waterworks, sewage or drainage facilities is prohibitive.
High Water Mark
The mark made by the action of water under natural conditions on the shore or bank of a
watercourse or water body, which action has been so common and usual and so long
continued that it has created a difference between the character of the vegetation or soil on one
side of the mark and the character of the vegetation or soil on the other side of the mark.
Home Industry
Any occupation conducted entirely within a building or part of a building accessory to a single
detached dwelling that includes processing, assembly, manufacturing or a workshop, and
shall not include outdoor storage.
Home Occupation
An occupation conducted for gain or profit as an accessory use entirely within a dwelling unit
operated by the occupant of said dwelling unit with which there is no display, no stock in trade
nor commodity sold upon the premises, and no outdoor storage.
Hospital
Any institution, building or other premises or place established for the purpose of providing
medical, surgical care, or other treatment of patients and is approved under the Public Hospitals
Act, as amended, or the Private Hospitals Act, as amended. .
Hotel
A building or part of a building containing more than three (3) rooms or suites that are rented
to the travelling public, or for short-term accommodation, and may include an accessory
restaurant, bar, retail store, and meeting rooms. Includes a hostel.
I
Industrial Use, Heavy
Means the manufacturing or processing of products from raw materials, the production or use of
flammable, explosive or other hazardous materials, and/or storage, including outdoor storage, of
these products and materials. Heavy industrial uses also include research and development
Section 2.0 Definitions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
19
uses, laboratories/workshops, training facilities, warehousing, shipping/receiving, and associated
accessory office.
Industrial Use, Light
The assembly or repair or fabrication of goods and materials utilizing materials which have been
manufactured in another location and which does not produce wastewater in excess of 4500
litres per day, chemical by-products or utilize and area for outdoor storage of goods or
materials except for equipment or motor vehicles which are for sale, lease or hire.
K
Kennel
A building or structure, or part of a building or structure used for the breeding, raising, and/or
boarding of dogs or cats for personal use or for profit or gain and may or may not be registered
with an associated incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act (Canada). A kennel does not
include animal care or an animal hospital.
L
Laboratory
A building, or part thereof, used for scientific, research, development, and/or medical testing,
experimentation and/or research.
Landscaped Open Space
Means an area not built upon and not used for any purpose other than as a landscaped area,
which may include grass, shrubs, flowers, trees and similar types of vegetation and
appurtenances, any surfaced walk, patio or similar area but does not include parking areas,
parking lots, driveways, or ramps.
Landscaped Buffer Strip / Planting Strip
An open space free of buildings or structures which is used for the growing and maintenance
of an unpierced row of shrubs, trees or other natural vegetation having a minimum height of 1.5
m.
Laneway
A public thoroughfare which affords only a secondary means of access for vehicular traffic to
abutting lots and which is not intended for general traffic circulation.
20
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Livestock Facilities Lands and buildings used for the keeping of animals, birds or other
livestock and may include the premises of a veterinary surgeon.
Loading Space
An off-street space on the same lot as the building, or contiguous to a group of buildings, for
the temporary parking of a vehicle while loading or unloading merchandise or materials, and
which abuts upon a street, laneway or other appropriate means of access.
Lot
Means a parcel or tract of land which is capable of being legally conveyed in accordance with
the Planning Act, as amended.
Lot, Corner
A lot situated at the intersection of two or more streets, or at the intersection of a street
and a railway right-of-way, or a lot abutting on one (1) or more parts of the same street,
in which an interior angle of less than 135 degrees is contained, between the front and
side lot lines abutting by the said street or streets.
Lot, Interior
A lot other than a corner lot, situated between adjacent lots and having access to only
one (1) street.
Lot, Through
A lot bounded on two (2) opposite sides by streets, provided, however that if a lot
qualifies as being both a corner lot and a through lot, such lot shall be deemed a
corner lot for the purposes of this By-law.
Illustration of lot types:
Section 2.0 Definitions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
21
Lot Area
The total horizontal area within the lot lines of a lot or if an island, the area of land above the
normal high water mark.
Illustration of lot coverage and lot area:
Lot Coverage
The percent of the lot area covered by buildings or structures excluding parking areas,
driveways, decks and walkways, but including structures and buildings constructed pertaining
to the lot.
Lot Frontage
The distance between the side lot lines, measured 7.5 m from
and parallel to the front lot line.
Lot Line
Any boundary of a lot.
Lot Line, Exterior
The side lot line which abuts the street on a corner lot.
Lot Line, Front
Means:
a) The lot line that abuts the street.
b) In the case of a corner lot or through lot, the shorter lot line that abuts a
street or navigable waterway shall be deemed to be the front lot line and
the longer lot line that abuts a road or shall be deemed an exterior lot line.
22
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
c) In the case of a corner lot or through lot with two (2) lot lines of equal
length abutting streets, the lot line that abuts the wider street shall be
deemed to be the front lot line, but where the streets are of equal width,
the lot line which abuts a Provincial Highway shall be deemed to be the
front lot line, and in the case of both roads being under the same
jurisdiction and of the same width, the owner of the lot may designate
which street line shall be the front lot line.
d) Where a lot abuts a street and a navigable
waterbody, the lot line abutting the street or
private street shall be deemed the front lot
line.
e) In the case of a lot abutting a navigable
waterbody and does not abut a street or
private street, the front lot line shall be the lot
line abutting the high water mark of the
navigable waterbody.
Lot Line, Rear
The lot line farthest from or opposite to the front lot line.
Lot Line, Side
A lot line other than a front or rear lot line.
Illustration of lot lines:
Section 2.0 Definitions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
23
M
Marina
A place consisting of docking facilities on a navigable waterway and may include facilities for the
storage, service, and sale of boats and boating-related equipment, and where wastewater
pumping facilities may be provided. A marina may also include a seaplane base.
Marine Facility
An accessory building or structure which is used to take vessels and boats into or out of a
navigable waterway, or to moor vessels and boats. This definition includes a launching ramp,
boat lift, or dock but does not include any building used for human habitation.
Medical Clinic
An establishment used by qualified health practitioners including physicians, dentists,
chiropractors, physiotherapists and their staff for the purposes of consultation, diagnosis and
office treatment.
Mobile Home
Any dwelling that is designed to be mobile, and constructed or manufactured to provide a
permanent residence for one or more persons in accordance with CSA Z240 but does not
include a travel trailer or tent trailer or trailer otherwise designed.
Mobile Home Site
A parcel of land within a mobile home park which is serviced and used for the exclusive
purposes of one (1) mobile home.
Mobile Home Park
A lot under single management for the placement of three (3) or more mobile homes.
Motel
A building or part thereof, which provides the travelling public with sleeping accommodation for
gain and profit, with or without cooking facilities. Access to each unit is gained from outside the
building as opposed to a common interior corridor. Accessory uses may include a restaurant,
bar, or meeting facilities.
Motor Vehicle
An automobile, truck, motorcycle, and any other vehicle propelled or driven otherwise than by
muscular power, but does not include a heavy vehicle.
24
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Motor Vehicle Gas Bar
One (1) or more motor vehicle fuel pumps for the dispensing of gasoline and diesel fuel, and
which shall include the sale of other fuels and small accessories required for the operation of
motor vehicles, boats and snowmobiles, but does not include a cardlock fuel retailing depot.
A motor vehicle gas bar may include an accessory car wash.
Motor Vehicle Sales Establishment
A building or land for the display and sale of new and/or used motor vehicles and may include
servicing, repair, cleaning, body repair and repainting of motor vehicles and the sale of
accessories and related products and the leasing of renting of motor vehicles but shall not
include any other establishment otherwise defined in this By-law.
Motor Vehicle Service Station
A building or structure where servicing, repair, refitting or customization of motor vehicles
may be undertaken for compensation, and where gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, grease,
antifreeze, tires, tubes, tire accessories, electric light bulbs, sparkplugs, batteries and
automotive accessories for vehicles and new retail goods are stored or kept for sale to the
general public. A motor vehicle service station may include a car wash, body shop and repair
garage.
Museum
An institution that is established for the purpose of acquiring, conserving, studying, interpreting,
assembling and exhibiting to the public for its instruction and enjoyment, a collection of artifacts
of historical interest.
N
Non-Complying Use
A building, structure, or use of land that is in compliance with the permitted uses as set out in
the particular relevant Zone governing the lands, but which does not comply with or meet one or
more of the applicable regulations of this By-law, as set out in the particular Zone; as set out in
the general regulations; or as set out elsewhere in this By-law. Where more than one (1)
dwelling is located on a lot for which only one (1) dwelling is permitted, such lot shall not be
considered to be a non-complying use, but rather shall be deemed to be a non-conforming
use.
Non-Conforming Use
An existing use of land, building, or structure which does not conform to one or more of the
permitted uses listed in the relevant zone governing the lands. Legally non-conforming shall
mean such use was legally in existence upon the passing of this By-law.
Section 2.0 Definitions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
25
Nursery
A building or structure, and lands associated therewith, for the growing of flowers, fruits,
vegetables, plants, shrubs, trees or similar vegetation together with gardening tools and
implements which are sold at retail from such building or lot to the general public. This
definition shall not include any premises for the growing of cannabis.
Long-Term Care Home
A building containing multiple rooms with common access to eating, bathrooms, recreation, and
leisure areas for temporary occupancy by those requiring nursing or other care where meals,
personal care, nursing services, medical care, and treatment are provided or made available, as
defined under the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, S.O. 2007, c. 8., as amended. Long-term
care homes include home for the aged, nursing homes, and chronic care facilities.
O
Obnoxious Use
Any use which is offensive by reason of its emission of odour, smoke, dust, noise, gas, fumes,
vibration, or refuse matter, and a use which under the Health, Protection and Promotion Act, as
amended, is likely to have an adverse effect on the health of any person.
Office
A building or part thereof, designed, intended or used for the practice of a profession, the
transaction and/or management of a business, the conduct of a professional business, or the
conduct of public services and administration..
On-farm Diversified Use
Uses that are secondary to the principal agricultural use of a property, and are limited in area.
On-farm diversified uses include, but are not limited to, home occupations, home industries,
and uses that produce value-added agricultural products.
Outdoor Recreation
The use of lands for recreational activities that do not require buildings, structure, or major
alteration of the landscape, including trails, private camp sites, horseback riding, hunting and
fishing.
Outdoor Storage
Means the storage of goods, merchandise or equipment in the open air and in unenclosed
portions of buildings which are open to the air on one (1) or more sides.
26
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
P
Park, Private Recreational
Any open space or recreational area other than a public park.
Park, Public
Any open space or recreational area, owned or controlled by the Town of Fort Frances or by
any Board, Commission or other Authority established under any statute of the Province of
Ontario and may include athletic fields, field houses, community centres, bleachers, swimming
pools, greenhouses, botanical gardens, zoological gardens, bandstands, skating rinks, tennis
courts, bowling greens, bathing stations, curling rinks, refreshment rooms, fairgrounds, arenas,
or similar uses. Uses may also include a farmer's market as approved by the Town and
stormwater management facilities.
Parking Area
An area, building or structure, or part thereof which is provided and maintained upon the same
lot or lots upon which the principal use is located for the purpose of storing motor vehicles.
Parking Lot
An area, building, structure, or lot used for the temporary parking of vehicles and includes any
related aisles and parking spaces, but shall not include any part of a driveway, street, or
laneway. This definition may include a parking garage.
Parking Space
A portion of a parking area, parking lot, or parking garage used for parking or storage of one
(1) motor vehicle, exclusive of any aisles or driveways.
Parking Space, Barrier-Free
Means an unobstructed rectangular area for the exclusive use of temporary parking of a motor
vehicle for persons with disabilities and displaying a permit granted from the Province, but shall
not include a driveway or aisle.
Parking Space, Bicycle
Means an area that is provided and maintained for the purpose of temporary storage of a
bicycle.
Section 2.0 Definitions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
27
Parking Space, Tandem
A parking space that is only accessed by passing through another parking space
from a street, lane, or driveway. For example, tandem parking may include two (2)
motor vehicles parked in a single width driveway, one behind the other.
Patio
A platform or surfaced area without a roof, the surface of which is not more than 0.3
m above finished grade, which is designed and intended for use accessory to a
dwelling or a commercial use.
Peat Extraction
An operation that includes associated facilities used in extraction, processing or transport of
peat resources.
Personal Services Establishment
Means a place where a service is performed for the personal grooming and personal effects or
clothing of the consumer, including a hair styling salon; tattoo and piercing parlours, spa;
tanning salon, shoe repair shop; dry cleaning establishment; laundromat; tailor shop or
dressmaker shop; or message therapy service but excluding an adult entertainment parlour;
body rub parlour; a consultation or information service is provided by a professional, other than
a medical professional, including a travel agency or an interior decorator, or other personal or
business services are provided, including a printing, publishing, photocopying, picture framing
or photofinishing service, including self-service operations.
Pit
A place where unconsolidated gravel, stone, sand, earth, clay, fill, peat or other material is being
or has been removed by means of an excavation to supply materials for construction, industrial
or manufacturing purposes, but does not include a wayside pit.
Place of Recreation
Premises where entertainment or fitness instruction is offered for gain or profit such as a motion
picture or other theatre, a bowling alley, an ice or roller skating rink, a gym, indoor rock
climbing, fitness centre, fitness instruction including yoga, batting cages, and all other similar
forms of recreation or fitness activities.
Place of Worship
A place or building that is used for the regular assembly of persons for the practice of religious
worship, services, or rites, and includes offices for the administration of the religious institution.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Portable Processing Plant
Any equipment for the crushing, screening or washing of sand and gravel aggregate materials,
but not including a concrete batching plant or an asphalt plant, which equipment is capable of
being readily drawn or readily propelled by a motor vehicle and which equipment is not
considered permanently affixed to the site.
