Apply for NVCA permits early to avoid delays

UTOPIA, Ontario (May 7, 2024) – Property owners in the Nottawasaga Watershed are urged to apply early for permits from the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) to avoid unexpected delays.

Property owners may need to get a permit from NVCA to do projects on or near a watercourse, river, stream, pond, wetland, steep slope, floodplain or the Georgian Bay shoreline. These areas are considered natural and hazardous. Depending on the complexity of the project, getting a permit may take longer than anticipated.

“We require specific information from property owners to determine if the project will be safe from flooding, erosion and other natural hazards,” said Ben Krul, Manager of Development Planning & Permits. “In some cases, technical studies are required, and may take property owners some time to develop. We try our best have a quick turnaround for projects that are considered low risk and do not require technical studies, but it may still take up to 30 days.”

NVCA is responsible for regulating activities in natural and hazardous areas to avoid damage to property and loss of life due to flooding and erosion. Through provincial regulations that came into effect on April 1, 2024, NVCA will issue permits within 90 days of receiving a complete application.

Property owners are encouraged book a pre-consultation with NVCA’s Planning team. At the pre-consultation, staff will review project plans and provide the steps required to complete the permit application.

To learn more about common natural hazards found in the Nottawasaga Watershed and where development should be placed in order to be safe, visit NVCA’s website.

For more information and to book a pre-consultation, call NVCA’s Planning team at 705-424-1479 or email permits@nvca.on.ca.