Regulations

The South Nation Conservation Authority has the responsibility to regulate activities in natural and hazardous areas in order to:

• Prevent the loss of life and property due to flooding and erosion, and
• Conserve and enhance natural resources.

This is done through the application of regulations affecting areas in and near rivers streams, floodplains, wetlands and slopes.

• If you are planning do to any work near lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, slopes or shorelines, you may require a permit from SNC.
• In most cases, there are fees associated with the cost of issuing the permit. These fees are set at a level to cover the cost of providing the service.
• These rules apply to Development activities taking place in a regulated area. Beginning May 9, 2006, the rules are outlined in a revised regulation entitled "The Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses, Ontario Regulation 170/06.
• SNC will provide advice on the best ways to plan your project in order to comply with the regulations. Your best bet is to contact SNC early in your planning process. Call SNC at (613) 984-2948 for details.
• See Forms and Fees for more information.

Q & A

What happens when you call?

Calling SNC while you are in the early stages of planning your project will save everyone time and money. If you phone ahead to make an appointment with a member of our planning staff, you can view maps that show where your property is located relative to regulated areas. If necessary, SNC staff may visit your property to learn more about your plans. SNC staff will advise you about the permit applications for your project.

What happens if you don't call?

If you don't call SNC, you may do something that is not allowed under the regulations. Permits for work in regulated areas are required by provincial law. If your project is illegal, you may have to remove the work and restore the area and you may be fined.

What types of lands are affected?

These types of lands are affected in regulated areas:

• Ravines, valleys, steep slopes
• Wetlands including swamps, marshes, bogs, fens and ponds
• Any river, creek, floodplain or valley land

What activities are regulated?

You must apply for a permit from the Conservation Authority in order to do any of the following works in a regulated area:

• Straightening, changing, diverting or interfering in any way with the existing channel of a river, creek, stream or watercourse, or for changing or interfering in any way with a wetland;
• Development, if in the opinion of the authority, the control of flooding, erosion, dynamic beaches or pollution or the conservation of land may be affected by the development.

The construction, reconstruction, erection or placing of a building or structure of any kind,

• Any change to a building or structure that would have the effect of altering the use or potential use of the building or structure, increasing the size of the building or structure or increasing 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.

How does this affect the planning approvals required from municipalities and other agencies?

A permit from the Conservation Authority does not replace building permits or any other permits issued through municipal offices or from other government agencies

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