Post Office
A building or portion thereof used by a government corporation, department or agency or
person under contract with the same, involved in the handling and distribution of mail and
includes the sale of related products such as envelopes and stamps.
Principal Building / Use
The primary purpose for which land or a building is used.
Private Club
A non-profit, non-commercial organization, which carries on social, cultural, athletic and/or
recreational activities.
Public Authority
Any Federal, Provincial, District or Municipal agencies, and includes any commission, board,
authority or department established by such agency, and shall include Ontario Hydro, Bell
Canada, and any natural gas distribution company.
Public Use
A building, structure, or lot used for public services by a public authority, including the Town
of Fort Frances or any Boards or Commissions thereof, and any Ministry or Commission of the
Governments of Ontario and Canada, any telephone or railway company, or similarly recognized
agencies. A public use may include an emergency service such as fire, ambulance, police, and
similar facilities operated by a public authority.
Public Works Yard
Any land, building, or structure owned by the Town, Public Utilities Commission or the
Province of Ontario and used for the storage, maintenance and/or repair of material, equipment,
machinery and/or motor vehicle used in connection with civic works.
Section 2.0 Definitions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
29
Q
Quarry
A place where consolidated rock has been or is being removed by means of an open excavation
to supply material for construction, industrial or manufacturing purposes, but does not include a
wayside quarry or open pit metal mine.
R
Recreational Vehicle
A motor vehicle designed to provide temporary living accommodations, but does not include a
mobile home, travel trailer, modular home, park model trailer, or other vehicle defined
herein.
Recreational Vehicle Sales and Service Operation
Means a building and/or lot where recreational vehicles, trailers, snowmobiles, boats and
accessories are kept for display and/or sales. Permitted accessory uses may include those
normally required for performing maintenance such as a service centre, service bays, body
shop and storage of parts.
Recycling Depot
A building which is used for the deposit, collection and handling of paper, bottles, glass or other
materials which are to be delivered wholesale to other operations for reclamation, processing or
salvage.
Recycling Facility
A building or site used for the recycling, reclamation, processing or salvage of paper, bottles,
glass or other materials.
Research and Development Establishment
A building or part thereof used for the purpose of conducting pure or applied research and
experimentation in any field of science, medicine and technology and includes such facilities as
lecture rooms, administrative offices, laboratories, display rooms, pilot units, simulating
equipment and service and machine shops to serve the facility.
Resort
A tourist establishment that provides accommodation throughout all or part of the year and that
has facilities for serving meals and furnishes equipment, supplies or services to persons in
connection with angling, hunting, camping or recreational purposes and may include an
accessory restaurant, bar, retail store, and accommodation facilities for staff.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
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Restaurant
A building or part of a building where food is prepared and offered for sale to the public for
consumption either on or off the premises and may include a café, cafeteria, ice cream parlour,
tea or lunch room, or dairy bar. A restaurant may include a bar, which is licensed under the
Liquor License Act, outdoor patio or eating area.
Restaurant, Drive Through
A building or structure used to take and fulfill orders for food to the public while remaining in
their vehicle.
Restaurant, Mobile
A vehicle, trailer or cart that is not placed on permanent foundation, which is equipped
for cartage, storage and the preparation of food stuffs, beverages, confections, and such items
are offered directly for consumption to the general public, and includes a food truck, a mobile
canteen and other refreshment vehicles, licensed by the Town, but shall not include any other
restaurant type defined herein.
Retail Store
A building or part thereof in which goods, wares, merchandise, substances, articles or things
are offered or kept for sale directly to the public at retail. A retail store may include a grocery
store, supermarket, bake shop, produce outlet, butcher shop, pharmacy, and home renovation
store, and similar uses.
S
Safety Berm
A landscaped mound of earth intended to assist in preventing mobile equipment and vehicles
from traveling or overturning over the edge of a bank.
Salvage or Wrecking Yard
A place where motor vehicles are wrecked or disassembled and resold; a place where second-
hand goods, including waste paper, bottles, automobile tires, clothing, other scrap materials and
salvage are collected to be sorted and a place where used lumber and used building materials
are stored for sale or resale.
School
A public school, a private school, a university, or a community college authorized by the
Province of Ontario.
Section 2.0 Definitions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
31
Self-Storage Facility
A building containing at least three (3) separate, individual units for storage divided from the
floor to the ceiling or roof, by a wall with an independent entrance to each unit, designed to be
rented or leased to individuals or businesses for the storage of goods, materials and equipment.
Service Shop
A building or structure for the servicing or repairing of articles, goods or materials, or where
tradesmen provide a service requiring manual or mechanical skills and may include a
carpenter's shop, a locksmith's shop, a gunsmith's shop, a plumbing and electrical contractor's
or a heating /air conditioning contractor's shop, a commercial welder's shop, or similar uses, as
well as facilities for accessory retail sales.
Setback
The horizontal distance from the front lot line, measured at right angles, to the nearest part of
any building or structure on the lot.
Sewage Services or Facility
Any works by a public authority for the collection, transmission, storage, treatment and
disposal of sewage.
Shipping Container
Any unlicensed trailer (whether or not mounted on wheels, and without a cab above or below
grade), seacan, shipping container, storage container, cargo box, and storage trailer designed
or once servicing as commercial shipping or cargo containers, and typically consisting of four
units or sides locked together to form a steel box. For the purposes of this definition, unlicensed
trailer means a trailer which does not have a valid permit under the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O
1990, c. H.8., as amended.
Sight Triangle
The triangular space formed by the street lines of a corner lot
and a line drawn from a point in one (1) street to a point in
the other street line, each such point being 6.0 m from the
point of intersection of the street lines (measured along the
street lines). Where the two (2) street lines do not intersect at
a point, the point of intersection of the street lines shall be
deemed to be the intersection of the projection of the street
lines or the intersection of the tangents to the street lines.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
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Sleep Cabin
A building used for sleeping, which may contain cooking or sanitary facilities and which is
rented out for the purposes of the vacationing or traveling public through temporary
accommodation.
Storey
A storey is that part of a building between the surface of one floor and the ceiling above. A
basement does not count as a storey.
Storey, First
The storey with its floor closest to grade and having its ceiling more than 1.8 m above grade.
Street
A public highway under the jurisdiction of the Province of Ontario or the Town, which affords the
principal means of access to abutting lots, is constructed to municipal standards and is
maintained year-round. This definition does not include a laneway or a private street, including
a private right-of-way.
Street, Private
A private right-of-way over private property or Crown Land which affords access to abutting lots
and is not maintained by a public body.
Street Line
The limit of the street or road allowance and is the dividing line between a lot and street or
road.
Structure
Means anything that is constructed, erected, or otherwise built, either permanent or temporary,
the use of which requires location on the ground or attachment to something having location on
the ground, excluding subsurface sewage treatment systems, swimming pools, fences, patios,
and retaining walls, or culvert.
T
Tent
A temporary or permanent shelter constructed of canvas, fabric, tree boughs or other material
apparently erected to protect a person or persons from the elements but does not include a
dining or special events tent.
Section 2.0 Definitions
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33
Tourist Establishment
Any premises operated to provide sleeping accommodation for the travelling public or sleeping
accommodation for the use of the public engaging in recreational activities, and includes the
services and facilities in connection with which sleeping accommodation is provided, but does
not include:
a) A camp operated by a charitable corporation approved under The Charitable Institutions
Act, R.S.O., 1990, c. C.9, as amended;
b) A summer camp within the meaning of the regulations made under The Health
Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7, as amended;
c) A club owned by its own members and operated without profit or gain; or
d) A tent and trailer park.
Town
Means the Town of Fort Frances.
Town of Fort Frances
The geographic area under the municipal jurisdiction of the Corporation of the Town of Fort
Frances. Where the context allows, the term includes its employees, officers and agents.
Trailer
A vehicle that is at any time drawn upon a highway by a motor vehicle, another motor vehicle
or any device or apparatus not designed to transport persons or property, temporarily drawn,
propelled or moved upon such highway, and except a side car attached to a motorcycle, and
shall be considered a separate vehicle and not part of the motor vehicle by which it is drawn
and, for the purposes of this By-law, does not include a mobile home.
Trailer, Travel or Tent
Any trailer which is designed to be temporarily utilized for living, shelter and sleeping
accommodation, with or without cooking facilities and which has running gear and towing
equipment permanently attached and a current licence and is not permanently affixed to the
ground.
Transportation Depot
Any building or land where buses, trucks or tractor-trailers are rented, leased, kept for hire,
stored or parked for commercial purposes.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
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U
Use
Any purpose for which a building or other structure or a parcel of land may be designed,
arranged, intended, maintained, or occupied.
V
Vehicle
Means a motor vehicle, trailer, traction engine, farm tractor, road-building machine, motorized
snow vehicle and any vehicle drawn, propelled, or driven by any kind of power.
Vessel
A craft designed to float on the water including a boat, a barge or a ship.
W
Warehouse
A building or part of a building used for the storage and distribution of goods, wares,
merchandise, substances or articles and may include facilities for a wholesale or retail
commercial outlet, provided that they do not exceed 10% of the gross floor area, but shall not
include a truck or transport terminal or yard.
Waste Disposal Area
A landfill site where garbage, refuse, domestic or industrial waste, exclusive of liquid industrial
waste, is disposed of or dumped.
Watercourse
A waterbody or the natural channel for a perennial or intermittent stream of water including a
river or stream.
Water Services or Facility
Any works by a public authority for the treatment, storage, supply or distribution of water.
Wayside Pit or Quarry
A temporary pit or quarry opened and used by or for a public road authority solely for the
purpose of a particular project or contract of road construction and not located on the road
right-of-way.
Section 2.0 Definitions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
35
Wholesale Establishment
Use of land, building(s) and/or structure(s), or part thereof for bulk storage and bulk sale of
quantities of goods, commodities, wares, merchandise, or materials intended for resale.
Y
Yard
Any open unoccupied space appurtenant to a building measured from the closest supporting
structure of the building to the lot line.
Illustration of yards:
Yard, Exterior Side
A side yard immediately adjacent to an exterior lot line.
Yard, Front
A yard extending across the full width of the lot between the front lot line and the
nearest wall of any building or structure on the lot for which the yard is required. On
islands where there is only one lot, all yards shall be considered as the front yard.
Yard, Rear
A yard extending across the full width of the lot between the rear lot line and the
nearest wall of any building on the lot for which the yard is required.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
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Yard, Required
The minimum yard required by the provisions of the By-law.
Yard, Side
A yard extending from the front yard to the rear yard between the side lot line and the
nearest wall of any building on the lot for which the yard is required.
Yard, Side Exterior
A side yard immediately adjoining a public street.
Yard, Side Interior
A side yard other than an exterior side yard.
Z
Zone
The category of use or activity of land, buildings, structures or activities permitted by this By-
law.
Section 3.0 General Provisions
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37
3.0 General Provisions
3.1 Accessory Uses, Buildings, and Structures
a) Accessory uses, buildings or structures, are permitted in any Zone, subject to the
provisions of the applicable Zone in which said accessory building, structure, or use is
located, provided the principal building, structure or use is already in existence on the lot,
or a building permit has been issued for such principal building or structure.
b) Accessory buildings, or structures shall be located on the same lot as the principal use
to which they are accessory to.
c) Any building or structure which is attached to the principal building shall not be
considered accessory for the purposes of this By-law.
d) Except as otherwise provided, in all Zones, accessory buildings, or structures which are
detached from the principal building shall be erected and maintained in compliance of the
yard and setback requirements of the Zone in which such accessory buildings or
structures are located.
e) Accessory buildings or structures shall not be located in the front yard or exterior side
yard nor be built closer to the street than the principal building is to that street, except in
the case of
i.
Industrial Zones, where a gatehouse is permitted in the front yard.
ii.
A lot abutting a navigable watercourse and no street or private street, accessory
buildings or structures shall be permitted in the front yard.
iii.
A lot abutting a navigable watercourse and a street or private street, accessory
buildings or structures shall be permitted in the rear yard.
f) A detached garage or other accessory building or structure may, notwithstanding the yard
and setback provisions of the applicable zone, be erected in an interior side yard or rear
yard provided that the following requirements are met:
i.
An accessory building or structure shall not be built closer than 1.5 m to any lot
line.
ii.
Except in the case of a gazebo, a detached accessory building or structure shall
not be located closer than 2.0 m to a principal building.
g) The total lot coverage of all accessory buildings or structures shall not exceed 15%
coverage of the total lot area.
h) Within any Residential Zone, the maximum height for any accessory building shall not
exceed 6.0. m, or contain more than one (1) storey, except in the case of an additional
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
residential unit as a permitted accessory use, where the maximum height shall be two (2)
storeys.
i) Within non-Residential Zones, the maximum height for any accessory building shall not
exceed 6.5 m.
j) Where a commercial retail use is permitted as an accessory use in an Industrial Zone, it
shall be located within the principal building, or within 2.0 m of the principal building and
shall not exceed 10% of the total floor area of the main building or 280 m2, whichever is
lesser.
k) A private swimming pool capable of containing in excess of 0.6 m of water may be erected
and used provided that such swimming pool is enclosed by a fence, or by the wall of a
building or structure, or by a combination of walls and fences, at least 1.5 m in height.
l) A private swimming pool and its associated mechanical equipment, shall be located, altered,
erected or renovated in accordance with the following provisions:
i.
A private swimming pool shall be set back a minimum of 1.5 m from any lot line;
ii.
A private swimming pool accessory to a permitted residential use shall be located in
a rear or interior yard only; and
iii.
Any filter, pumps, or similar operating machines shall be set back a minimum
distance 2.0 m from the principal building.
m) A trailer shall not be considered an accessory building or structure for the purpose of this
By-law.
