Searches for Real Estate Professionals

 Work orders can be requested to confirm the following information for a property purchase/sale:

• Outstanding work orders
• Outstanding by-law orders
• Subdivision Agreement Clearance

Requests can be forwarded, along with the corresponding fee as outlined in the current User Fees By-law, to:

Township of Southwold
35663 Fingal Line
Fingal, ON N0L 1K0

Rush requests within two business days are subject to an additional fee as per the current User Fees By-law.

Conservation Authority Searches

The Township of Southwold falls under the jurisdiction of two Conservation Authorities, depending on the location of the property.

Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority is one of the 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario. It has jurisdictions over watersheds of all streams draining into the Thames River from Delaware to Lake St. Clair. The southern boundary includes the watersheds of streams draining into Lake Erie, from the Talbot Creek watershed in the east, to the Two Creeks watershed in the west. They have jurisdiction over 3,275 square kilometres (1,264 square miles) and includes ten (10) member municipalities.

Kettle Creek Conservation Authority is one of the 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario. It manages the natural resources of the Kettle Creek watershed through programs that further conservation, restoration, development, and management of the natural resources. It includes seven (7) member municipalities.

Development Charges

Development charges are fees collected by municipalities from developers or builders when new development or redevelopment occurs. These charges help cover the cost of infrastructure and services needed to support the new growth—such as roads, water and sewer systems, fire and police services, parks, and community facilities—so that the financial burden doesn't fall solely on existing taxpayers. They ensure that growth pays for growth. The Township of Southwold has established a Development Charges By-law. A complete listing of development charges can be found on the User Fees By-law page.

Electrical Safety Authority Searches

Contact the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) to determine if there are any open electrical notifications to correct defects on the property. By law, the buyer assumes this responsibility. As part of a purchase agreement, buyers may choose to have their lawyer contact the ESA for a search of records.

Environmental Searches

The Environmental Property Information (EPI) Program is a fast and easy way to access information about the environmental conditions of properties in Ontario. Using this service when planning to buy/sell or develop property will help identify any potential barriers to development or resale due to problems with things like soil, natural water supply or spills.

By making these requests online, you will be able to access information faster and make better informed decisions to support property purchases or land redevelopment.

Fire Department Searches

Fire Inspections are for residential and commercial properties, usually requested prior to the completion of sale, for insurance purposes or as required by businesses to operate and be compliant with the Fire Code. Residential inspections for properties being purchased, at the request of the property owner, are usually free of charge, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Commercial properties being sold/purchased may require a fire inspection report or letter advising of any items/violations outstanding relating to the Fire Code from previous inspections. These are typically requested by lawyers involved in the real estate transaction. The inspection and letters are not scheduled or issued until proof of payment has been received by the Township office. Fees relating to Fire Inspection Reports are available in our current User Fees By-law.

Occupancy Permits

Occupancy permits are issued upon substantial completion of a new building project. The Township uses the online permit software Cloudpermit.

Public Health Searches

Public Health Services in the Township of Southwold are provided by Southwestern Public Health.

St. Thomas Site
(Administrative office)
1230 Talbot St.
St. Thomas, ON N5P 1G9

Woodstock Site

410 Buller St.
Woodstock, ON N4S 4N2

Call us toll free: 1-800-922-0096
Email

Public Utility Certificates

Hydro in Southwold is provided by Hydro One. To request information, call 1-888-664-9376.

Water/Wastewater Utilities is provided by the Township of Southwold. To inquire about arrears on accounts, contact the Municipal Office at 519-769-2010. For more information about water/wastewater services, visit our Water and Wastewater page.

Septic Tank Records

Septic records may be requested as park of a Work Order request. Requests can be forwarded, along with the corresponding fee as outlined in the current User Fees By-law, to:

Township of Southwold
35663 Fingal Line
Fingal, ON N0L 1K0

Tax Certificates

A Tax Certificate provides all the information available in the Property Assessment Roll as well as current owner and taxation information. 

Requests can be forwarded, along with the corresponding fee as outlined in the current User Fees By-law, to:

Township of Southwold
35663 Fingal Line
Fingal, ON N0L 1K0

or by email.

Rush requests within two business days are subject to an additional fee as per the current User Fees By-law.

You can also sign up for propertyline via the MPAC website to obtain information on individual properties.

Technical Standards and Safety Authority Searches

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority is Ontario's public safety regulator for Elevating and Amusement Devices, Ski Lifts, Fuels, Boilers and Pressure Vessels and Operating Engineers.

For general and invoice inquiries, please contact TSSA's Customer Contact Centre.

TSSA’s Customer Contact Centre is available Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding holidays).

Note: The Technical Standards and Safety Authority's (TSSA) head office is closed for in-person service. 

Toll-Free 1-877-682-8772 

Email customerservices@tssa.org