Laird Township Services
Planning & Development
The land use rules in Laird, and how to apply to sever a lot, change your zoning or get a minor variance.
New Official Plan
On October 15, 2026, Council adopted the new joint Official Plan for the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Area. It comes into force once the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing approves it.
Official Plan
The Official Plan sets out the long-term goals and policies for how land is used and developed. The new plan covers the Townships of Johnson, Tarbutt, Laird, and Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional, and looks ahead to the year 2051. It deals with matters such as housing, farmland, shorelines, the environment, roads and services.
Notice of Adoption: PDF version of the Official Plan Notice of Adoption (opens in a new tab) HTML version of the Official Plan Notice of Adoption
By-law 2097-26 (Adoption of the Official Plan): PDF version of By-law 2097-26 (opens in a new tab) HTML version of By-law 2097-26
The Official Plan and its maps are posted on the Planning Board’s website.
View the Official Plan on the Planning Board website (opens in a new tab)
Zoning
The Zoning By-law sets out what each property can be used for and the rules for buildings, such as setbacks and lot sizes.
By-law 531 (Comprehensive Zoning By-law): PDF version of By-law 531 (opens in a new tab) HTML version of By-law 531
Amendments for individual properties are listed on the By-laws page.
Severances (Consents)
To divide a property or add land to a neighbouring lot, you apply for a consent. Consent applications are decided by the Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Board, and Laird Council reviews each Laird application and gives its recommendation.
Application fee: $1,200 ($600 for each additional consent on the same land submitted at the same time).
Consent Questions and Answers (PDF) on the Planning Board website (opens in a new tab)
Application for Consent (PDF) on the Planning Board website (opens in a new tab)
Minor Variances and Rezoning
To ask for an exception to a zoning rule, or to change the zoning of a property, contact the Clerk to start an application.
- Minor variance: $900
- Each additional variance on the same application: $200
- Zoning By-law amendment: $1,800
- Confirmation letter: $50
Fees are set in Schedule E of By-law 2077-26 and are non-refundable.
By-law 2077-26: PDF version of By-law 2077-26 (opens in a new tab) HTML version of By-law 2077-26
Desbarats to Echo Bay Planning Board
Laird shares a Planning Board with the Townships of Johnson, Tarbutt, and Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional.
27 Barr Road South, Desbarats, Ontario P0R 1E0
Public inquiries: Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Thursdays 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.
Questions About Planning in Laird
Contact the Township Clerk, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.