3.2 Additional Residential Units
In addition to the other provisions of this By-law, the following provisions shall apply to
additional residential units and garden suites:
3.2.1 General
a) A maximum of two (2) additional residential units shall be permitted, on a lot containing a
single-detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, or townhouse dwelling, for a
maximum of three (3) dwelling units on a lot, in accordance with the following:
i.
Two (2) additional residential units (in addition to the primary dwelling unit) are
permitted within a dwelling provided no buildings or structure ancillary to the
principal building contain additional residential units.
ii.
Only one (1) additional residential unit is permitted in an ancillary building; and
Section 3.0 General Provisions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
39
iii.
An additional residential unit shall not be permitted in a group home or boarding /
rooming house.
b) An additional residential unit shall not be permitted in a regulated floodplain regardless of
the non-complying status of the existing dwelling unit.
c) An additional residential unit shall not be established prior to obtaining a building permit,
and must comply with the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and Fire Code, as
amended.
d) Additional residential units shall be assigned a municipal civic address by the Town of
Fort Frances. An additional residential unit shall only be permitted where adequate public
or private water and sanitary services are available, as determined in consultation with the
Town.
e) An additional residential unit shall not exceed 40% of the gross floor area of the principal
dwelling, except when located in a basement, it may occupy the whole of the basement.
f) Where an additional residential unit is established in a building or structure that is
ancillary to a permitted single-detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, or
townhouse dwelling, the following provisions shall apply:
i.
The additional residential unit shall be subject to the provisions for the primary
dwelling unit in the Zone in which it is located, except that:
1. The additional residential unit shall have a minimum rear yard setback of
3.0 m;
2. An additional residential unit in a building or structure that is ancillary to a
permitted semi-detached dwelling or townhouse dwelling shall have a
minimum setback of 1.5 m from an interior lot line for the primary dwelling;
and
3. Notwithstanding Section 3.1 Accessory Uses, Buildings, and Structures of
this By-law, where an additional residential unit is located in the second
storey of a building or structure ancillary to a permitted single-detached,
semi-detached dwelling, or townhouse dwelling, the maximum height of
the accessory building shall be 2.0 storeys.
g) An additional residential unit is not exempt from the maximum lot coverage provisions of
the zone in which it is located.
h) The establishment of an additional residential unit shall not result in any new doorway
entrance added to the front wall of the primary dwelling unit.
i) Provision h) of this Section does not:
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
i.
Prohibit an internal lobby or vestibule within a common doorway entrance in the front
wall;
ii.
Prohibit the creation of an additional residential unit within a primary dwelling unit
that already contains more than one (1) doorway entrance in the front wall;
iii.
Require the removal of a doorway entrance to the primary dwelling unit that already
contains more than one (1) doorway entrance in the front wall; nor
iv.
Prohibit the addition of one (1) doorway entrance along the front wall of a primary
dwelling unit on a corner lot where there is not doorway entrance along that front
wall, but where there is a doorway entrance along the exterior side wall of the
primary dwelling unit.
j) A home occupation use shall be permitted in an additional residential unit as per Section
3.10 Home Occupations, provided that a total of one (1) home occupation is conducted on
the lot.
k) Parking shall be provided for an additional residential unit in accordance with Section 4.0
Parking and Loading Provisions of this By-law.
l) The primary dwelling unit and any additional residential unit must share the parking area
and yards provided for the primary dwelling unit, and no new driveway may be
established.
3.3 Adequate Municipal Services
No land shall be used, or use of land expanded, or any building placed, erected or altered,
enlarged or used within the Town of Fort Frances unless the land is serviced by municipal
water and sewer systems that have adequate capacity, except in the case of the following
requirements:
a) In the Resource Development (RD) Zone, the Seasonal Residential (SR) Zone, or where
municipal water and/or sewage systems are not available, private or communal services
approved by the Town and/or Northwestern Health Unit may be permitted; or
b) Where the lands are subject to unique servicing constraints or restricted connection
privileges through separate municipal by-laws and through legal and servicing agreement
with the Town of Fort Frances, such lands are considered to be in compliance with this By-
Law.
3.4 Breweries
a) No person shall construct, permit to construct, or operate a brewery of any scale, including a
microbrewery or nanobrewery, unless it complies with all applicable Federal, Provincial
and Municipal law and statutes.
Section 3.0 General Provisions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
41
b) Brewery operations may be required to submit a wastewater management plan to the
Operations and Facilities Division for approval prior to operation.
c) All brewery operations shall comply with Section 3.17 Obnoxious Uses of this By-law.
d) Brewery operations within the Light Industrial (M1) Zone may not be municipally restricted
on production volume but must comply with all Federal and Provincial production approvals
and licenses.
3.4.1 Microbrewery
a) Microbreweries shall sell to the public by one (1) or more of the following methods:
i.
The traditional three-tier system (brewer to wholesaler to retailer to consumer)
ii.
The two-tier system (brewer acting as wholesaler to retailer to consumer); and
iii.
Directly to the consumer through carryout and/or on-site tap-room or restaurant
sales.
b) Ancillary tasting of beer and ancillary retail shall be permitted, with the exception of:
i.
An on-site taproom and restaurant shall not be permitted within the Fort Frances
Industrial Park, which bounded to the north by Eighth Street West, to the south by
the Canadian National Railway (CNR) line, to the east by Webster Avenue, and to the
west by McIrvine Road.
3.4.2 Nanobrewery
a) Nanobreweries shall sell to the public by one (1) or more of the following methods:
i.
The traditional three-tier system (brewer to wholesaler to retailer to consumer);
ii.
The two-tier system (brewer acting as wholesaler to retailer to consumer); and
iii.
Directly to the consumer through carryout and/or on-site tap-room or restaurant
sales.
b) Ancillary tasting of beer and ancillary retail shall be permitted.
3.5 Community Garden
Where a community garden is a permitted use, it shall be subject to the following provisions:
a) The community garden use must be established to permit accessory structures, including
collection and compost bins, which shall comply with the requirements in Section 3.1
Accessory Uses, Buildings, and Structures of this By-law.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
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b) Composting is limited only to the materials generated from the community garden on-site,
and shall be used on-site and lot coverage for composting shall not exceed 5% of the lot
area.
c) Off-street parking shall not be required for a community garden.
d) Planting areas shall be set back from a minimum of 1.5 m from all lot lines.
e) Hoophouses, greenhouses, and storage sheds associated with the community garden shall
be considered permitted accessory structures, and shall be subject to height and setback
requirements of the applicable Zone, with the exception of:
i.
Lot coverage;
ii.
In no case shall a building or structure associated with a community garden be
located closer than 3.0 m to any lot line;
iii.
In no case shall a building or structure associated with a community garden be
greater than 4.0 m in height.
f) The maximum combined gross floor area of all permitted buildings associated with the
community garden shall be 70.0 m2.
g) Community garden planting areas shall be designed and maintained to prevent water from
irrigation, stormwater and/or other activities and/or fertilizer from draining onto adjacent
properties.
h) A cannabis production facility or the growth of cannabis is not permitted in a community
garden for the purposes of this By-law.
3.6 Established Building Line in Residential Zone
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this By-law to the contrary, where a dwelling is to be
erected in a Residential Zone, between existing dwellings on the same street, such dwelling
may be built with a front yard and setback equal to the average front yard of the adjacent
dwellings on the same side of the street within the block. This provision does not apply to lots
abutting watercourses.
3.7 Frontage on a Public Road
a) All lots shall front on a Provincial or municipal road. This provision shall not prevent the
erection of a permitted building or structure on a lot in registered Plan of Subdivision
where a properly executed Subdivision Agreement has been entered into with the Town,
notwithstanding that the street or streets will not be assumed by the Town until the end of
the maintenance period, nor shall it apply to prevent the enlargement, extension, renovation,
reconstruction or other structural alteration of an existing building or structure, which is
Section 3.0 General Provisions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
43
located on a lot which does not have frontage upon a street, provided the use of such
building or structure does not change and is permissible within the Zone in which it is
located.
b) Provision a) shall not apply where:
i.
Buildings and structures accessory to forestry and mining uses, but not for human
habitation are permitted in appropriate Zones where publicly maintained road
frontage is not available; and
ii.
Recreational and tourist commercial uses such as hunting and fishing camps are
permitted where public road frontage is not available provided there is navigable
water access.
1. Notwithstanding provision ii., recreational and tourist commercial uses are
permitted on the Fort Frances Islands, zoned Shoreline Residential (SR).
3.8 Group Homes and Crisis Centres
A group home, licensed by the appropriate Provincial Ministry shall be permitted in all
Residential Zones, and a crisis centre that is licensed or funded by the Province or other
government agency, or combination thereof, shall be permitted in Residential Type Two (R2)
Zone and the General Commercial (GC) Zone, and shall be subject to the following provisions:
a) A group home and crisis centre shall have no more than ten (10) residents, excluding staff
or receiving family.
b) A group home shall have 23.0 m² of common habitable area and not less than 7.0 m² of
habitable area for each resident, exclusive of staff or receiving family.
3.9 Home Industry
A home industry is permitted as an accessory use to a single-detached dwelling, and shall
be subject to the following provisions:
a) A maximum of one (1) home industry shall be permitted per lot.
b) A home industry may include, but is not limited to:
i.
Home trade business;
ii.
Home repair shop or tool service and repair, including small engine and auto repairs;
iii.
Electrical or plumbing contractor's shop;
iv.
Farm-related sales, farm machine and equipment repairs; and
v.
Workshop.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
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c) A home industry shall be located entirely in an accessory building to a permitted single-
detached dwelling shall not occupy more than 60.0 m2 of floor area.
d) A home industry shall employ at least one (1) person who resides in the dwelling unit and
shall employ no more than two (2) persons who do not reside in the dwelling.
e) A home industry shall be clearly secondary to the principal residential use and shall not
change the residential character of the dwelling or the lot as a private residence or create
or become a nuisance due to such matters as noise, smell, hours of operation or traffic
generation.
f) For home industries, licensed motor vehicles associated with the home industry shall be
parked or stored on the lot within an interior side or rear yard only.
g) Parking for the home industry shall be provided in accordance with Section 4.0 Parking
and Loading Provisions of this By-law.
3.10 Home Occupations
A home occupation is permitted as an accessory use to a residential use, except an
apartment dwelling. Where permitted, the following provisions shall apply:
a) A maximum of one (1) home occupation shall be permitted per lot.
b) A home occupation may include, but is not limited to the following uses:
i.
Bed and breakfast;
ii.
Office, including web-based sales and distribution;
iii.
Personal service establishment, not including a dry cleaning establishment, and
laundromat;
iv.
Instruction services, including, tutoring, music, arts, crafts, cooking, personal fitness,
dance, and similar activities;
v.
Artist studio; and
vi.
Home-based daycare.
c) The home occupation shall be conducted entirely within the permitted primary residential
dwelling or dwelling unit. A home occupation is not permitted in an apartment dwelling.
d) A home occupation shall not occupy more than 25% of the gross floor area of the
dwelling unit, including any area used for the storage or materials and equipment required
for the home occupation.
e) The home occupation shall employ at least one (1) person who resides in the dwelling unit
and shall employ no more than two (2) persons who do not reside in the dwelling unit.
Section 3.0 General Provisions
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45
f) A home occupation shall be clearly secondary to the principal residential use and shall not
change the residential character of the dwelling, accessory buildings, and the lot, and
shall not detract from the general character of the neighbourhood, nor create or become a
public nuisance due to noise, traffic, dust, parking, electrical interference, or visual
character.
g) A home occupation shall have no external display or advertisement, other than a non-
illuminated sign having a maximum surface area of 0.2 m2.
h) A home occupation shall have no goods, wares, or merchandise offered for sale or rent on
the premises other than what is produced on the premises unless goods are sold or bought
via the internet and distributed by post or delivery to customers.
i) If primarily conducted by electronic means or post, a home occupation shall not, in the
normal conduct of the business, have consumers attend or visit the premises.
j) There shall be no outdoor storage of goods, materials, containers or animal enclosures
used in conjunction with the home occupation.
k) A home occupation shall have no mechanical or other equipment used, except that which is
customarily employed in a dwelling or dwelling unit for domestic or household purposes or
for use by a dentist, drugless practitioner, physician or other professional person.
l) Parking for the home occupation shall be provided in accordance with Section 4.0 Parking
and Loading Provisions of this By-law.
3.11 Kennels
Where permitted by this By-law, a kennel shall be subject to the following provisions:
a) A kennel shall only be permitted on a lot having a lot area of 2.0 ha or greater.
b) Any portion of a kennel, including associated outdoor areas and runs, shall be located a
minimum distance of 150.0 m from a dwelling or dwelling unit located on a different lot
than the lot on which the kennel is located to specifically address issues of noise.
c) The portion of the lot used for the kennel shall be fenced from adjoining lots.
3.12 Minimum Opening Elevation
No habitable building located east of the Rainy River dam shall have any building opening
below the Canadian Geodetic Datum (CGD) elevation of 339.5 m.
3.13 Mobile Restaurants
Where permitted by this By-law, the following provisions shall apply to mobile restaurants:
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
a) A mobile restaurant shall comply with the Town's applicable Business Licensing By-law;
b) The location of a mobile restaurant shall not reduce the minimum number of required off-
street parking spaces for all of the uses located on a lot;
c) No off-street parking spaces shall be required for a mobile restaurant;
d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law, a mobile restaurant shall be permitted
in a public park.
3.14 Motor Vehicle Gas Bar
Except within the General Commercial (C2) Zone, where a motor vehicle gas bar is a
permitted use, it shall be subject to the following requirements:
a) No portion of any pump island or canopy shall be located closer than 15.0 m to any lot line;
b) No driveway shall be located within 9.0 m of another driveway on the same lot;
c) No portion of any driveway shall be located within 15.0 m of a street intersection; and
d) The angle of intersection between a driveway and a streetline shall not be less than 45
degrees and not greater than 135 degrees.
