Perth moved several projects forward at its Aug. 11 committee of the whole meeting, including a new zoning bylaw, digital building-permit software, planning for the historic Red House and a proposed fitness arrangement for municipal employees and firefighters.
Zoning bylaw complete
The town has completed its new zoning bylaw, and it has been approved by the committee of the whole for council’s final passage on Thursday, Aug. 20.
The draft bylaw, prepared with the help of consultant Forbes Symon, senior planner with Jp2g, is not an update. It’s a ground-up rethink of how land use is regulated in Perth, replacing a document that has been in use since 2000. The new bylaw is required to align with the town’s recently approved Official Plan and reflects modern planning rules, particularly those aimed at tackling Ontario’s housing crunch.
Among the headline changes are a push for higher-density housing in traditionally low-density neighbourhoods, clearer and more up-to-date definitions, and a shift toward more accessible mapping.
“The last we spoke, we’ve had our public meetings. We’ve presented to you a draft, accepting the original changes, and the draft that you have before you now shows the changes that are recommended since the public meeting. They’re all very administrative, not changing policy or regulations,” said Symon.
New software will streamline building processes
Perth is moving ahead with a new building permit management system aimed at making building and planning applications easier to submit and quicker for staff to process. The town plans to enter a multi-year agreement with PSD Citywide Inc., replacing a mix of paper, email and existing software with a centralized system for applications, permits and inspections.
Historical records will be transferred and staff trained between August and December, with the transition continuing into early 2027.
Chief building official Steve Leroux said the software should also improve the quality of applications coming through the door.
“This system won’t allow you to submit a building permit that’s not complete.”
The $72,700 contract includes $56,700 for implementation and $16,000 for annual software protection, updates and maintenance. The total comes in below the town’s approved $77,800 budget and requires no additional money from the building reserve.
Coun. Gary Waterfield welcomed the change.
“I strongly support this motion. I think it’s a major advance in terms of improving processes and customer service. And it’s critical at this time in the history of our town, where we do have a lot of development taking place.”
Red House
Perth is taking another look at the future of one of its oldest landmarks and exploring how it could fit into a broader rethink of the Tay Basin area.
The Red House dates back to 1816 and is considered Perth’s first building. The oak-log structure has served over the years as officers’ quarters, a tavern, church, school, meeting place and print office. Its name came after the Duke of Richmond reportedly suggested it be painted red during an 1816 visit. It has been white since 1822, following a fire.
Town staff are proposing a phased planning process for the Red House site and adjacent Tay Basin parking lot. The first step will be a legal survey of the parking area, work that is required regardless of whether the Red House project proceeds.
Once the survey is complete, Foolhardy, a local cultural and historic preservation group, and RAW Design will prepare a conceptual site plan drawing on ideas from a University of Toronto student design competition and earlier waterfront discussions. Foolhardy will cover the cost of preparing the concept.
“What this work will do is potentially reimagine the space in how we would utilize Crystal Palace, possibly the Red House and the parking lot as a possible community hub,” said Cathy McNally, director of community services.
Public consultation will follow, but staff stressed the exercise is for planning and feedback only. No construction, funding or redevelopment has been approved.
Fitness for staff and firefighters
Perth is moving toward a new one-year lease with Four Bay Fitness to keep the gym operating at 1881 Rogers Rd. while opening the facility to town employees and Perth Fire Services personnel.
The current operators are relocating, and existing members Stacie Beveridge and Stacey Hogan have offered to take over the business. Under the proposed agreement, the monthly rent would drop from $775 to $275 in exchange for designated gym access for municipal staff and firefighters.
The lease would run for one year beginning Sept. 1, 2026. Participating town employees would pay a one-time $50 fee for an access fob, while firefighters would pay $25. Four Bay Fitness would remain responsible for daily operations, maintenance and liability.
McNally said the trial will give the town time to assess whether the arrangement works.
“And then revisit it and say what worked, what didn’t work, what challenges happened, what opportunities are there, before renewing.”
Staff will report back to council before the trial ends with any recommended changes.
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