Contact(s)
Have a Planning Question?
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Email us anytime at planning@orillia.ca - corresponding by email allows us to provide accurate, convenient, expedited service and is the preferred method of communication to provide the information you require in a fast and efficient manner. Please note that inquiries will be answered in sequence based on the time/date of receipt.
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"Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) - provides answers to commonly requested information together with easy to follow links where additional materials and resources can be found, linked here.
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Set up a virtual appointment - virtual meetings may be arranged with staff and time will be set aside to answer your questions. Please email for details planning@orillia.ca.
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Call us at 705-325-2622 - with a busy department like ours, service via the phone may delay providing the information you require.
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Visit us in person, 3rd Floor City Centre - schedule appointments are preferred, please email planning@orillia.ca to arrange.
* NEW * - Digital Submission of Applications (click here for more information)
The Planning Division is a component of the Development Services and Engineering Department.
Preconsultation is mandatory for the following types of Planning Applications:
- Site Plan
- Zoning By-law Amendment
- Official Plan Amendment
- Draft Plan of Subdivision or Condominium
Preconsultation for Minor Variances and Consents is encouraged. Please contact coa@orillia.ca for more information.
Effective January 1, 2023, the Preconsultation process has changed to a two-stage Preconsultation process.
- Stage 1 Preconsultation: The City will identify what plans, studies, information, and material is required for submission of a Complete Application.
- Stage 2 Preconsultation: The City will require the detailed review of reports/studies/assessments required for a Complete Application to ensure the reports/studies/assessments conform to the City’s policies, guidelines and standards before submission of a Complete Application.
- Stage 2 Preconsultation will also provide the applicant with the opportunity to have any required plans to be reviewed by the City prior to submission of a Complete Application.
Guide to Preconsultation
The City has developed a Guide to Preconsultation to assist applicants through the City's two-stage Preconsultation process.
Preconsultation with the City is time-limited and has an expiry date. The expiry date depends on whether or not Stage 2 Preconsultation is required.
WHEN STAGE 2 PRECONSULTATION IS NOT REQUIRED
WHEN STAGE 2 PRECONSULTATION IS REQUIRED 
There is an application form and fee for each of the two stages of Preconsultation:
Transition Provisions:
If you’ve completed Preconsultation with the City prior to January 1, 2023 and your Preconsultation hasn’t yet expired, then you will automatically be required to go through Stage 2 Preconsultation if your initial Preconsultation identified any required reports/studies/assessments to be completed.
If you’ve completed Preconsultation with the City prior to January 1, 2023 and your Preconsultation hasn’t expired and your Preconsultation did not require any reports/studies/assessments to be completed, then you may apply for a formal planning application.