3.15 Multiple Zones on One Lot / Split Zoning
Where a lot is divided into more than one (1) Zone under the provisions of this By-law, each
portion of such lot shall be used in accordance with the provisions of this By-law for the
applicable Zone where such portion of the lot is located. Each portion of the lot shall be
considered as a separate lot for the purpose of determining Zone provisions.
3.16 Non-Conforming Uses
a) The provisions of this By-law shall not apply to prevent the use of any existing lot, building
or structure for any purpose prohibited by this By-law if such existing lot, building or
structure was lawfully used for such purposes, prior to the effective date of this By-law and
provided that the lot, building or structure continues to be used for that purpose.
b) Where the use ceases to exist for a period of one year, the use will be deemed to have been
discontinued. A non-conforming use shall be considered abandoned when:
i.
The use has been discontinued for a period of one (1) year;
ii.
The characteristic equipment and furnishings of the non-conforming use have been
removed and have not been replaced within one (1) year;
iii.
It has been replaced by a conforming use; or
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iv.
Re-establishment has not been commenced within two (2) years of the date of
destruction or damage caused by fire or natural disaster.
c) Nothing herein shall prevent the interior of any non-conforming use from being
reconstructed or structurally altered for the existing purpose for which the building or
structure is being legally utilized.
d) Where, in any Zone a non-conforming residential use exists, nothing in this By-law shall
prevent the construction of a detached accessory building to such use provided that all
yard and setback requirements are complied with.
e) Nothing in this By-law shall prevent the strengthening or restoration to a safe condition of
any existing, legal non-conforming building or structure or part thereof, provided that the
strengthening or restoration does not increase the building height, size or volume or change
the existing, lawful use of such existing building or structure unless these changes are
necessary to provide for floodproofing of the building.
f) The use of any existing lot, building, or structure which is not permitted in the Zone in
which it is located shall not be changed except to a use which is listed as a permitted use in
such Zone. Expanding a legal non-conforming use shall require the authorization of the
Committee of Adjustment. The introduction of a new use shall require the authorization of
Council, unless the new use is deemed to be minor, in which case it shall require the
authorization of the Committee of Adjustment.
g) The exterior of any building or structure which was lawfully used prior to the effective date
of this By-law for a purpose not permissible within the Zone in which it is located, shall not
be enlarged, extended more than 0.2 m, reconstructed or otherwise structurally altered,
unless such building or structure is thereafter to be used for a purpose permitted within
such Zone.
h) The provisions of this By-law shall not apply to prevent the erection or use, for a purpose
prohibited by this By-law, of any building or structure, the plans for which have, prior to the
date of passing of this By-law, been approved by the Town, so long as the building or
structure, when erected, is used and continues to be used for the purpose for which it was
erected.
3.17 Non-Complying Lots, Buildings, and Structures
a) Where a building or structure was lawfully used on the day of the passing of this By-law,
but the building or structure did not meet the requirements of this By-law with respect to
provisions other than use on that day, and its use is permitted by the Zone in which the
building or structure is located, nothing in this By-law shall prevent the continued use or
occupancy of such building or structure.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
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b) Where a building or structure is located on a lot having less than the minimum frontage
and/or lot area, and/or having less than the minimum setback and/or side yard and/or rear
yard required by this By-law, the said building or structure may be enlarged,
reconstructed, repaired and/or renovated provided that:
i.
The enlargement, reconstruction, repair and/or renovation does not further increase
non-compliance with any of the applicable provisions of this By-law;
ii.
The building or structure is being used for a purpose permissible within the Zone in
which it is located; and
iii.
All other applicable Zone provisions of this By-law are complied with.
c) Nothing in this By-law shall apply to prevent the reconstruction of any permitted building
which is accidentally damaged or destroyed by causes beyond the control of the owner.
Such permitted building may be reconstructed in accordance with the previously existing
standards, even if such did not conform with one or more of the provisions of this By-law, but
the non-compliance may not be further increased provided that the reconstruction occurs
within twelve (12) months of the damage being done.
d) Where a lot, having a lesser lot area and/or lot frontage than required herein, existed on
the date of passing of this By-law, or where such a lot is created by a public authority such
smaller lot may be used and a permitted building or structure, may be erected, altered
and/or used on such smaller lot provided that all other applicable Zone provisions of this By-
law are complied with. All vacant islands and existing vacant lots of record on islands must
have an area of at least 0.5 ha above the normal or controlled high water mark.
e) A lot which has been increased in size following the passage of this By-law may also be
used in accordance with this provision and the resultant lot shall be deemed to comply with
all of the provisions of this By-law and all Zone provisions applicable to any existing
building on the benefiting lot shall be deemed to comply with the provisions of this By-law.
3.18 Obnoxious Uses
Nothing in this By-law shall be construed to permit the use of land for the erection or use of a
building or structure for any purpose:
a) That is or is likely to become a nuisance or offensive of the:
i.
The creation of a noise or vibrations;
ii.
Emission of gas, fumes, dust, or odour;
iii.
Storage of goods, wares, merchandise, salvage, refuse matter or other such material,
which obstructs required parking and loading spaces, driveways, aisles, and site
access; and
Section 3.0 General Provisions
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iv.
The nature of the materials used therein is declared under the Public Health Act, as
amended, or any other regulations thereunder to be an obnoxious or offensive trade,
business or manufacture.
3.19 Outdoor Storage
Where outdoor storage is a permitted use or a permitted accessory use the following
provisions shall apply:
a) Storage of goods and materials including refuse containers are not permitted within 6.0 m of
a Residential Zone;
b) Storage of goods and materials including refuse containers shall be permitted in the
required rear yard and interior side yard; and
c) Storage areas are to be screened from the view of adjacent streets by fencing and/or
landscaping features that are a minimum of 1.8 m in height, nor shall any material be piled
higher than such fencing and/or landscaping feature.
3.20 Peat Extraction, Pits and Quarries
The extraction of peat, establishment or operation of pits or quarries is prohibited within the
Town except in the locations permitted by this By-law, and in accordance with the provisions of
this By-law. No person shall use land or erect any building or structure for the purpose of
processing, washing, screening, sorting or crushing rock, sand and/or gravel and or peat except
as expressly provided for in this By-law.
3.21 Permitted Height and Yard Encroachments
3.21.1 Height Exceptions
Nothing in this By-law shall apply to prevent the erection, alteration, or use of a permitted barn
or silo, or the following accessory buildings or structures, provided the principal use is
permitted within the Zone in which it is located and provided all other applicable provisions of
this By-law are complied with: church spire, belfry, flag pole, clock tower, chimney, water tank,
windmill, radio, television or telephone tower or antenna, except satellite antenna in excess of
0.5 m in diameter, general HVAC mechanical , incidental equipment required for processing,
external equipment associated with internal equipment or machinery, and conveying equipment.
3.21.2 Permitted Yard Encroachments
a) Required yards shall not be obstructed in any manner whatsoever, except in accordance
with Table 3-1.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Table 3-1: Permitted Yard Encroachments
Building Feature / Structure
Yard in which
Projection is
Permitted
Maximum Permitted
Encroachment
a) Sills, chimneys, cornices, eaves,
gutters, parapets, pilasters,
windows, window wells, or other
ornamental structures
All yards
0.6 m, but no closer than
0.9 m to a lot line
b) Covered or uncovered porches,
balconies, deck, steps, patios
All yards
2.5 m, but can be located
no closer than 1.5 m to a
lot line
c) Canopies, awnings, clothes poles,
flag poles, garden trellises, fences,
retaining walls, signs
All yards
No limit
d) Fire escapes, exterior stairways,
stoops, landings, steps, ramps
Side or rear yard
only
1.0 m, but not closer than
1.2 m to any lot line
e) Wheelchair ramps
All yards
No limit
f) Air conditioners, solar panels, heat
pumps, or similar equipment
Interior or rear yard 1.0 m, but not closer than
0.3 m to any lot line
g) Where a legal non-conforming or non-complying building encroaches onto the required
yard, the maximum projection into the required yard from the main wall shall be measured
from the main wall.
Examples of permitted projections / encroachments:
Section 3.0 General Provisions
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3.22 Planting Strips
a) Where a lot in an Institutional, Commercial or Industrial Zone abuts an interior side or rear
lot line of a lot in a Residential Zone or where an apartment dwelling containing more than
four (4) dwelling units abuts a single-detached dwelling, a planting strip with a minimum
width of 3.0 m, shall be provided along such abutting lot line.
b) Where driveways or walkways extend through a required planting strip, it shall be
permissible to interrupt the planting strip within 3.0 m of the edge of such driveway or
within 1.5 m of the edge of such walkway.
c) A planting strip or buffer screen referred to in this Section may form a part of any
landscaped open space required by this By-law but shall not form part of a required yard.
3.23 Public Uses
a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this By-law, the use of land or the use, construction,
or re-construction of any building or structure for the purposes of a public use, including
but not limited to an institutional use, housing, and supportive housing provided by a public
authority, but excluding a correctional facility, shall be permitted in the following zones:
Residential Type 1 (R1), Residential Type 2 (R2), Neighbourhood Commercial (NC), General
Commercial (GC), Mixed Use (MU), Highway Commercial (HC), and Institutional (I) Zones.
b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this By-law, public uses, including those associated
with the Town of Fort Frances, the Provincial and Federal Government, a utility company
providing public utilities to the Town, a transportation service operated by or for the Town,
parks and recreation facilities, and a Health Unit, may use any land, install required public
infrastructure, erect or use any building or structure, only for the purposes of public
service.
c) Nothing in this By-law shall prevent land from being used as a street or highway, or prevent
the installation of a watermain, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, gas main, pipeline, overhead or
underground hydro, communication line or high voltage electrical facilities owned, operated
and maintained by a public authority, and provided that the location of such street,
highway, public service, or utility has been approved by the appropriate public authority
and all required statutory authorizations and approvals have been obtained.
d) Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this By-law, where a public use is
specifically mentioned as a permitted use within a Zone, then such public use shall only be
permitted within that Zone or Zones and shall comply with the provisions of the applicable
Zones, save and except that there shall be no minimum lot area or lot frontage
requirement. This provision shall not apply to Crown agencies or the Town of Fort Frances.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
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i.
No goods, materials or equipment shall be stored outside the building or structure
located on the lot, except as may otherwise be permitted under this By-law;
ii.
The provisions of the Zone in which the use is located shall be complied with except
as otherwise provided in this By-law; and
iii.
The building or structure shall be designed and maintained in general harmony with
the uses permitted within the respective Zone.
3.24 Recreational Vehicles and Tents
3.24.1 General
a) Any number of recreational vehicles, such as trailers, motor homes, truck campers, and
camper trailers, not exceeding a total length of 11.0 m may be stored in an interior side or
rear yard provided that the recreational vehicle(s) being stored are setback a minimum of
0.6 m from any lot line.
b) Notwithstanding provision a), recreational vehicles may be stored in any private garage,
carport, or other building on a lot.
c) No recreational vehicle shall be parked or located on a public street.
d) The minimum number of required parking spaces shall not be occupied or otherwise
obstructed by the parking of a recreational vehicle.
3.24.2 Tents
a) One (1) tent, wholly on private property, shall be permitted accessory to a single-detached
dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, or townhouse dwelling in the Residential Type One
(R1) or Residential Type Two (R2) Zones and shall be subject to the following provisions:
i.
The tent shall be less than 10.0 m2 in gross floor area;
ii.
The occupant(s) of the tent(s) shall be provided access to the facilities within the
appurtenant single-detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, or townhouse
dwelling at all times.
b) Upon evaluation of application, the Chief Building Official, Municipal Planner or By-Law
Enforcement Officer may provide temporary authorization to allow a greater number of
tents, but no more than four (4), to be erected within the Residential Type One (R1) and
Residential Type Two (R2) Zones for an agreed upon temporary duration of time.
c) A tent may only be erected between May 1 and September 30 of that year.
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d) In the Neighbourhood Commercial (NC), General Commercial (GC), Mixed Use (MU) and
Highway Commercial (HC) Zones, tents may be erected for the purpose of displays for
sales, not to be occupied, for a temporary duration by obtaining written approval from the
Chief Building Official, Municipal Planner, or By-Law Enforcement Officer.
3.24.3 Motor Homes, Truck Campers, and Camper Trailers
a) One (1) motor home, truck camper, or camper trailer shall be permitted for temporary
human habitation accessory to a single-detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling or
townhouse dwelling in the Residential Type One (R1) or Residential Type Two (R2) Zones,
but only in the rear or interior side yard.
b) A motor home, truck camper, or camper trailer in provision a) shall be subject to the
requirements of Section 3.29.1.
c) A motor home, truck camper, or camper trailer may only be used for temporary human
habitation for not more than 30 days between May 1 and September 30 of that year in the
Residential Type One (R1) or Residential Type Two (R2) Zones.
d) Upon written request, and evaluation of the request, the Chief Building Official, Municipal
Planner, or By-Law Enforcement Officer may provide temporary authorization to allow a
greater number of motor homes, truck campers or camper trailers, but no more than four
(4), to be used within the Residential Type One (R1) and Residential Type Two (R2) Zones
for an agreed upon temporary duration of time.
e) The occupant(s) of the motor home, truck camper, or camper trailer shall be provided
access to the facilities within the appurtenant single-detached dwelling, semi-detached
dwelling, or townhouse dwelling at all times.
