The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) is updating its procedures and fee policies to comply with the new Ontario Regulation 41/24. These updates include revisions to application processes, housekeeping updates, the addition of the administrative review, and new exceptions under the new regulation. These updates are designed to comply with the latest provincial changes.
NVCA invited the public to submit feedback on the proposed policy updates through email.
public consultation
public consultation
The public consultation for NVCA’s Regulations Procedure and Fee Policy is now closed. Thank you for your participation.
NVCA’s Regulations Procedures is a procedural manual developed to aid landowners, developers, consultants and other stakeholders who are interested in obtaining Conservation Authorities Act approvals from NVCA. The guidelines also assist staff in meeting NVCA’s permitting responsibilities under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act. Further, the guidelines serve as a valuable source of information for the NVCA’s Board of Directors, municipal staff, development industry and the public.
NVCA is working to update the document to reflect the new changes under the updated Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 41/24: Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits.
Below is a summary of changes in the Draft Regulations Procedures.
| Topic | Existing Policy | New Policy | Effect |
| Procedural | N/A | Administrative Review | Senior Staff review of the administrative portion of the application only. An opportunity to review submission completeness or delay. |
| Procedural | N/A | Outlines how the document will be updated in the future | More accountability for up-to-date documents. |
| Procedural | N/A | Minister’s Review | New appeal route for refused permits or conditions. |
| Housekeeping | Old Regulation references | New regulation references | N/A |
| Timelines | 90 days for permits | 21 days to confirm permit completeness, then 90 days for permit issuance | More transparency in the process. |
| Permits | Valid for 2 years | Valid for 2 years with the possibility of issuing permits up to 5 years | Increased timeline for large-scale projects. |
| Watercourse | Depression which conveys water | Defined channel with banks | Narrower definition of watercourse, but watercourses may still be protected under other policies. |
| Wetland Regulation Limit | Regulated area includes up to 120 metres of a wetland, depending on type of classification of wetland | Regulated area is within 30 metres of all wetlands | Reduced interference distance. |
| Pollution and Conservation of Land tests | Addressed water quality and ecological impacts due to development | Tests were removed from legislation | New tests for unstable soil, health or safety, and property damage defined in legislation. |
| Exemptions | Some exemptions | Expanded exemptions for non-habitable accessory structures, non-habitable garage replacements, detached decks, certain agricultural activities, and road maintenance; subject to size and location restrictions. | More flexibility for projects that don’t require a permit. |
NVCA’s fee policy supports the costs of services related to land use planning, permitting, and natural hazard management. These fees allow NVCA to recover costs associated with processing applications, reviewing technical assessments, and issuing permits. The fee policy is based on the user-pay principle, meaning that those who benefit directly from the NVCA’s services contribute to covering the expenses involved, rather than relying entirely on government or municipal funding.
This policy helps ensure that NVCA can maintain financial sustainability while fulfilling its mandate to protect natural resources, manage flood risks, and provide other essential environmental services. It also ensures that the fee structure is transparent and fair, reflecting the complexity and impact of each project.
Please review the Draft Fee Policy & Fee Schedules through this link.
Below is a summary of changes in NVCA’s Fee Policy.
Topic | Existing Policy | New Policy | Effect |
Timelines | 30 and 90 Days | 90 Days | All permits have a statutory timeline of 90 days. |
Exceptions | Listed in Fee Policy | Listed in Procedures and O.Reg 41/24 | Removes duplicate information. |
Error | Incorrectly identified maximum subdivision fee as $104,000 under Note 1. | Correct maximum ($106,080) changed. | No effect. |
Who to Contact
Planning Team
