Rural Addressing

Rural addressing is a standardized system to identify and locate rural properties. This system helps emergency response personnel, such as fire, ambulance, and police, find your property quickly during an emergency.

The County assigns rural addresses. A typical urban or city address is based on the street and avenue road network. Similarly, a Rural Address is based on the access point into a property from the township road and range road network. For example, from the address 722020 RGE RD 85, we can tell that the access point to the property is on the west side of Range Road 85 and is 400 metres (20 intervals by 40 metres) from Township Road 722. Refer to the Rural Addressing Guide (linked above) for details.

Once development begins and an approach into the property has been constructed, an address will be assigned, and a sign installed. The fee for rural addressing is included with your development application. With multi-parcel subdivisions, the developer will be charged the rural address fee for each lot being subdivided.

Unless Canada Post has advised you that your current mailing address is changing, then your rural address is used for emergency services only and your current mailing address is still applicable.

Urban Addressing and Rural Addressing follow a similar principle - that addresses are based on an access point on a grid pattern. In Urban Addressing, an address is typically formed from the street and avenue road pattern. This applies in cities, towns, villages, and hamlets. A Rural Address is based off the Range Road and Township Road grid pattern.

In the County, hamlets use the Urban Address style, with the 911 or emergency address being the same as the one used for postal service. If you do not live in a town, village or hamlet, you use the Rural Address when calling 911.

Yes. Each dwelling should have a unique Rural Address.

The property owner is responsible for all maintenance and upkeep of the sign.

Yes. All existing properties must have a Rural Address sign. It is also required for all new developments and subdivisions and is included as part of the development process. The requirement is based on our mandate to ensure the same level of service for all residences and businesses in the County. Rural Address signage is a crucial element for efficient emergency response. It's in your best interest to make sure your address sign is displayed in the proper location.