3.25 Shipping Containers
Where permitted by this By-law, a shipping container shall be in accordance with the following
provisions:
a) A shipping container shall be considered a detached accessory structure and subject to
all requirements for accessory buildings and structures as set out in Section 3.1
Accessory Buildings, Structures, and Uses, except as provided by this Section.
b) No person shall erect, install, or place a shipping container in any Residential, Commercial,
or Institutional Zone, or in any Zone which permits residential uses as a primary use,
except where a shipping container forms part of a dwelling, the design of which shall be
reviewed through the Site Plan Control process.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
c) Notwithstanding Section 3.1, a shipping container shall be located a minimum distance of
10.0 m from any lot line abutting a Residential or Future Development (FD) Zone, or any lot
used for a residential use.
d) Within any Industrial Zone and in the Resource Development (RD) Zone, shipping
containers may be permitted as an accessory use to the principal use, subject to the
following provisions:
i.
A shipping container shall be used exclusively for the storage of goods and
materials, and shall not be used to accommodate work areas, shops, office uses,
retail sales, or human habitation.
ii.
A shipping container must be located in the rear yard.
iii.
Setbacks for a shipping container must include a 1.5 m side yard and rear yard
setback, except for corner lots, where they must be located 6.0 m from the street;
iv.
A shipping container shall not be located in a required parking area or parking
space, and shall not encroach into any required landscaped area or landscape strip;
v.
A shipping container shall not be placed for the purpose of display or advertising on
a property, or for the purpose of providing screening or fencing;
vi.
A shipping container shall be included in all calculations for the purpose of
determining maximum lot coverage of accessory buildings or structures; and
vii.
A building permit will be required for the construction and/or installation of a
shipping container.
e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section to the contrary, a shipping container
shall be permitted as a temporary use on a construction site in any Zone subject to
approval by the Chief Building Official, for the purposes of storing equipment and materials
incidental to construction, provided that a shipping container shall:
i.
Not be located in a minimum required front yard or in an exterior side yard;
ii.
Be located entirely on private property without encroaching on to a public sidewalk
or street, and shall not create a sightline obstruction;
iii.
Not exceed two (2) in number; and
iv.
Be removed from the site within 30 days of completing construction works.
3.26 Sight Triangles
a) On a corner lot fronting on two (2) streets or laneways, within the triangular space formed
by the street lines and a line drawn from a point in one (1) street line to a point in the other
street line, each such point being 6.0 m measured along the street line from the point of
intersection of the street lines, no motor vehicle, as defined in The Highway Traffic Act,
Section 3.0 General Provisions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
55
R.S.O., 1990 c. H.8, as amended, shall be parked, no building or structure which would
obstruct the vision of drivers of motor vehicles shall be erected.
b) Where the two (2) street lines do not intersect at a point, the point of intersection of the
street lines shall be deemed to be the intersection of the projection of the street lines or the
intersection of the tangents to the street lines.
3.27 Special Setback Requirements
3.27.1 Development Abutting Watercourses
a) Development, including the erection of buildings and structures, shall require a minimum
setback of 30.0 m from the normal high water mark of a watercourse or waterbody, or
from the stable top of bank, whichever is greater, unless it can be demonstrated through the
preparation of an Environmental Impact Study in accordance with the requirements of the
Town Official Plan that there will be no negative impacts on the aquatic and fish habitat.
b) For existing lots of record where it is demonstrated that a 30.0 m setback cannot be
achieved, new development must be set back as far back as the lot permits, with non-
disturbance of the native soils and very limited removal of shoreline vegetation and
adherence to applicable zoning standards, subject to review and approval by the Town.
3.27.2 Setbacks from Railways
a) New residential development within 75.0 m of the railway corridor and within 1,000.0 m of a
rail yard shall be required to submit acceptable Noise and Vibration studies to the
satisfaction of the Town with recommended mitigative measures and such developments
will only be permitted if appropriate mitigation measures can be implemented.
b) Residential, institutional, commercial, and recreational uses shall have a minimum building
setback of 30.0 m from the railway right-of-way, in conjunction with a 2.5 m high safety
berm.
c) Light and medium industrial uses, including manufacturing and automotive repair uses,
shall have a minimum building setback of 15.0 m from the railway right-of-way, in
conjunction with a 2.0 m high safety berm, or a minimum building setback of 60.0 m from
the railway right-of-way in the absence of a safety berm.
d) Heavy industrial uses, as well as warehouses, shall have a minimum building setback of
15.0 m from the railway right-of-way.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
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3.27.3 Waste Disposal Area Setbacks
a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this By-law, a residential building in any Zone is
required to be setback a distance of 500.0 m from existing and former waste disposal
areas or waste disposal sites.
3.28 Structures in Water
No person shall erect, alter or use any structure located in a navigable water except in
compliance with the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act, and the Navigable Waters Act, as
revised or amended. Approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Transport
Canada, and/or Fisheries and Oceans Canada may be required for marine facilities and
boathouses.
3.29 Temporary Uses
a) A tool shed, construction trailer, scaffold or other building or structure incidental to
construction is permitted in all Zones within the Town on the lot or in the case of a dock,
appurtenant to where it is situated but only for so long as it is necessary for the work in
progress and until the work is completed or abandoned. For the purpose of this Section,
abandoned shall mean the discontinuation of work for more than 30 consecutive days and/or
the failure to maintain a current Building Permit.
b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law to the contrary, where a dwelling is
destroyed, and a Building Permit for reconstruction of the dwelling has been issued by the
Town for the subject lands, the owner and family may occupy a trailer on a temporary basis
but only during the period which the dwelling is being reconstructed.
Section 4.0 Parking and Loading Provisions
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4.0 Parking and Loading Provisions
4.1 Minimum Off-Street Parking Requirements
a) Permanently maintained off-street parking spaces are required under this By-law and shall
be provided, in accordance with Table 4-1 and with the standards and regulations set out
herein.
b) Where the calculation of required parking spaces exceeds a whole space of more than
0.25, the required spaces shall be the next whole number.
c) Within the General Commercial (GC) and Mixed Use (MU) Zones, permitted uses are
exempted from the minimum off-street parking requirements in Table 4-1, with the
exception of dwelling units located in the upper storeys of a non-residential building,
hotels, motels, and retail stores with a gross floor area greater than 300.0 m2.
d) The parking space requirements referred to herein shall not apply to any building or
structure lawfully in existence on the date of passage of this By-law, so long as the gross
floor area is not increased and the use or number of dwelling units does not change. If any
addition is made to a building or structure which increases its gross floor area, then
parking spaces for the addition shall be provided as required by Table 4-1. Where a
change in use occurs, parking spaces shall be provided for such new use in accordance
with the requirements of Table 4-1.
e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the owner or occupant of any lot, building or structure in a
Residential Zone may use the lot building or structure for the parking, storing or housing
of one (1) commercial motor vehicle or trailer provided that such motor vehicle does not
have wheelbase in excess of 5.0 m or exceed a one (1) ton load capacity.
f) Where a commercial use abuts or is adjacent to a navigable waterway, one-third of the
parking requirements may be in the form of boat slips maintained for the sole purpose of
customer boat parking specifically for the commercial use. Such a space shall be at least 6.0
m in length and have a width of 3.0 m.
g) In Zones where a parking lot is not a permitted use, parking lots and parking areas are
considered accessory to the principal use and must be developed after the principal use
is established.
Table 4-1: Minimum Off-Street Parking Requirements
Type Of Use
Minimum Number of Parking Spaces Required
Residential Uses
Single-detached dwelling
Semi-detached dwelling
Duplex dwelling
1.0 space per dwelling unit
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Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
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Type Of Use
Minimum Number of Parking Spaces Required
Triplex dwelling
Townhouse dwelling
Modular dwelling
Additional residential unit
Garden suite
1.0 space per dwelling unit
Apartment dwelling
1.25 spaces per dwelling unit
Dwelling unit in the upper storey of a
non-residential building
1 space per dwelling unit
Mobile home park
1.0 space per mobile home site
Group home
2.0 spaces, plus 0.5 spaces per room
Home occupation
Home industry
1.0 space per home occupation or home industry
where clients or customers are attended or served on
site, in addition to 1.0 space per non-resident
employee of a home occupation or home industry,
which may be provided as a tandem parking space
Other residential uses
1.0 space per dwelling unit
Non-Residential Uses
Assembly hall
5.0. spaces per 100.0 m2 of gross floor area of
assembly space
Agricultural building
1.0 space per 28.0 m² of gross floor area
Agricultural use
No minimum requirement. Where applicable, parking
for a single-detached dwelling shall be provided.
Brewery
Micro-brewery
Nano-brewery
1.0 space per 20.0 m2 of gross floor area
Cannabis production facility
1.0 space per 100.0 m2 of gross floor area
Community centre
Place of worship
The greater of:
-
1.0 space for every 6.0 fixed seats or fraction
thereof; or
-
1.0 space for every 9.0 m2 of gross floor area
Community garden
No requirement
Day care centre
1.0 space per 100.0 m2 of gross floor area
Farmer's market
1.0 space per 30.0 m2 of gross floor area
Financial institution
1.0 per 28.0 m² of gross floor area
Golf course
0.5 spaces per 100.0 m2 of gross floor area, plus 2.0
spaces per hole or 1.0 space per stall for a driving
range, but no less than 25 spaces in total
Hospital
1.0 per 100.0 m2 of gross floor area
Section 4.0 Parking and Loading Provisions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
59
Type Of Use
Minimum Number of Parking Spaces Required
Hotel
Motel
1.0 space per guest room, plus 1.0 space for every
10.0 m2 of gross floor area devoted to public use
(e.g. dining room, restaurant, lounge, conference
rooms, banquet) but exclusive of any lobby
Industrial uses not specifically
identified
5.0 spaces minimum, plus 1.0 space per 100.0 m2 of
gross floor area or portion thereof for uses with more
than 200.0 m2 of gross floor area
Long-term care home
0.25 spaces per bed, plus 1.0 per 100.0 m2 of gross
floor area used for medical, health, or personal
services
Marina
1.5 space per 1.0 boat slip and 1.0 per every 8.0 m² of
gross floor area for commercial use, exclusive of
storage area
Medical clinic
Animal hospital
3.0 spaces per practitioner, or 1.0 space per 30.0 m²
gross floor area, whichever is greater
Office
1.0 space per 28.0 m² of gross floor area
Place of recreation
1.0 space per 100.0 m2 of gross floor area
Restaurant
Bar
1.0 space per 9.0 m² of floor space or 10.0 spaces,
whichever is greater
Restaurant, mobile
No requirement
Retail store
Personal services establishment
1.0 space per 28.0 m² of gross floor area
School
Elementary school - 1.5 space per classroom or 1.0
space per 9.0 m² of gymnasium or auditorium floor
space, whichever is greater
Secondary school - 2.0 spaces per classroom, or 1.0
space per 9.0 m² of gymnasium or auditorium floor
space, whichever is greater
Self-storage facility
1.0 space per 100.0 m2 of gross floor area, plus 1.0
additional space per 300.0 m2 of gross floor area in
excess of 2,800.0 m2
Warehouse
Wholesale establishment
Light industrial use
Heavy industrial use
1.0 space per 35.0 m² of gross floor area
Uses permitted but not listed in this
table
1.0 space per 35.0 m² of gross floor area
60
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
4.2 Parking Area Regulations
a) Notwithstanding the yard and setback provisions of this By-law to the contrary, uncovered
surface parking areas shall be permitted in the required yards or in the area between the
street line and the required setback.
b) Every lot fronting on a street shall have one (1) or more unobstructed driveways in
accordance with the following:
i.
Driveways shall not exceed 9.0 m in width; and
ii.
No lot shall have more than two (2) driveways for the first 30.0 m of street line and
one (1) more driveway for each additional 30.0 m of street line.
c) Where in this By-law parking areas are required to accommodate four (4) or more motor
vehicles, the following provisions shall apply:
i.
Where a building or structure accommodates more than one (1) type of use, the
parking space requirement for the whole building shall be the sum of the
requirements for the separate parts of the building occupied by the separate types
of use;
ii.
Adequate drainage facilities shall be provided and maintained in accordance with the
requirements of the Town;
iii.
Parking area, driveways, and aisles shall be surfaced with concrete, asphalt,
double float tar and chip surface, or a combination thereof;
iv.
Lights used for illumination of parking areas shall be so arranged and located as to
divert the light away from adjacent lots and directed on the parking area;
v.
Except as otherwise provided in this By-law, all parking spaces shall be provided
and maintained on the same lot and in the same Zone as the principal building or
use, with the exception of:
1. An assembly hall or place of recreation, provided that the parking area for
satellite parking is located a maximum distance of 150.0 m from the lot
containing the principal building or use; and
2. Any permitted non-residential use located in a Commercial or Institutional
Zone, provided that the parking area for satellite parking is located a
maximum distance of 90.0 m from the lot containing the principal building
or use under the same ownership.
vi.
Parking areas shall be provided with unobstructed access to a street by a driveway,
aisle, or laneway, which shall be a minimum of 3.0 m for one-way traffic and a
minimum of 6.0 m for two-way traffic;
Section 4.0 Parking and Loading Provisions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
61
vii.
A buffer strip of landscaped area a minimum of 3.0 m in width located within the lot
and along the boundaries of the parking area.
d) The length of any parking space and the width of the adjacent aisle shall be in accordance
with Table 4-2.
Table 4-2: Parking Space Dimension and Aisle Requirements
Angle of
Parking
Spaces
Minimum Parking
Space Width
Minimum Parking
Space Length
Minimum Aisle Width
90°
3.0 m
6.0 m
6.7 m
60°
3.0 m
6.0 m
5.5 m
45°
3.0 m
6.0 m
4.0 m
30°
3.0 m
6.0 m
3.7 m
Parallel
3.0 m
6.7 m
3.0 m
e) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this By-law, the requirements of provision (c)(iii) in
this Section shall not apply to developments in the Town of Fort Frances Industrial Park,
bounded to the north by Eighth Street West, to the south by the Canadian National Railway
(CNR) line, to the east by Webster Avenue, and to the west by McIrvine Road, The parking
area shall be maintained with a stable surface that is treated so as to prevent the raising of
dust.
