NVCA and BILD Establish Working Group to Support Ontario’s Housing and Economic Development Goals

UTOPIA, Ontario (June 17, 2025) – The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) and the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) have launched a new working group to strengthen collaboration between the conservation authority and the development industry, with a shared focus on supporting Ontario’s home-building targets and local economic development in a safe, sustainable manner.

In the development review process, NVCA’s focus is on ensuring that development moves forward in a safe manner and avoids the loss of life and damage to property due to flooding, erosion, and other natural hazards.

The initiative reflects NVCA’s ongoing work to ensure modern, timely, and coordinated review processes. The new working group will focus on improving service timelines, clarifying technical expectations, and ensuring a consistent and efficient approach to development applications.

“BILD appreciates NVCA’s leadership in establishing this new forum,” said Paula Tenuta, Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy of BILD. “We are encouraged by the NVCA’s commitment to work directly with our industry to help get more housing and employment lands built, faster and more predictably. We all have a role to play in reaching Ontario’s housing goals while protecting our natural environment. This partnership is a strong step in that direction.”

The NVCA–BILD Working Group will meet regularly, bringing together NVCA staff, BILD members, and municipal leaders to proactively identify and resolve issues, modernize internal systems, and ensure that review processes keep pace with the growth pressures facing communities across the watershed.

“This is about getting things done in a positive way,” said Councillor Jonathan Scott, Chair of NVCA’s Board. “We’re focused on working constructively with the development industry to meet the challenges before us. That means improving timelines, reducing red tape, and being clear and consistent in our technical reviews, all while ensuring we protect people, property, and the planet.”

The working group aligns with broader efforts to modernize NVCA operations and reflects a growing culture of outcome-focused service delivery.

“This partnership reinforces our commitment to working alongside industry, municipalities, and stakeholders to help communities grow responsibly,” said Jennifer Vincent, Chief Administrative Officer of the NVCA. “We know that home building and economic development depend on timely approvals. Our goal is to help projects move forward efficiently and without compromising public safety.”

The initiative supports the province’s broader housing and economic priorities while demonstrating how conservation authorities and the development sector can work together in good faith to get things done.

“Ontarians want housing, jobs and livable communities — and they want systems that work,” said Scott. “This is about coming together to deliver that in a safe, sustainable way.”