Applications, Licences and Permits

Adopt a Road Program

The Township's Adopt-a-Road program is a public program that encourages community involvement in the care and maintenance of Wellesley's roadways through regular litter clean-ups. 

What is the Adopt-a-Road program?           

The Corporation of the Township of Wellesley's (the "Township") Adopt-a-Road program is a public program that encourages community involvement in the care and maintenance of Wellesley's roadways through regular litter clean-ups. This activity encourages community stewardship and action, providing a cleaner, healthier environment.

Under the Adopt-a-Road program, a group agrees to adopt an approved section of Township road allowance and keep the grassed portion free of litter throughout the year. Group commitment involves a minimum of bi-annual litter clean-ups (i.e. spring and fall) for a one-year renewable term. The Adopt-a­ Road group leader coordinates regular litter clean-up activities after receiving this safety training brochure. The group's efforts are recognized by Adopt-a-Road signage erected by the Township following a renewed five year term.

This litter clean-up activity is appropriate for adult group participants in good physical condition, as moderate physical activity is required such as bending, walking and lifting.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Township of Wellesley will:

• approve the selected section of Township road allowance to be adopted
• provide safety information and training, and a kit of supplies containing reporting forms, 1 box of clear garbage bags, 1 box of latex gloves, 10 safety vests, a safety brochures,  100 flags and 3 traffic cones
• deliver borrowed equipment to the site including three safety cones and two "road work" signs prior to your scheduled clean-up, where feasible
• remove and dispose of filled garbage bags and any large, heavy or hazardous items identified with a  flag after the clean-up
• following a renewed 5 year contract the purchase and erection of a standard Adopt-a-Road sign at the beginning and end of the adopted section of roadway and approve the name, titles, or words placed on the Adopt-a-Road signs; unless in the opinion of the Township of Wellesley, erecting the signs would jeopardize the program, be counter-  productive to its purpose, create a hazard to the safety of the public or be in conflict with Township policies
• monitor to ensure objectives of the program are being met

To view the complete Township of Wellesley Adopt a Road Program Manual please contact the Public Works Department.

Building Permit

A Building Permit is your formal permission from the Township of Wellesley to begin construction, renovation, demolition, changes of use, and the installation, alteration, extension or repair of on-site sewage systems on your property.

Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish

How to fill out the Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish

Consent (Severance)

The Township of Wellesley's committee of adjustment is appointed by Council to deal with two types of applications. 

• Applications for consent - to request severances, rights of way, easements or leases. An example is severing land to create additional lots or needing a right of way for a joint driveway or shared services.
• Applications for minor variances or permissions - to request variances to the zoning by-law.  An example is constructing an addition with less than the required backyard setback.

Committee of Adjustment Application for Consent (Severance)

Dog Tags

All dogs are required to have a valid dog tag for the current year. Please visit our Dog Tag Page for more details.

Donation Request

The Township of Wellesley recognizes the numerous benefits of various groups, organizations, volunteers and events that contribute to promoting and improving the cultural, recreational, social and economic well-being of the community.

Corporate donation policy and application form

Entrance Permit

An entrance permit is required to install or change an entrance onto a private property from a public road. This is to ensure safe access to the property and maintain existing drainage patterns.

Entrance Permit Application Form

A printed or PDF Entrance Permit Application Form is available upon request.

Online payments are by credit card only and a $2.00 Online Payment Convenience Fee applies per transaction.

Kennel License

Lottery Licensing

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) is responsible for administering the lottery licensing program in the Province of Ontario. Municipalities and the AGCO are responsible for issuing lottery licences to eligible charitable and religious organizations.

The Order-In-Council provides municipalities with licensing authority for:

• bingo events, including table board bingo, with prize boards of up to $5,500;
• media bingo events with prizes up to $5,500;
• break open tickets for local organizations;
• raffle lotteries for total prizes of $50,000 and under; and
• bazaar lotteries which include: wheels of fortune with a maximum bet of $2.00, raffles not exceeding $500, and bingo events up to $500.

Application Process

The Township of Wellesley requires a minimum of 5 business days to process all applications for lottery events licensed by the municipality. If you are applying for a lottery license for the first time in the Township of Wellesley the township requires a minimum of 10 business days to process the application.

• Bingo
  • Bingo Terms and Conditions
  • Bingo Application Form
  • Bingo Report Form
• Break Open Ticket
  • Break Open Ticket Terms and Conditions
  • Break Open Ticket Application Form
  • Break Open Ticket Report Form
• Raffles
  • Raffle Terms and Conditions
  • Raffle Application Form
  • Raffle Report Form

For more information on Lottery Licensing please visit the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. All lottery licence applications and reports can be returned to the Clerk at the Township Administration Office.

Marriage Licence

Marriage Licence Applications can be submitted to the Clerk's Department at the Township Office, 4639 Lobsinger Line, St. Clements. Marriage licences are valid for 90 days after they are issued.

More information on applying for a marriage license is available on our marriages page.

Marriage Licence Application

Minor Variance

A minor variance can be considered when the changes to the zoning by-law regulation are considered to be minor.