4.3 Barrier-Free Parking Spaces
a) Where parking spaces are required in Section 4.1 of this By-law for any non-residential
use, barrier-free parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 4-3. Barrier-
free parking spaces shall not be required in addition to those parking spaces required in
Section 4.1 of this By-law, but rather, these barrier-free parking spaces shall contribute to
the total number of parking spaces required.
Table 4-3: Barrier-Free Parking Requirements
Minimum Number of Parking Spaces
Required under Section 4.1
Corresponding Minimum Number of
Barrier-Free Parking Spaces Required
1 - 12
1
13 - 100
4% of the total number of parking spaces
required
101 - 200
1, plus an additional 3% of the total number
of parking spaces required
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Minimum Number of Parking Spaces
Required under Section 4.1
Corresponding Minimum Number of
Barrier-Free Parking Spaces Required
201 - 1,000
2, plus an additional 2% of the total number
of parking spaces required
1,001 or more
11, plus an additional 1% of the total
number of parking spaces required
b) The minimum number of barrier-free parking spaces shall be calculated and provided for
the total number of parking spaces on the lot, and shall not solely be based on the
minimum number of parking spaces required. The calculation of the total minimum number
of barrier-free parking spaces required shall be in accordance with the following:
i.
Where an even number of barrier-free parking spaces are required, an equal
number of Type A and Type B barrier-free parking spaces shall be provided.
ii.
Where an off number of barrier-free parking spaces are required, the number of
barrier-free parking spaces must be divided equally between a Type A and a Type
B barrier-free parking space, while the remainder may be provided as a Type B
barrier-free parking space.
c) Where Type A barrier-free parking spaces are required, each barrier-free parking space
shall be designated by a sign mounted on a post or wall that is visible during the winter
months. Such sign shall be mounted at least 1.5 m above grade and shall identify the space
as being "van accessible".
d) Barrier-free parking spaces shall not be required in association with any parking spaces
required and provided for emergency service vehicles, motor vehicles displayed for sale,
or any other vehicles associated with outside storage.
e) Barrier-free parking spaces shall have the following:
i.
Type A - A minimum width of 3.4 m and a minimum
length of 5.5 m;
ii.
Type B - A minimum width of 2.8 m and a minimum
length of 5.5 m; and
f) Access provided by a barrier-free access aisle with a
minimum width of 1.5 m which extends the full length of the
parking space, and which is marked with high tonal contrast
diagonal lines (i.e., hatching) on a hard surface. Two (2)
barrier-free parking spaces which are adjacent to one
another may share one (1) barrier-free access aisle.
g) Barrier-free parking spaces shall be paved with hard surface materials, shall be reasonably
level, and as accessible to the building entrance(s) as possible.
Section 4.0 Parking and Loading Provisions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
63
4.4 Bicycle Parking Requirements
a) Bicycle parking is required to be provided in all Zones, except for Industrial Zones,
Resource Development (RD), and Future Development (FD) Zones, for the land uses at the
rates specified in Table 4-4.
b) Notwithstanding provision a), bicycle parking is not required to be provided for permitted
uses on Scott Street.
Table 4-4: Minimum Bicycle Parking Space Requirements
Use
Minimum Number of Spaces Required
Apartment dwelling
Townhouse dwelling consisting of six (6) or
more dwelling units
0.25 spaces per dwelling unit
Restaurant
Retail store
Office
1 space per 250 m2 gross floor area
School
1 space per 100 m2 gross floor area
Other non-residential uses
1 space per 1,000 m2 gross floor area
c) Bicycle parking must be located on the same lot as the use or building for which it is
provided, and must be located in order to promote convenient access to main entrances.
d) A bicycle parking space may be located within any yard.
e) A maximum of 50% of bicycle parking spaces may be located within a required landscaped
area.
f) Bicycle racks shall be provided for bicycle parking on a surface comprised of, brick, asphalt,
interlocking pavers or concrete.
g) Bicycle parking spaces shall be accessed by an aisle with a minimum width of 1.5 m.
h) When a building or structure accommodates more than one (1) type of use, the bicycle
parking space requirements shall be the sum of the requirements for the separate parts of
the building or structure occupied by the separate types of use.
4.5 Loading Space Requirements
a) Loading spaces are required under this By-law for non-residential uses, in accordance with
Table 4-5, and the owner of every building or structure erected for any purpose involving
64
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
the receiving, shipping, loading or unloading of persons, animals, goods, wares,
merchandise or raw materials shall provide and maintain loading spaces on the lot
accordingly.
Table 4-5: Loading Space Requirements
Permitted Non-Residential Uses
Minimum Number of Loading Spaces
Required
Less than 500 m2 in gross floor area
No spaces required
500 - 2,500 m2 in gross floor area
1 loading space
Greater than 2,500 m2 in gross floor area
2 loading spaces
b) For residential buildings containing more than ten (10) dwelling units, one (1) loading
space shall be provided and maintained.
c) Loading spaces shall be 9.0 m in length, 3.5 m in width, and have a minimum vertical
clearance of 4.3 m.
d) Access to loading spaces shall be provided by driveway with a minimum width of 6.0 m
located on the lot on which the loading spaces and accessed from a street or laneway.
e) Driveways, loading spaces, and related aisles shall be maintained with a stable surface
which is treated to prevent the raising of dust. Loading spaces and loading areas shall be
constructed of crushed stone, gravel, asphalt, concrete or brick and shall include provisions
for drainage facilities. In Industrial Zones, a crushed stone or gravel surface shall be
permitted.
f) Required loading spaces shall be located in the interior side or rear yard unless such
loading spaces are removed from the street line a minimum distance of 15.0 m.
g) The loading space requirements referred to herein shall not apply to any building in
existence at the date of passing of this By-law so long as the gross floor area, as it existed
at such date, is not increased by more than 300.0 m2. If an addition is made to the building
or structure which increases the gross floor area, then additional loading spaces shall be
provided as required by Table 4-5 for such addition.
4.6 Drive-Through Businesses
a) In addition to the requirements of Section 4.0 of this By-law, queuing spaces shall be
provided for drive-through businesses, including drive-through restaurants and car
washes, as follows:
i.
Five (5) inbound queuing spaces shall be provided for motor vehicles approaching
the drive-up service window;
Section 4.0 Parking and Loading Provisions
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
65
ii.
One (1) outbound queuing space shall be provided on the exit side of each service
position and this space shall be located so as not to interfere with service to the next
motor vehicle; and
iii.
All queuing spaces shall be a minimum of 6.5 m in length and 3.0 m in width.
Queuing lanes shall provide sufficient space for turning and manoeuvring and shall
not occupy any portion of a designated fire lane or a required parking aisle.
b) Queuing spaces shall be measured as follows:
c) For a drive-through with a service window, it shall be measured from a point located 2.0
m beyond the middle of the drive-through window used for the receipt of goods.
d) For a drive-through with a machine, it shall be measured from a point located 2.0 m
beyond the middle of the drive-through machine.
e) For a car wash service part of a motor vehicle service station, it shall be measured
from the entrance to the wash bay.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5.0 Zones
5.1 Establishment of Zones
The provisions of this By-law shall apply to all lands within the limits of the Town of Fort
Frances, which are divided into various Zones. The boundaries of these Zones are illustrated in
Schedule A-1 and A-2, which forms part of this By-law. On the Schedules, Zones and their
classifications are identified by symbols, as shown in Table 5-1.
Table 5-1: Establishment of Zones and Symbols
Classification
Zone
Symbol or Suffix
Zones
Zone Category
Zone
Zone Symbol
Residential
Residential Type One Zone
R1
Residential Type Two Zone
R2
Residential Mobile Home Zone
R3
Seasonal Residential Zone
SR
Commercial
Neighbourhood Commercial Zone
NC
General Commercial Zone
GC
Mixed Use
MU
Highway Commercial Zone
HC
Tourist Commercial Zone
TC
Industrial
Light Industrial Zone
M1
Heavy Industrial Zone
M2
Waste Disposal Industrial Zone
M3
Open Space
Open Space Zone
OS
Resource
Development
Resource Development Zone
RD
Institutional
Institutional Zone
I
Future Development
Future Development Zone
FD
Special Zones and Symbols
Holding
Holding Zone
(H)
Temporary Use
Temporary Use Symbol
T
Section 5.0 Zones
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
67
5.2 Residential Type One (R1) Zone
No person shall within a Residential Type One (R1) Zone, use any land or erect, alter or use
any building or structure except in accordance with the following:
5.2.1 Permitted Uses
-
Additional residential unit
-
Community garden
-
Day care centre
-
Garden suite
-
Group home
-
Home occupation
-
Public park
-
Public use
-
Single-detached dwelling
5.2.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
460 m²
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
15.0 m
c) Minimum Front Yard
7.5 m
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
1.5 m
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
3.0 m
f) Minimum Rear Yard
7.5 m
g) Maximum Lot Coverage
40%
h) Minimum Landscaped Open Space
20%
i) Maximum Building Height
12.0 m
68
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5.2.3 Exception Zones
Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law, the following Exception provisions shall apply
to lands referenced in Table 5-2 and delineated on Schedules A-1 and A-2. Unless otherwise
stated in Table 5-2, all other provisions of this By-law shall apply, including the provisions of the
parent Zone.
Table 5-2: Residential Type One (R1) - Exception Zones
Exception Zone
(See Schedules A-1 / A-2)
By-law Number
Municipal Address
R1-1
N/A
1235 Idylwild Drive
a) An additional residential unit is a permitted use.
R1-2
N/A
1137 Fourth Street East
a) An accessory building permitted without a primary use; and accessory building lot
coverage is increased to 18%.
R1-3
N/A
1345 Emo Road
a) The following additional provisions apply:
i.
A maximum of seven (7) dwelling units are permitted;
ii.
Minimum lot frontage: 18.28 m;
iii.
Minimum interior side yard (east only): 3.3 m as it pertains to the existing
building only; and
iv.
Maximum building height: 12.0 m.
Section 5.0 Zones
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
69
5.3 Residential Type Two (R2) Zone
No person shall within a Residential Type Two (R2) Zone, use any land or erect, alter or use
any building or structure except in accordance with the following:
5.3.1 Permitted Uses
-
Additional residential unit
-
Apartment dwelling
-
Boarding / rooming house
-
Community garden
-
Day care centre
-
Duplex dwelling
-
Fourplex dwelling
-
Group home
-
Home occupation
-
Public park
-
Public use
-
Semi-detached dwelling
-
Single detached dwelling
-
Townhouse dwelling
-
Triplex dwelling
5.3.2 Regulations for Single-Detached Dwellings
a) The provisions in Section 5.2.2 of this By-law shall apply to single-detached dwellings R2
Zone.
5.3.3 Regulations for Semi-Detached, Duplex, Triplex, Fourplex, Townhouse
Dwellings
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
240.0 m² per dwelling unit
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
8.0 m per dwelling unit
c) Minimum Front Yard
7.5 m
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
i.
With attached wall
Nil
ii.
Without attached wall
2.5 m
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
3.5 m
70
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Provision
Requirement
f) Minimum Rear Yard
7.5 m
g) Maximum Lot Coverage
50%
h) Minimum Landscaped Open Space
20%
i) Maximum Building Height
12.0 m
j) Minimum Floor Area
70.0 m2
5.3.4 Regulations for Apartment Dwellings
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
240 m² per unit for first 4 dwelling
units plus 93 m² for every dwelling
unit thereafter
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
30.0 m
c) Minimum Front Yard
7.5 m
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
4.5 m or half the building height,
whichever is greater
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
7.5 m
f) Minimum Rear Yard
7.5 m
g) Maximum Lot Coverage
30%
h) Minimum Landscaped Open Space
30%
i) Maximum Building Height
15.0 m
5.3.5 Regulations for Boarding / Rooming House
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
650 m²
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
21.0 m
c) Minimum Front Yard
7.5 m
Section 5.0 Zones
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
71
Provision
Requirement
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
4.5 m or half the building height;
whichever is greater
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
7.5 m
f) Minimum Rear Yard
7.5 m
g) Maximum Lot Coverage
50%
h) Minimum Landscaped Open Space
20%
i) Maximum Building Height
12.0 m
5.3.6 Exception Zones
Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law, the following Exception provisions shall apply
to lands referenced in Table 5-3 and delineated on Schedules A-1 and A-2. Unless otherwise
stated in Table 5-2Table 5-3, all other provisions of this By-law shall apply, including the
provisions of the parent Zone.
Table 5-3: Residential Type Two (R2) - Exception Zones
Exception Zone
(See Schedules A-1 / A-2)
By-law Number
Municipal Address
R2-1
N/A
507 Armit Avenue
a) The following additional provisions apply:
i.
Minimum interior side yard (north) - 1.5 m; and
ii.
Minimum front yard: no requirement.
R2-2
N/A
515 First Street East
a) The following additional use is permitted:
i.
Personal services establishment.
b) A minimum of three (3) parking spaces shall be provided.
c) Ingress/egress to required parking spaces is permitted from laneway rather than by
driveway off street.
R2-3
3/14-Z
820 Fifth Street East
a) The following definitions apply:
72
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Exception Zone
(See Schedules A-1 / A-2)
By-law Number
Municipal Address
i.
Child Care and Early Years Centre means a premises operated under licence
from the Province of Ontario whereat programmes are provided under the Child
Care and Early Years Act, 2014 or where similar programmes are provided under
Provincial Licence. Eightplex dwelling means a separate building containing two
(2) storeys on each of which are located four (4) dwelling units without a common
hallway or stairwell and with independent direct access to the outside
b) The following additional uses are permitted:
i.
