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Why is the Development, Interference with Wetlands & Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation important?
All regions of Ontario have experienced flooding, erosion and slope failures. These are naturally occurring physical processes that have been continuously shaping and reshaping the earth for thousands of years. These processes represent a "hazard" when people and structures are located within areas directly impacted by these naturally occurring processes.

The NVCA administers a regulation made under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act known as the Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation (Ontario Regulation 172/06).  This regulation replaced the NVCA's Fill, Construction and Alteration to Waterways Regulation (Ontario Regulation 164 R.R.O. 1990) on May 4, 2006.

This regulation allows the NVCA to ensure that development proposals have regard for natural hazard features in order to: prevent loss of life; minimize property damage and social disruptions; reduce public and private expenditures related to emergency operations, evacuations and restoration; minimize the hazards associated with development in floodplains and areas which are susceptible to erosion, which in future years may require expensive protective measures.

When do I need to contact the NVCA?
If you are planning to do any work near a lake, river, stream or wetland, you may require approval from the NVCA.

If you are unsure if this Regulation will affect your property, please contact our Administrative Office and ask to speak with one our Environmental Officers (map showing watershed and Environmental Officers to contact). The NVCA has maps that show the location of areas where permits are needed.  

What activities or projects require a permit under the Regulation?
The following work requires permission in a regulated area:

• the construction, reconstruction, erection or placing of a building or structure of any kind;
• changes that would alter the use, or potential use, of a building or structure;
• increase the size of a building or structure, or increase the number of dwelling units in the building or structure;
• site grading;
• the temporary or permanent placing, dumping or removal of any material originating on the site or elsewhere;
• the straightening, changing or diverting or interfering with the existing channel of a river, creek, stream or watercourse;
• the changing or interfering with a wetland.

How do I apply for a permit?
Application forms can be obtained by contacting our Administration Centre or can be downloaded. Our administration office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Is there a fee?   
Yes. Please see the fee schedule. The processing fee must accompany the application form when it is submitted. We accept cash, cheque, Visa and Master Card. Processing fees are non refundable.

Can I meet with NVCA staff to discuss my proposal?
Our staff would be pleased to meet with you.  Please fill out an application form and call to arrange an appointment. Appointments are strongly recommended, as staff are often out of the office on site inspections. 

How does the application process work?
Once your application is received, staff will review the proposal to determine if the site for the proposed work is within an area which would be affected by flooding, erosion, unstable soils or dynamic beaches. This typically requires a site visit to the property. Additional information, such as technical studies, may be required in order to proceed with the review of your proposal.

What if I am not the owner of the property?
If you are applying for a permit on behalf of the property owner, please submit the Landowner Authorization Form (included in the application package) and submit it with the completed application form.

How long is a permit valid?
Permits are valid for a maximum period of two years and cannot be renewed.

How long does the process take?
Generally, applications are processed within 14 days. This can vary depending upon the time of year and with the complexity of an application. Requests for additional information needed to process an application will result in longer processing times.

What happens if I don't call the NVCA for a permit?
Failure to obtain a permit is a violation of the Conservation Authorities Act. Conviction can result in fines up to $10,000.00. You may also be required to restore and rehabilitate the site to its original condition.

Are other permits also needed?
Approval from the NVCA does not replace the need to obtain other permits. You should also contact agencies such as your local municipality, the Ministry of Natural Resources and The Ministry of the Environment.