What is a holding zone symbol on a zoning map and what do I need to do to have it lifted?

A holding zone symbol, usually shown as an "H" attached to a zoning designation on a property, indicates that while the underlying zoning has generally been established for that land, specific conditions still need to be satisfied before the full range of permitted uses can actually proceed. Until those conditions are met and the holding symbol is formally removed by council, development consistent with the underlying zoning generally can't move forward on that property.

The specific conditions attached to a holding symbol vary by property and municipality, but commonly relate to things like ensuring adequate municipal services are in place, completing a required study, entering into a development or servicing agreement with the municipality, or resolving some other identified issue before full development rights take effect. Removing the holding symbol generally requires satisfying whatever specific conditions were attached when it was applied and then having council pass a bylaw removing it, which is a distinct step from the original zoning approval. Anyone buying or developing a property with a holding symbol should get the specific conditions attached to that property directly from the municipality, since the general concept doesn't tell you what your particular property actually needs.