Child care and early years centre; and
ii.
Eightplex dwelling
c) More than one (1) principal use and building is permitted on the Property, provided that
the regulations of the R2 Zone as amended by this Schedule are met.
d) Notwithstanding the provisions of this By-law where the Property is occupied by more
than one (1) principal building:
i.
The minimum lot area required for all principal buildings collectively is the total
lot area of the Property;
ii.
The minimum required lot frontage for all principal buildings collectively is the
full frontage of the Property; and
iii.
The minimum front, interior side, exterior side and rear yards shall be
determined by reference only to the principal building which is nearest to the
applicable lot line.
e) A child care and early years centre, together with an apartment dwelling are permitted
uses in the former school building located on the property as at the date of passage of
this By-law.
f) All eightplex dwellings shall be located on the Easterly half of the property and no wall of
any such building shall be closer than 7.5 m from a wall of any principal building.
g) Notwithstanding the definitions set out in Section 2.0 of this By-law, in the case of the
Property, the lot line abutting Fifth Street shall be deemed to be the front lot line, the lot
line abutting Frenette Avenue shall be deemed to be the exterior lot line, the Northerly
lot line shall be deemed to be the rear lot line and the Easterly lot line shall be deemed to
be a side lot line.
h) Except as otherwise provided in the Schedule, the regulations for an apartment dwelling
as set out in Section 5.3.4 of this By-law apply to eightplex dwellings on the Property.
Section 5.0 Zones
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
73
5.4 Residential Mobile Home (R3) Zone
No person shall within a Residential Mobile Home (R3) Zone, use any land or erect, alter or
use any building or structure except in accordance with the following:
5.4.1 Permitted Uses
-
Community garden
-
Mobile home
-
Mobile home park
5.4.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
1.4 ha
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
60.0 m
c) Minimum Front Yard
7.5 m
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
7.5 m
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
7.5 m
f) Minimum Rear Yard
9.0 m
g) Maximum Lot Coverage
35%
h) Minimum Landscaped Open Space
5%
i) Maximum Building Height
5.0 m
5.4.3 Regulations for Mobile Home Sites within a Mobile Home Park
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Mobile Home Site Area
335.0 m²
b) Minimum Setbacks within a Mobile Home
Site
1.5 m
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5.4.4 Exception Zones
Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law, the following Exception provisions shall apply
to lands referenced in Table 5-4 and delineated on Schedules A-1 and A-2. Unless otherwise
stated in Table 5-4, all other provisions of this By-law shall apply, including the provisions of the
parent Zone.
Table 5-4: Residential Mobile Home (R3) - Exception Zones
Exception Zone
(See Schedules A-1 / A-2)
By-law Number
Municipal Address
R2-1
B2-2024
1231 King's Highway
i) The following additional provisions apply:
i.
Additional permitted uses include: dwelling units, multiplex dwellings.
ii.
"Multiplex dwelling" includes additional residential units, duplex dwellings,
triplex dwellings, fourplex dwellings, and apartment dwellings.
iii.
Minimum lot frontage: 10 m.
Section 5.0 Zones
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
75
5.5 Seasonal Residential (SR) Zone
No person shall within a Seasonal Residential (SR) Zone, use any land or erect, alter or use
any building or structure except in accordance with the following:
5.5.1 Permitted Uses
-
Community garden
-
Home occupation
-
Single-detached dwelling
-
Sleep cabin
5.5.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
1.0 ha
b) Minimum Lot Coverage
10%
c) Minimum Front Yard
30.0 m from high water mark
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
3.0 m
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
30.0 m from high water mark
f) Minimum Rear Yard
8.0 m
g) Maximum Building Height
12.0 m
5.5.3 Exception Zones
Reserved for future use.
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Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5.6 Neighbourhood Commercial (NC) Zone
No person shall within a Neighbourhood Commercial (NC) Zone, use any land or erect, alter or
use any building or structure except in accordance with the following:
5.6.1 Permitted Uses
-
Community garden
-
Community health and resource
centre
-
Day care centre
-
Financial institution
-
Office
-
Personal services establishment
-
Post office
-
Private club
-
Public use
-
Restaurant
-
Restaurant, mobile
-
Retail store
-
Maximum of two (2) dwelling units
located in the upper storeys or at the
rear of the first storey of a non-
residential building
5.6.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
550.0 m²
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
15.0 m
c) Minimum Front Yard
7.5 m
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
i.
Abutting a Commercial Zone
0 m
ii.
Abutting another Zone
3.0 m
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
5.0 m
f) Minimum Rear Yard
i.
Abutting non-Residential Zone
7.5 m
ii.
Abutting Residential Zone
10.5 m
g) Maximum Lot Coverage
40%
h) Minimum Landscaped Open Space
10%
Section 5.0 Zones
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
77
Provision
Requirement
i) Minimum Width of Planting Strip
i.
Abutting a Residential Zone
3.0 m
ii.
Abutting any other Zone
Not required
j) Maximum Building Height
15.0 m
5.6.3 Exception Zones
Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law, the following Exception provisions shall apply
to lands referenced in Table 5-5 and delineated on Schedules A-1 and A-2. Unless otherwise
stated in Table 5-5, all other provisions of this By-law shall apply, including the provisions of the
parent Zone.
Table 5-5: Neighbourhood Commercial (NC) - Exception Zones
Exception Zone
(See Schedule A1 / A2)
By-law Number
Municipal Address
NC-1
N/A
815 Williams Avenue
a) Crusher chips are permitted on the parking surface, the driveway width increased to 31%
of the frontage.
NC-2
3/14-W
1150 Portage Avenue
a) The following additional uses are permitted:
i.
Accessory boarding house
78
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5.7 General Commercial (GC) Zone
No person shall within a General Commercial (GC) Zone, use any land or erect, alter or use
any building or structure except in accordance with the following:
5.7.1 Permitted Uses
-
Assembly hall
-
Bar
-
Community health and resource
centre
-
Crisis centre
-
Day care centre
-
Financial institution
-
Farmer's market
-
Funeral home
-
Hotel Medical clinic
-
Microbrewery
-
Motel
-
Motor vehicle gas bar
-
Motor vehicle service station
-
Nanobrewery
-
Office
-
Parking lot
-
Personal services establishment
-
Place of recreation
-
Post office
-
Private club
-
Public use
-
Restaurant
-
Restaurant, mobile
-
Retail store
-
Service shop
-
Transportation depot
-
Dwelling units located in the upper
storeys and/or at the rear of the first
storey of a non-residential building
5.7.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
230.0 m²
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
7.5 m
c) Minimum Front Yard
Nil
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
Nil
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
Nil
f) Minimum Rear Yard
4.5 m
Section 5.0 Zones
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
79
Provision
Requirement
g) Maximum Lot Coverage
75%
h) Minimum Landscaped Open Space
20%
i) Minimum Width of Planting Strip
i.
Abutting a Residential Zone
3.0 m
ii.
Abutting any other Zone
Not required
j) Maximum Height of Building
15.0 m
5.7.3 Exception Zones
Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law, the following Exception provisions shall apply
to lands referenced in Table 5-6 and delineated on Schedules A-1 and A-2. Unless otherwise
stated in Table 5-6, all other provisions of this By-law shall apply, including the provisions of the
parent Zone.
Table 5-6: General Commercial (GC) - Exception Zones
Exception Zone
(See Schedules A1 / A2)
By-law Number
Municipal Address
GC-1
N/A
205 Third Street East
a) The following additional uses are permitted:
i.
Apartment dwelling
ii.
Office
iii.
Personal services establishment
GC-2
N/A
420 Mowat Avenue
a) An additional residential unit is permitted on the main floor.
80
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5.8 Mixed Use (MU) Zone
No person shall within a Mixed Use (MU) Zone, use any land or erect, alter or use any building
or structure except in accordance with the following:
5.8.1 Permitted Uses
-
Accessory dwelling units
-
Animal hospital
-
Apartment dwelling
-
Art gallery
-
Assembly hall
-
Bar
-
Community centre
-
Community garden
-
Community health and resource
centre
-
Day care centre
-
Financial institution
-
Funeral home
-
Hotel
-
Laboratory
-
Long-term care home
-
Medical clinic
-
Microbrewery
-
Motel
-
Motor vehicle gas bar
-
Museum
-
Nanobrewery
-
Office
-
Outdoor recreation
-
Public park
-
Parking lot
-
Personal services establishment
-
Place of worship
-
Post office
-
Private club
-
Place of recreation
-
Public use
-
Research and development
establishment
-
Restaurant
-
Retail store
-
School
-
Service shop
-
Transportation depot
5.8.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
230 m²
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
7.5 m
Section 5.0 Zones
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
81
Provision
Requirement
c) Minimum Front Yard
2.0 m
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
0 m
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
2.0 m
f) Minimum Rear Yard
i.
For an apartment dwelling
7.5 m
ii.
In all other cases
4.5 m
g) Maximum Building Height
15.0 m
h) Permitted Location of Accessory Dwelling
Units
Where a building contains both
accessory dwelling units and non-
residential uses, the accessory
dwelling units shall be located:
i. On floors above the first floor; or
ii. Where located on the first floor,
located a minimum of 6.0 m from
the front building wall, excluding
lobbies or common areas.
5.8.3 Exception Zones
Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law, the following Exception provisions shall apply
to lands referenced in Table 5-7 and delineated on Schedules A-1 and A-2. Unless otherwise
stated in Table 5-7, all other provisions of this By-law shall apply, including the provisions of the
parent Zone.
Table 5-7: Mixed Use (MU) - Exception Zones
Exception Zone
(See Schedule A-1 / A-2)
By-law Number
Municipal Address
MU-1
N/A
Part of 301 Nelson Street
a) The maximum building height shall be 25.0 m.
82
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5.9 Highway Commercial (HC) Zone
No person shall within the Highway Commercial (HC) Zone, use any land or erect, alter or use
any building or structure except in accordance with the following:
5.9.1 Permitted Uses
-
Animal hospital
-
Animal care
-
Bar
-
Building supply and lumber outlet
-
Community garden
-
Convenience store
-
Equipment sales and rental
establishment
-
Farmer's market
-
Financial institution
-
Hotel
-
Kennel
-
Laboratory
-
Medical clinic
-
Microbrewery
-
Motel
-
Motor vehicle gas bar
-
Motor vehicle service station
-
Motor vehicle sales establishment
-
Nanobrewery
-
Nursery
-
Office
-
Parking lot
-
Personal services establishment
-
Public use
-
Place of recreation
-
Recreational vehicle sales and
service
-
Research and development
establishment
-
Restaurant
-
Restaurant, drive through
-
Restaurant, mobile
-
Retail store
-
Self-storage facility
-
Service shop
5.9.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
i.
Without municipal sewage
services
4,000.0 m²
ii.
With municipal sewage
services
930.0 m²
Section 5.0 Zones
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
83
Provision
Requirement
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
23.0 m
c) Minimum Front Yard
7.5 m
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
6.0 m
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
7.5 m
f) Minimum Rear Yard
7.5 m
g) Maximum Lot Coverage
30%
h) Minimum Landscaped Open Space
20%
i) Minimum Width of Planting Strip
i.
Abutting a Residential Zone
3.0 m
ii.
Abutting any other Zone
Not required
j) Maximum Building Height
12.0 m
5.9.3 Exception Zones
Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law, the following Exception provisions shall apply
to lands referenced in Table 5-8 and delineated on Schedules A-1 and A-2. Unless otherwise
stated in Table 5-8, all other provisions of this By-law shall apply, including the provisions of the
parent Zone.
Table 5-8: Highway Commercial (HC) - Exception Zones
Exception Zone
(See Schedule A-1 / A-2)
By-law Number
Municipal Address
HC-1
N/A
780 King's Highway
a) Notwithstanding the minimum exterior side yard requirements of the R2 Zone, the
exterior side yard shall be 3.0 m.
HC-2
N/A
505 McIrvine Road
a) The following additional uses are permitted:
i.
Cardlock fuel retailing depot
84
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5.10 Tourist Commercial (TC) Zone
No person shall within a Tourist Commercial (TC) Zone, use any land or erect, alter or use any
building or structure except in accordance with the following:
5.10.1 Permitted Uses
-
Additional residential unit
-
Assembly hall
-
Campground
-
Community garden
-
Hotel
-
Marina
-
Motel
-
Outdoor recreation
-
Place of recreation
-
Resort
-
Restaurant
-
Sleep cabin
-
Tourist establishment
5.10.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
4,000.0 m²
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
30.0 m
c) Minimum Front Yard
7.5 m
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
4.5 m
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
7.5 m
f) Minimum Rear Yard
4.5 m
g) Maximum Lot Coverage
50%
h) Minimum Landscaped Open Space
20%
i) Minimum Width of Planting Strip
i.
Abutting a Residential Zone
3.0 m
ii.
Abutting any other Zone
Not required
j) Maximum Building Height
10.5 m
Section 5.0 Zones
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
85
5.10.3 Exception Zones
Reserved for future use.
86
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5.11 Light Industrial (M1) Zone
No person shall within a Light Industrial (M1) Zone, use any land or erect, alter or use any
building or structure except in accordance with the following:
5.11.1 Permitted Uses
-
Animal hospital
-
Building supply and lumber outlet
-
Bulk fuel depot
-
Contractor's yard
-
Heavy equipment sales and rental
-
Light industrial use
-
Kennel
-
Microbrewery
-
Motor vehicle service station
-
Office (accessory to a permitted
use)
-
Outdoor storage
-
Public works yard
-
Recycling depot
-
Retail store (accessory to a
permitted use not exceeding 35% of
the total floor area)
-
Self-storage facility
-
Transportation depot
-
Warehouse
-
Wholesale establishment
-
Service shop
5.11.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
i.
