Advisory Commissions & Board of Variance

Advisory Planning Commission

An Advisory Planning Commission (APC) advises local trust committees on land use planning and community planning applications and projects. The local trust committee may appoint APCs though they are not required.

The local trust committee establishes the term and number of members through an APC Bylaw. Most terms are two years. At least two-thirds of the APC membership must be residents of the local trust area.

We advertise opportunities for serving on the APC on Expressions of Interest, and in local newspapers when they become available. Members serve without pay.

Board of Variances

A Board of Variance (BOV) is an independent body that makes orders about specific land-use regulations. Local trust committees must appoint a BOV. One BOV may be established for multiple local trust areas.

The term and number of members are established by Provincial legislation. In the Islands Trust Area, all BOVs comprise three members who serve a three-year term. The term does not lapse, and the member continues as a BOV member until a replacement is appointed.

BOVs considers variances to local trust committee bylaw regulations when the variance is minor and the regulation causes undue hardship (as determined by the BOV). BOVs also have some special powers, such as issuing orders to permit development where it may be prohibited as an expansion of a legal non-conforming use.

We advertise opportunities for serving on the BOV on Expressions of Interest, and in local papers when they become available. Members serve without pay.

Resources