The Committee of Adjustment handles applications for the following:

• Minor variances from the provisions of a zoning by-law; and
• Enlargement, extension or alteration of a legal non-conforming use of land, buildings or structures.

Minor Variance Application

Mobile Food Vending

Every applicant for a Mobile Food Vending Operation permit shall complete an application and submit it to the Clerk at the Township Office, 4639 Lobsinger Line, St. Clements. 

Every Mobile Food Vender must be in compliance with The Township of Wellesley Mobile Food Vending By-law 6/2017.

Official Plan Amendment

The Official Plan is reviewed at least every 10 years to ensure that it continues to meet the changing economic, social, and environmental needs of the Township. Changes can be made through an Official Plan Amendment, which can be necessary to allow new development or redevelopment proposals.

Official Plan Amendment Application

Open Burn Permit

Open burns are permitted in the rural areas of the Township under strict guidelines from the fire department. Before burning the resident shall call the Fire Department and the Fire Chief, Deputy Chief or District Chief will visit the location and inspect the burn pile and what is to be burnt. The Fire Officer will issue a permit for a set amount of time or may refuse if the pile contains items not allowed to be burned. To obtain a burn permit call fire administration 519-699-3956.

Part Lot Control

Part Lot Control provides that part of a lot on a registered plan of subdivision cannot be transferred without the approval of the municipality. The part lot control provisions of Section 50(7) of the Planning Act, allow a municipality to pass a by-law removing or "lifting" part lot control from all or any part of a registered plan of subdivision. Such a by-law has the effect of allowing the conveyance of a portion of a lot without requiring the approval of the Committee of Adjustment, or the submission of a new plan of subdivision.

Exemption from part lot control commonly occurs to allow the division of blocks for townhouses and semi-detached dwellings.  In order for the boundary between dwelling units to be determined more accurately, exemption from part lot control is usually applied after construction has commenced and the building foundations have been surveyed.  Exemption from part lot control cannot be used to re-align lots within existing residential plans of subdivision which will create additional building lots.

Part Lot Control Application

Patio Information

“Effective June 12, 2020 under the Province's Stage 2 reopening plan, Restaurants and Patios in the Township of Wellesley are permitted to re-open for dining in outdoor areas only, such as patios, curbside, parking lots and adjacent premises.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) will not require licensees to apply or pay a fee for temporary extensions for licensed establishments, subject to having municipal approval and meeting all other applicable requirements.

Temporary patio approvals can be sought through emailing Chris Cook, Director of Public Works at ccook@wellesley.ca .  Please ensure you review the Township Protocol and Procedures for Establishment or Expansion of Temporary Commercial Patios on Private Property prior to emailing and include in the email request the 10 items of required information as outlined in the protocols.

Temporary patios are also subject to the Region of Waterloo's protocol for re-opening restaurants and food services.”

Plan of Subdivision/Condominium

A plan of subdivision provides for a parcel of land to be legally divided to establish new public streets and to divide lands into two or more parcels in order to sell one or more parcels.

Plan of Subdivision

Plan of Condominium

Pre-Authorized Payment Plans

Taxes may be paid automatically using our monthly pre-authorized payment plan.  Payments are equalized over 12 months and funds are withdrawn on the first business day of each month.  Please contact the tax department for more information.

Pre-Authorized Payment Plan Application

Road Work Permit

A road work permit is required to modify or extend private services under the roadway.  

Road Work Permit Application

A printed or PDF Road Work Permit Application is available upon request.

Online payments are by credit card only and a $2.00 Online Payment Convenience Fee applies per transaction.

Site Plan Control

The Township of Wellesley requires a site plan application if you are planning to:

• Construct a new building or addition
• Undertake major building renovations, which substantially increase the size or usability of a building or structure
• Establish a commercial parking lot
• Making alterations to an already approved site plan

Site plan applications are not required for construction of:

• A single-detached dwelling
• A semi-detached dwelling
• A duplex
• A farm building

Site Plan Control Application

Small Business PPE Mask Request

Thank you to the generous donation from Eclipse Automation of Cambridge, ON, the Township of Wellesley is pleased to be able to coordinate the free delivery of level 3 surgical masks to small businesses in the Township of Wellesley. Obtain masks for your small business here.

Special Event Permit

The following special events application is required to be completed by the special event organizer and returned to the Township of Wellesley.  Special event permit applications must be received 90 days prior to the date of the event.

General Definition of a Special Event

The term "special event" is used to describe a broad range of activities planned to mark special occasions or to achieve specific social, cultural or economic objectives. The term "special event" is applied to civic, provincial, or national celebrations, cultural performances or gatherings, sports contests, fairs and festivals, and a wide range of commercial or corporate functions.

Special Event Permit

A printed PDF document is available upon request.

Vacancy Rebate Application

Vacant units in Industrial and Commercial buildings may be eligible for the Vacancy Rebate Program for property taxes.  Please see the application form for more information and details of the program.

Vacancy Rebate Application

Zoning By-law Amendment

You can make changes to the Zoning By-law by following the Zoning By-Law amendment process. Amendments are reviewed and considered by Council at a public meeting. A zoning amendment is typically required when a new or additional use is requested for a property and/or several lot regulations can't be complied with. 

Zoning By-law Amendment Application