Updated business hours for NVCA's Administration Office:
Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, closed daily from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
***SERVICE INTERRUPTION ADVISORY***
NVCA staff are pleased to meet with you to discuss any work you have planned. To discuss your proposal, please start by completing our
online property inquiry form. You can also email
permits@nvca.on.cawith your specific questions.
NVCA also offers walk in service for residents to speak to our regulations staff about your property. We recommend coming in on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as our regulations staff has blocked off time to answer all your questions about the NVCA permit process.
During your meeting, staff will review our mapping to see if your property is regulated by NVCA, and whether or not a permit is required from the authority. NVCA encourages pre-consultation prior to making any permit applications.
How long will it take to get an NVCA permit
As a general rule, the more complete your application, the quicker we can process your application.
To avoid delays, please ensure all required information is included in your application.
We will review your application within 21 days, and let you know if your application is complete, or if there is missing information.
Every project is unique and the time and review process for your application can vary depending on your plans and property. In all cases, we strive to meet the provincial standards for conservation authority permit reviews.
It typically takes 30-90 days to review a complete application.
Your projects must also comply with your local municipal by-laws and Official Plan. For more information, please contact your local municipality.
If your property is located in the Niagara Escarpment jurisdiction, you must obtain proper approvals from the Niagara Escarpment Commission prior to applying for a permit from NVCA.
Permits are valid for 2 years.
Permits from other organizations
For residents applying for permits along the Georgian Bay shoreline, you may also need permits from, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNRF), and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Residents bordering Wasaga Beach Provincial Park (including beach) must apply for an Ontario Parks work permit through the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) before commencing shoreline works along provincial park beaches.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF)
Midhurst District (Zones 10, 11, 14, 15, 16)
- Midhurst MNRF Office: 705-725-7500
- Owen Sound MNRF Office: 519-376-3860
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP)
Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP)
Ontario Parks, Southwest Zone Office: 519-873-4001
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
867 Lakeshore Rd
Burlington ON L7S 1A1
Telephone: 1-855-852-8320
Email: FisheriesProtection@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
