While pre-consultation prior to submitting a development application is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged. It allows staff and commenting agencies to provide preliminary comments, identify technical concerns and application requirements, and collaborate to achieve well-planned development outcomes.

Under provincial legislation, a Public Meeting before a decision is made is mandatory only for OPAs, ZBAs, Minor Variances, and Permissions. For other applications (e.g., Plans of Subdivision or Condominium), applicants may hold voluntary open houses/meetings to share information and gather public feedback before a decision is made.

Once a development application is deemed complete under the Planning Act, nearby property owners are notified and provided information on the proposal. The Village’s website lists all current applications under Village authority. Pre-submission discussions and materials remain confidential until an application is deemed complete.

As part of the application circulation and notification process, interested members of the public are invited to participate in the planning process. You can participate in the following ways: 

• Written Comments: Comments may be submitted to staff via email or letter, and must specify your name, address, the application number, and your comments. Comments become part of the public record and are shared with Council/ Committee and the applicant. 
• Oral Declarations: At Public Meetings held by Council or the Committee of Adjustment, you may speak to an application, make comments, and ask questions. Questions directed to staff are addressed during the meeting as the application is considered. 
• Asking Questions: Members of the public can reach out to staff via email, phone call, or by making an appointment. Contact information will be provided in the public notice, and is also available on the Village website. 

• For OPA, ZBA, Minor Variance, and Permission applications, direct comments to the Village of Merrickville-Wolford via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 
• For Consent/Severance, Plan of Subdivision, and Plan of Condominium applications, direct comments to the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville via the Counties’ website.
  While comments sent to the Village of Merrickville-Wolford will be directed to Counties staff, please provide comments directly to the Counties to ensure they are properly recorded and considered. 

The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) is a Provincial tribunal which decides on matters related to land development and planning in Ontario. If a decision (or non-decision) on an application is appealed, the OLT reviews the application and hears evidence from the parties involved before making a final decision, which may confirm, change, or replace the original decision.

The province has limited the ability for members of the public to appeal a development application. Appeal rights are generally restricted to the applicant, the Minister, certain public bodies, and other specified persons under the Planning Act.

• Site Plan Control – Applicant only
• Plan of Subdivision / Condominium – Applicant, Minister, Public Bodies, Specified Persons, Village
• All other applications – Applicant, Minister, Public Bodies, Specified Persons

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