Protecting life and property from natural hazards - Protecting the environment  for future generations.

view of lake

For nearly 60 years, Cataraqui Conservation has fulfilled its responsibility to review construction and development activities in natural areas, particularly in areas of natural hazards and environmental significance, where the fragility of the ecosystem could be compromised or irreparably harmed.

Conservation Authorities were created through Provincial legislation and have been delegated responsibility from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to represent provincial interests regarding natural hazards encompassed by Policy 3.1 of the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) (2020).

These responsibilities include providing comments on policy documents (e.g. Official Plans and comprehensive Zoning By-laws) and applications submitted pursuant to the Planning Act. In addition, Cataraqui Conservation is a regulatory authority mandated to implement Ontario Regulation 148/06: Development Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses, pursuant to Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act

Area property owners and developers are reminded that all shorelines, watercourses, floodplains, wetlands, and lands adjacent to them, are regulated areas and could pose an increased risk of flooding and/or erosion. If you are planning to build or alter land near a regulated area (shorelines, watercourses, floodplains, wetlands, and adjacent lands), you may require a permit from Cataraqui Conservation to conduct this work. Significant development projects, those of larger scale and significance, may also require approval from the local municipality as well as input and commentary from Cataraqui Conservation.

In both instances, it is recommended that your contact Cataraqui Conservation staff prior to engaging in any work on your site. Staff provide technical advice and confirm what can be supported for approvals and provide general information about development and site alteration considerations not specifically connected to a planning application or permit.

Depending on the complexity of the project or development and the amount of projects and permits under review, it will take between one and two weeks to receive a response to an initial inquiry, particularly those of a legal nature. A Permit Application Package will only be reviewed by staff once it is considered complete – all requested documents and information are received by staff.