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Applications, Permits & Licences

The Town of St. Marys has a by-law for the registration and regulation of animals. The Animal Control By-law (By-law 56-2023) requires that every owner of a dog register and licence their dog each year. More information on animal licenses is available on our Pet Licences page.

Contact: Clerks Office

For more information, please visit our Building & Sign Permits page.

Please contact the Public Works Department for information on Burial Permits.

Contact: Lori Jackson

The Corporation of the Town of St. Marys offers a range of programs to: commemorate special occasions; events; individuals and organizations; and to encourage diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Commemoration Policy provides a comprehensive list of the Town’s current commemoration programs and the criteria for evaluating commemoration requests. For commemoration requests, please complete the online application.

For more information, please contact the Clerks Office at clerksoffice@town.stmarys.on.ca.

The Town provides the services of a Commissioner of Oaths to witness signatures for certain documents.

Fee: $25 (payable by cash, cheque or debit) 

Locations available: Town Hall or Municipal Operations Centre 

Appointments: Can be prescheduled by calling 519-284-2340, ext. 241

Documents the Town will commission:

  • Town-issued documents (e.g. Planning Applications)
  • Sworn Statement for the Transfer of a Used Motor Vehicle in the Province of Ontario
  • Affidavit of Unregistered Vehicle
  • Domestic/Foreign Pension Plans (Proof of Life)
  • Name Change Document
  • Delayed Statement of Birth
  • Statutory Declaration for OSAP - Statement of Common Law Status/Supporting Children
  • Application for Change of Sex Designation on a Birth Registration
  • Canadian Citizenship forms
  • Statutory Declaration of Apprenticeship Hours
  • Travel Affidavit - consent letter for children

Documents the Town will NOT commission: 

  • Wills, “Living Wills,” Codicils to Wills, or Estate Settlement documents
  • Power of Attorney
  • Divorce or separation documents
  • Custody documents
  • Documents related to debt
  • Real estate related documents
  • Court, legal or civil issues related documents
  • Age of Majority or BYID Card applications
  • Documents that require to be notarized
  • Letter of Invitation
  • Declaration of Claimant and Indemnity

Contact: Clerks Office

The Town of St. Marys Community Grant Program provides limited funding for programs that enhance and enrich our community. Council makes all funding decisions based on local needs and priorities and in concert with Council's approved budget, strategic goals and objectives. Completed applications must be received by the Municipal Clerk's office by November 30. 

Visit our Recreation & Culture Grants and the Building & Property Grants pages for more information.

Contact: Finance Department

The Town of St. Marys’ Community Improvement Plan (CIP) supports local revitalization, beautification and economic development efforts by providing grant funding for housing, downtown and industrial projects.

Visit our Community Improvement Plan page for more information.

Contact: Grant Brouwer

driveway ramp permit allows property owners to establish new or modify existing driveway ramps.

Contact: Public Works

The encroachment application is used to consider the possibility of allowing an encroachment onto Town lands.

Contact: Grant Brouwer

Both of the following forms are used by designers to demonstrate that the energy efficiency design of a house complies with the building code.

A special occasion permit (SOP) is required any time alcohol is offered for sale, served, or consumed anywhere other than a licensed establishment. In order for a public event to receive an SOP, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) requires a designation of municipal significance. For further information regarding events the Town may deem to be of municipal significance, please review the Policy.

The online application is to be completed 45 days before the event. As outlined in the fee by-law, a $50.00 fee is required, with exemptions provided for service clubs and not-for-profit organizations.

For more information, please contact the Clerks Office at clerksoffice@town.stmarys.on.ca

An application form for a fee waiver is available.

Contact: Stephanie Ische

A permit is required for filming in the Town of St. Marys. Visit our Filming  page for more information.

Contact: Amy Cubberley

To learn more, visit the Burn Permit page.

The General Review Commitment Form warrants that the project will be designed and reviewed during construction by an architect, professional engineer or both that are licensed to practice in Ontario.

Contact: Grant Brouwer

The General Review Form provides a summary and confirmation to the Chief Building Official that an owner has retained the appropriate consultants to conduct field reviews during construction, and is required to be completed before a building permit can be issued.

Contact: Grant Brouwer

The Hawkers and Peddlers by-law (32-85) regulates and governs hawkers and peddlers in the Town of St. Marys. The application is available Fill out the online application..

Contact: Clerks Office

The St. Marys Designated Heritage Property Grant Program is available to owners of heritage designated properties in the Town in order to help them in the conservation and preservation of our built heritage resources. Visit our Building & Property Grants page for more information. 

Contact: Amy Cubberley

Prior to the receiving any building permit or site plan approval in the Heritage Conservation District, the property owner will contact the Planning and Zoning Department to determine whether a Heritage Permit will be required.

Contact: Jason Silcox

In accordance with Subsection 5.11 of the St. Marys Zoning By-law, applicants are required to complete the Home Occupation Application Form to determine conformity of the Home Occupation with Municipal Zoning regulations. 

Contact: planning@town.stmarys.on.ca

The Letter of Authority for Listing Agent form authorizes an agent to receive property and assessment information.

Contact: Christine Brine

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for administering the lottery licensing program in the province - municipalities are partners with the AGCO in issuing lottery licenses to eligible charitable and religious organizations. Lottery License applications are processed through the Clerk's Department.