Without municipal sewage
services
2,050.0 m²
ii.
With municipal sewage
services
1,400.0 m²
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
30.0 m
c) Minimum Front Yard
7.5 m
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
3.0 m
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
7.5 m
f) Minimum Rear Yard
7.5 m
Section 5.0 Zones
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
87
Provision
Requirement
g) Maximum Lot Coverage
65%
h) Minimum Landscaped Open Space
20%
i) Minimum Width of Planting Strip
i.
Abutting a Residential Zone
3.0 m
ii.
Abutting any other Zone
Not required
j) Maximum Building Height
20.0 m
5.11.3 Exception Zones
Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law, the following Exception provisions shall apply
to lands referenced in Table 5-9 and delineated on Schedules A-1 and A-2. Unless otherwise
stated in Table 5-9, all other provisions of this By-law shall apply, including the provisions of the
parent Zone.
Table 5-9: Light Industrial (M1) - Exception Zones
Exception Zone
(See Schedule A-1 / A-2)
By-law Number
Municipal Address
M1 - 1
N/A
617 Eighth Street West
a) The following additional uses are permitted:
i.
Recycling facility
M1 - 2
3/14-V
840 Sixth Street West
a) The following additional uses are permitted:
i.
Place of recreation
88
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5.12 Heavy Industrial (M2) Zone
No person shall within a Heavy Industrial (M2) Zone, use any land or erect, alter or use any
building or structure except in accordance with the following:
5.12.1 Permitted Uses
-
Bulk fuel storage
-
Cardlock fuel retailing depot
-
Heavy equipment sales and rental
-
Heavy industrial use
-
Light industrial use
-
Motor vehicle service station
-
Office (accessory to a permitted
use)
-
Outdoor storage
-
Peat extraction
-
Pit
-
Portable processing plant
-
Quarry
-
Wayside pits and quarries
5.12.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
20,000 m²
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
120.0 m
c) Minimum Front Yard
30.0 m
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
15.0 m
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
30.0 m
f) Minimum Rear Yard
15.0 m
g) Minimum Setback from a Residential Lot
1,200 m
h) Maximum Lot Coverage
10%
i) Minimum Landscaped Open Space
10%
j) Required Planting Strip Along All Yards
i.
Abutting an M3 Zone
Not required
ii.
Abutting all other Zones
30.0 m
k) Maximum Building Height
20.0 m
Section 5.0 Zones
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
89
5.12.3 Exception Zones
Reserved for future use.
90
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5.13 Waste Disposal Industrial (M3) Zone
No person shall within a Waste Disposal Industrial (M3) Zone, use any land or erect, alter or
use any building or structure except in accordance with the following:
5.13.1 Permitted Uses
-
Recycling facility
-
Salvage or wrecking yard
-
Sewage services or facility
-
Waste disposal area
5.13.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
10,000.0 m²
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
60.0 m
c) Minimum Front Yard
30.0 m
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
20.0 m
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
30.0 m
f) Minimum Rear Yard
20.0 m
g) Maximum Lot Coverage
80%
h) Minimum Landscaped Open Space
20%
i) Maximum Building Height
10.0 m
5.13.3 Exception Zones
Reserved for future use.
Section 5.0 Zones
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
91
5.14 Institutional (I) Zone
No person shall within an Institutional (I) Zone, use any land or erect, alter or use any building
or structure except in accordance with the following:
5.14.1 Permitted Uses
-
Assembly hall
-
Cemetery
-
Community centre
-
Community health and resource
centre
-
Community garden
-
Day care centre
-
Hospital
-
Long-term care home
-
Place of worship
-
Public park
-
Public use
-
School
5.14.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
550.0 m²
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
15.0 m
c) Minimum Front Yard
7.5 m
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
7.5 m
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
7.5 m
f) Minimum Rear Yard
10.5 m
g) Maximum Lot Coverage
50%
h) Minimum Landscaped Open Space
10%
i) Minimum Width of Planting Strip
i.
Abutting a Residential Zone
3.0 m
ii.
Abutting any other Zone
Not required
j) Maximum Building Height
20.0 m
92
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5.14.3 Exception Zones
Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law, the following Exception provisions shall apply
to lands referenced in Table 5-10 and delineated on Schedules A-1 and A-2. Unless otherwise
stated in Table 5-10, all other provisions of this By-law shall apply, including the provisions of
the parent Zone.
Table 5-10: Institutional (I) - Exception Zones
Exception Zone
(See Schedules A-1 / A-2)
By-law Number
Municipal Address
I-1
N/A
824 Victoria Avenue
a) The following site-specific provisions shall apply:
i.
The number of off-street parking spaces required is reduced to zero;
ii.
Minimum lot area - 350.15 m²;
iii.
Minimum lot frontage - 8.23 m;
iv.
Minimum front yard - 0.87 m;
v.
Minimum interior side yard - 0.28 m;
vi.
Minimum exterior side yard - 0.54 m; and
vii.
Maximum lot coverage - 66.09%.
Section 5.0 Zones
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
93
5.15 Open Space (OS) Zone
No person shall within an Open Space (OS) Zone, use any land or erect, alter or use any
building or structure except in accordance with the following:
5.15.1 Permitted Uses
-
Community garden
-
Conservation
-
Marina
-
Marine facility
-
Outdoor recreation
-
Private recreational park
-
Public park and accessory
structures
-
Restaurant, mobile
-
Uses that legally existed as of the
date of passing of this By-law
5.15.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
4,000.0 m²
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
30.0 m
c) Minimum Front Yard
9.0 m
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
7.5 m
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
9.0 m
f) Minimum Rear Yard
9.0 m
g) Maximum Lot Coverage
25%
h) Minimum Landscaped Open Space
50%
i) Maximum Building Height
12.0 m
5.15.3 Exception Zones
Reserved for future use.
94
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5.16 Resource Development (RD) Zone
No person shall within a Resource Development (RD) Zone, use any land or erect, alter or use
any building or structure except in accordance with the following:
5.16.1 Permitted Uses
-
Additional residential unit
-
Agricultural use
-
Animal care
-
Animal hospital
-
Community garden
-
Group home
-
Kennel
-
Livestock facilities
-
Nursery
-
Outdoor recreation
-
Portable processing plant
-
Public park
-
Single-detached dwelling
-
Wayside pit or quarry
5.16.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
10,000.0 m²
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
60.0 m
c) Minimum Front Yard
20.0 m
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
7.5 m
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
20.0 m
f) Minimum Rear Yard
7.5 m
g) Maximum Lot Coverage
10%
h) Minimum Landscaped Open Space
20%
i) Maximum Building Height
10.5 m
5.16.3 Exception Zones
Reserved for future use.
Section 5.0 Zones
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
95
5.17 Future Development (FD) Zone
No person shall within a Future Development (FD) Zone, use any land or erect, alter or use any
building or structure except in accordance with the following:
5.17.1 Permitted Uses
-
A use existing on the date of passing of this By-law
-
Accessory building or use to an existing use on the date of passing of this By-law
5.17.2 Regulations for Permitted Uses
Provision
Requirement
a) Minimum Lot Area
As existing on the date of passing of
this By-law
b) Minimum Lot Frontage
As existing on the date of passing of
this By-law
c) Minimum Front Yard
6.0 m
d) Minimum Interior Side Yard
6.0 m
e) Minimum Exterior Side Yard
6.0 m
f) Minimum Rear Yard
7.5 m
g) Maximum Lot Coverage
15%
h) Minimum Landscaped Open Space
10%
i) Maximum Building Height
11.0 m
96
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances Zoning By-law 93-25
Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
5.17.3 Exception Zones
Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law, the following Exception provisions shall apply
to lands referenced in Table 5-11 and delineated on Schedules A-1 and A-2. Unless otherwise
stated in Table 5-11, all other provisions of this By-law shall apply, including the provisions of
the parent Zone.
Table 5-11: Future Development (FD) - Exception Zones
Exception Zone
(See Schedules A-1 / A-2)
By-law Number
Municipal Address
FD-1
N/A
Mill Property
a) The maximum building height shall be 55.0 m.
FD-2
N/A
Shevlin Woodyard
a) Permitted uses shall include: pulp wood storage area, transportation depot, outdoor
storage and accessory uses and structures, all uses being in conjunction with the Kraft
Paper Mill.
Section 6.0 Schedules
Final Zoning By-law 93-25 - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
97
6.0 Schedules
The Schedules to this By-law include:
-
A-1
Settlement Area - Zones
-
A-2
Rural Area - Zones
RD
RD
RD
RD
RD
RD
M1
M1
M1
M1
M2 (H)
M2
M2
SR
SR
SR
SR
SR
SR
SR
SR
SR
McIrvine Road
Second Street East
Crowe Avenue
Nelson Street
Mill Road
Frenette Avenue
Fifth Street East
Scott Street
Williams Avenue
First Street East
Cornwall Avenue
Elizabeth St West
Church Street
Fourth Street Wes
t
Eighth Street West
Third Street East
Fifth Street West
Eighth Street East
Sixth Street West
Sunset Drive
Idylwild Drive
Sixth Street East
Third Street West
Frog Creek Road
Balsam Street
'+
71
'+
11
'+
11
'+
11
'+
11
Legend
Town Boundary
Unsold Surrendered Lands
Settlement Area Boundary
Highway
Municipal Road
Zones
Seasonal Residential - SR
Light Industrial - M1
Heavy Industrial - M2
Resource Development - RD
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
Metres´
Source: Town of Fort Frances
Schedule A-1:
Rural Area - Zones
Schedule A-1:
Rural Area - Zones
City of
International Falls,
USA
* It is acknowledged that there is an
ongoing land claim by the Agency One
Reserve and the Town of Fort Frances
for a portion of the lands between
Idylwild Drive and east of Highway 11.
Unincorporated Area
Final - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Town of Fort Frances
Zoning By-law 93-25
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R2
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1 R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
OS
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
R1 R1
R1
R1
R1
R1
I
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2R2
R2
R2
R2
R2 R2 R2 R2 R2 R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2 R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2 R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R3-1
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2 R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
R2
RD
RD
RD
RD
RD
R1
R1
R1 (H)
R1
OS
OS
OS
OS
OS
OS
I (H)
OS
OS
OS
OS
OS
OS
OS
FD-2
I
I
I
I
R2
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
R1
I
R2-3
I
I
I
I
I
R2
I
I
I
I
I
R2
I
M1
M1
M1
M1
M1
M1
M1
M1
M1-1
M1
M2
M1
M1
M1
M1
M3
FD-1
M2 (H)
M1 (H)
NC
NC
R1
GC
GC
R2
R2
GC
GC
GC
GC GC
GC
GC
GC
GC GC
GC
GC
GC
GC
GC
GC
GC
GC
GC
GCGC
GC
GC
HC
HC
HC
HC
HC
TC
TC
M2
M1
HC
HC
HC
HC
HC
HC
HCHC
HC
GC
GC
GC
GC
R1
HC
M1
R2
NC
R2
I
R2
R2
R2
R1-2
I
I-1
R1
OS
R2
R3
OS
HC
HC
HC
M2
FD-1
HC
R1
R2-1
R1
R1-1
GC-1
R2
R2-2
R1-3
NC-1
GC-3
HC
HC-1-D
HC-2
M1
M1
M1
I
GC
GC
GC
OS
I
R1
R1
R1
R2
R2
M1
I
I
R2
GC
GC
R2
I
R2
M1-2
NC-2
HC
MU
R1
MU-1
R2
R1
R1
M1 (H)
M1 (H)
OS
I
OS
M2
M3
M1
RD
OS
Remove all zones within
the 'Unsold Surrendered
Lands' area and
show just as white
M1
Rural Area
(Schedule A-1)
McIrvine Road
Second Street East
Crowe Avenue
Nelson Street
Mill Road
A
g
amiing D
riv
e
Kaitlyn Drive
Frenette Avenue
Victoria Avenue
Fifth Street East
Scott Street
Armit Avenue
Williams Avenue
Flinders Avenue
C
alder Drive
Cornwall Avenue
Christie Ave North
Elizabeth St West
Shevlin Avenue
Fro
nt Street
Third Street East
Church Street
Eighth Street West
Holmes Avenue
Fifth Street West
Fourth Street West
Daniel Avenue
School Road
Emo Road
Phair Avenue
P
it Road 1
Pit Road 2
Wright Avenue
Eighth Street East
Keating Avenue
Sixth Street West
Victoria Ave North
York Avenue
Riverview Dr
i
ve
Sunset Drive
River
Road We
s
t
To
wer/S
even Oak
s
First Street East
Idylwild Drive
Minnie Avenue
Sixth Street East
Third Street West
Oakwood Road
Balsa
m Street
'+
71
'+
11
'+
11
'+
11
'+
11
Legend
Town Boundary
Unsold Surrendered Lands
Settlement Area Boundary
Highway
Municipal Road
Zones
Residential Type 1 - R1
Residential Type 2 - R2
Residential Mobile Home - R3
Mixed Use - MU
General Commercial - GC
Neighbourhood Commercial - NC
Highway Commercial - HC
Tourist Commercial - TC
Institutional - I
Light Industrial - M1
Heavy Industrial - M2
Waste Disposal Industrial - M3
Resource Development - RD
Future Development - FD
Open Space - OS
0
250
500
750 1,000
Metres´
Source: Town of Fort Frances
City of
International Falls,
USA
* It is acknowledged that there is an
ongoing land claim by the Agency One
Reserve and the Town of Fort Frances
for a portion of the lands between
Idylwild Drive and east of Highway 11.
Final - Council Adoption: December 8, 2025
Schedule A-2:
Settlement Area - Zones
Schedule A-2:
Settlement Area - Zones
Town of Fort Frances
Zoning By-law 93-25