Why do you need a permit from the Conservation Authority?
Regulation of areas over which authorities have jurisdiction
Conservation Authorities across Ontario work in partnership with their member municipalities to deliver a comprehensive program of water and related land management over their watershed areas. The key mandates of this program are to prevent the loss of life and property due to flooding and erosion, and to conserve, protect and enhance natural resources.
In 2024, the Province updated the Conservation Authorities Act and its associated regulations. Effective April 1, 2024, MRCA’s regulation, under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act, is known as Ontario Regulation 41/24: Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits.
Ontario Regulation 41/24 empowers the MRCA to prevent or restrict development in regulated areas where the control of flooding, erosion, dynamic beaches, pollution or the conservation of land may be affected by development. The intent of this regulation is to ensure that development activities do not worsen existing erosion or flooding hazards, and that new hazards are not created. This Regulation is used in conjunction with other provincial acts and related regulations, including but not limited to the Planning Act, the Building Code and the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act, to deal with development associated with our water resources.
Although an approval may be granted by the Conservation Authority under this Regulation, it does not take precedence over other legislation. As such, applicants must still comply with all other applicable legislative regulations and requirements.
Administration and Compliance Policies for this newly implemented Regulation 41/24 are currently being developed. In the interim, please contact the MRCA office for information.