Oro-Medonte lies between Barrie and Orillia and includes Lake Simcoe shoreline, rural residential properties, farms and recreational areas.

2026 property taxes, zoning and permits

Oro-Medonte’s approved 2025–2026 multi-year budget set a 3.98% net property-tax increase for 2026, inclusive of Township, County and school-board components. The Township equated that to about $40 per $100,000 of property assessment. Verify the actual tax bill, zoning and permit history for the property because rural, agricultural and shoreline parcels can have materially different development constraints.

Additional units and servicing

Current ARU limitation: Oro-Medonte states that an ARU within the primary dwelling can currently be permitted where the zoning provisions are met. For a detached ARU in the Agricultural/Rural (A/RU) Zone, a Zoning By-law Amendment is currently required. The Township is reviewing broader ARU provisions through its comprehensive zoning review, so buyers should verify the rules in force for the exact parcel rather than relying on proposed future changes.

Additional dwelling potential depends on zoning, building code and servicing. Well and septic capacity should be assessed where private systems are used.

Lake Simcoe and rural considerations

Investigate conservation authority regulation, shoreline setbacks, flooding, drainage, agricultural uses and access where relevant.

For rural and estate properties, confirm the actual water source, septic-system location and capacity, driveway or entrance arrangements, drainage features and year-round road maintenance. These items can materially affect renovation plans, financing and insurance.

Permit-history and renovation checks

Older additions, finished basements, converted garages, accessory buildings and shoreline structures should be compared with available municipal permit records when they affect value or intended use. Before relying on future rental or additional-unit income, confirm zoning, parking, servicing and Building Code requirements for the specific parcel.

Property-record and compliance checks

Oro-Medonte offers separate building, septic and zoning compliance letters for a specific property. The Township also offers a file-search process for records such as permit drawings, septic plans and layouts, and use permits. These checks can be particularly useful when an older addition, finished space, accessory building or private septic system materially affects a purchase.

Official Oro-Medonte property resources

• Oro-Medonte – Compliance letters and property file searches
• Oro-Medonte – Official Plan, zoning maps and interactive zoning viewer
• Oro-Medonte – Zoning certificates and building-permit process

Buyer checklist

• Verify zoning and permitted uses.
• Confirm taxes and assessment.
• Review permits.
• Test and inspect private water/septic systems where applicable.
• Check conservation and shoreline restrictions.
• Investigate agricultural impacts and road access.

See the Ontario rural property guide, the Simcoe County Property Guide and nearby municipal guides for Barrie, Orillia and Springwater.

FAQ

Is Oro-Medonte part of Simcoe County?

Yes. It is one of the County’s 16 member municipalities.

Are shoreline properties subject to extra review?

They can be. Conservation, setbacks, flooding, servicing and environmental requirements should be investigated for the parcel.

General information only: Verify current requirements with the Township and applicable authorities.