Alley Closing Requests

Once your Application is submitted, it is reviewed by Town Departments and affected utility companies for their feedback. The Clerk will review all comments and determine whether the application can move forward.

If yes, the Clerk reports the matter to Town Council for their approval/denial at a Regular Council Meeting. All affected property owners are notified of the meeting date so they can share their support or opposition to the application, by registering to speak at the meeting via the Delegation Form on the Town’s website.

If approved, you will receive a copy of the report, which will detail all aspects of the closure, including any conditions. The Town then hires an Ontario Land Surveyor to create a Reference Plan outlining the closure and the land parcels available for sale (see "Cost of Land Transfer" below).

If a neighbouring property owner does not wish to acquire land, they can waive their right to it by completing a “Cost Estimate for Closure and Conveyance” form.

This will allow the owner on the opposite side of the alley to acquire the full width of the land.

Verbal waivers will not be accepted.

If the form is not completed and submitted by the deadline, the Town may decide how to proceed with the land sale. Once the land cost and deed registration fees are finalized, each affected owner will receive a letter with the exact costs, which will need to be paid before the deed is prepared.

In determining the total cost of the alley will be sold, the following guidelines, set by the Town Council, will apply:

• The purchase price for the closed alley will be based on market value.

• In addition to the purchase price, each owner wishing to buy a portion of the closed alley will also need to cover:

  • The cost of preparing and registering the Transfer/Deed of Land
  • Any legal fees related to the transfer of ownership
  • Their share of the cost for preparing the Reference Plan

• If street allowances are available for sale, they will be offered at market value as building lots, when possible, regardless of zoning.

• If purchasing the land will allow a property owner to create a separate building lot, the price will also be set at market value.

• Any costs for relocating or removing sewer, water, gas, telephone, or hydro lines will be the responsibility of the affected property owners.

• All closed alleys will be sold in their current “as is” condition.

• Unless otherwise directed, the Town will arrange for an Ontario Land Surveyor to prepare a Reference Plan, showing the boundaries of the closed alley and how it will be divided among the owners. This plan will need to be approved by the Town Planner.

• Any conveyance of land will be subject to easements as required by the Town, utility companies, or other service providers.