Contact: Clerks Office

Marriage Licences are issued by appointment only at Town Hall located at 175 Queen Street East, lower-level, Tuesday through Thursday between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:30 pm.

PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to accommodate walk in requests at this time due to a high volume of demand.

The cost for a Marriage License is $125, payable by cash, cheque or debit.

Marriage Licence Application

Follow these steps to apply for a marriage license:

  • Visit Service Ontario’s Online Marriage License Application Portal or visit Town Hall Offices to obtain a paper copy of the marriage licence application.
  • Gather identification documents for you and your partner and, if it applies, proof of divorce.
  • Once the completed application is submitted you will be contacted by the Clerk’s Department to schedule an appointment to pick up your marriage license and pay the required fee of $125 (Debit, cheque and cash accepted)
  • Originals of ID's (for both applicants) and any divorce certificates (for both applicants if applicable) MUST be presented for validation when you come to collect your marriage licence.

Age Restrictions

You must be at least 16 years old to get married in Ontario.

Under 18 years old: If you are 16 or 17 years of age and wish to marry you will need to complete the Consent of Parents or Guardians to Marriage written consent from your parents or legal guardians. You can obtain the required consent form from Town Hall.

Required Identification

Two pieces of original valid identification for both parties are required. Photocopies will not be accepted. If any of your identification is in a language other than English or French, you must present it with an official translation of the document.

The first piece of identification must be any of the following:

  • a government-issued birth certificate, including any change of name certificates
  • a valid passport
  • a record of immigrant landing
  • a Canadian citizenship card

The second piece of identification must be in the form of government-issued photo identification, including:

  • a valid driver’s license
  • a valid passport
  • a valid Ontario Photo Card
  • a BYID age-of-majority-card

PLEASE NOTE: Health cards are not accepted as identification.

If You Are Divorced

If one or both of the applicants applying for a marriage licence has been divorced and the divorce was granted in Canada, the original or a certified true copy of the Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce must be provided. Divorce Judgments will not be accepted.

Divorces granted outside of Canada require Registrar General authorization. Contact Service Ontario for more information.

If one or both of the applicants are widowed, a copy of the Death Certificate is required.

Civil Ceremonies

Civil ceremonies are offered during and after business hours. For details contact Leslee Stacey at 519-284-2340, ext. 239 or lstacey@town.stmarys.on.ca.

Municipal consent is required prior to any work performed within the right-of-way of assumed roads under the jurisdiction of the Town of St. Marys.

Contact: Jeff Wolfe

Any resident who lives downtown and does not have access to overnight parking may apply for an Annual Downtown Parking Permit. This permit provides the resident access to a dedicated parking stall in the Water Street North, Elgin Street East, or Jones Street lots.

Residents who live at certain addresses on Water Street South and do not have access to overnight parking may apply for a permit in the Opera House lot, located at Water Street South. Both applications are included in the Annual Downtown Parking Permit application.


Short-term parking permits are available by application and for a fee at certain lots for up to 7 days. If you require a short-term parking permit, please complete the online Short-term Parking Permit application and make a payment at the time of application to be considered.


Contact: Clerks Department

The Property Standards Complaint Form is used to submit complaints about property standards in the Town of St. Marys.

Contact: Grant Brouwer

The Refreshment Vehicle By-law (92-2022) requires owners of a refreshment vehicle to apply for a licence at least 1 month prior to an event. The application to apply is available here.

For more information, please review this Frequently Asked Questions document. Alternatively, please contact the Clerks Office at clerksoffice@town.stmarys.on.ca.

If you are planning to obstruct, occupy or close the Town's Right of Way (road, lane, sidewalk or boulevard) road occupancy approval is required. A Temporary Road Occupancy Form must be submitted and approved before starting any work on or occupying any portion of the Town right of way or road allowance.

Construction Temporary Road/Lane/Sidewalk Occupancy Application and Permit Form
To be used for construction, emergency, building renovation and equipment installation purposes.

Special Event Temporary Road/Lane/Sidewalk Occupancy Application and Permit Form 
To be used for social, recreational, athletic and community events.

Contact: Thomas Redman

Working the same way as gift certificates, St. Marys Money is a great way for customers to support local businesses. Available in denominations of $5, $10, and $20, the attractively decorated money will be purchased through municipal offices to be used at participating businesses. Businesses can complete this online form to be part of the program. 

Contact: Kelly Deeks-Johnson

The Town of St. Marys has a by-law that licences, regulates and governs taxis. The Taxi By-law requires that any vehicle and operator wishing to operate a taxi in St. Marys must be licenced.

Contact: Clerk's Office

The tax pre-authorized payment plan allows you to pay your taxes in 12 monthly installments (January - July and we revisit your August-December amount once taxes have been set for the year and will be deducted from your bank account the first banking day of every month) or have the due date amount automatically deducted from your account four times a year for quarterly installments. Please note that taxes must be in good standing to join this program.

Contact: Christine Brine

Contact: Clerk's Office

Contact: Dave Blake

If you require any documents listed on this page in an alternate format, please contact the Clerk's Office at 519-284-2340 ext. 212 or clerksoffice@town.stmarys.on.ca.

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