The Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh has formed an Agricultural Property Standards Working Group to consider updating the Property Standards By-law to apply to all properties, including agricultural lands.

Currently, agricultural lands (AG1, AG3, AG4) are exempt from the Township’s Property Standards By-law. This broad exemption means the Township cannot address concerns on those lands, even if the issues have nothing to do with farming (for example maintenance and property condition issues). By removing the blanket exemption, the by-law would apply fairly to all properties. At the same time, normal farm practices would remain fully protected under provincial law.

At this time, no decision has been made. The purpose of this working group is to explore the option, understand potential implications, and gather information and feedback before considering any recommendation of changes to Council.

Learn more at https://acwtownship.ca/government/projects-initiatives/agricultural-property-standards-working-group