Cataraqui Conservation is responsible for implementing Ontario Regulation 41/24: Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits (formerly O. Reg. 148/06). This regulation is in place to protect life and property from being negatively affected by natural hazards such as flooding and erosion.
In 2024, the Cataraqui Conservation Full Authority Board approved updates to the policies that are used by staff to implement the regulation. These policies are updated regularly to ensure that they are current and to provide clarity in some circumstances. The policy update included a Regulation Guidelines engagement session, two public and stakeholder consultations periods, and many changes were made based on feedback that was received. More information on the update and consultation process can be found at: https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/cataraqui-conservation-permitting-policy-updates. The final updated guidelines document can be found at the link above and also at https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/planning-permitting under Policies & Guidelines.
Additionally, new flood hazard mapping is now available for the shoreline of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River within Cataraqui Conservation’s jurisdiction (from the Bay of Quinte to just east of Brockville). Cataraqui Conservation worked collaboratively with municipalities in the Cataraqui Region and with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, with funding provided by Natural Resources Canada’s Flood Hazard Implementation and Mapping Program. The new mapping, which replaces mapping based on a 1994 study, will help inform responsible decision making for development in or near areas subject to flood risk along the shoreline. A publicly accessible screening map that shows lands subject to O. Reg. 41-24 has been updated to include the new flood hazard mapping and remains available at https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/23cd71daef3f42748de852dd0404ebeb.
The updated policies and new shoreline mapping will come into effect concurrently beginning on June 9, 2025. Planning and permitting applications received before this date will be reviewed on previous mapping and policies. New applications received on or after June 9, 2025, will be reviewed based on the updated mapping and policies.