Regulations & Planning (30)
Consultation Paused on Updated Wetland Mapping
Please be advised that the RVCA, SNC and RRCA are pausing consultation on updated wetland mapping. We appreciate the feedback and comments we have received to-date and support direction we received from the Ministry of Natural Resources giving us time to work on a local approach.
Over the coming months, the conservation authorities will work with ministry staff, municipalities and stakeholders to develop this local approach. Please note that this means that open houses and one-on-one meetings with property owners will be paused and rescheduled at a later date.
- CANCELLED – Open House on June 26 (RVCA Administrative Office, Manotick)
- CANCELLED – Open House on June 27 (SNC Administrative Office, Finch)
If you have any questions, please contact RVCA staff at 613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 or by email at .
Background:
On April 1, 2024, the Government of Ontario replaced individual Conservation Authority Regulations under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act, with Ontario Regulation 41/24: Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits. The goal of this legislative change was to streamline approvals and establish a standardized approach to the regulation of natural hazards, wetlands, watercourses and shorelines across Ontario.
The RVCA has updated its development policies to comply with the new regulation and be more user-friendly by:
- Improving transparency of the permit process.
- Consolidating all applicable policies into one document.
- Maintaining a consistent standard for review and thresholds for approvals.
- Enhancing the functionality of the document as a reference tool and technical guide.
- Increasing responsiveness of the document by annual updating to address emerging trends, legislative changes, and innovations in natural hazard protection.
The RVCA’s Draft Development Activity Policies and Procedures: Policies and Procedures for Development Activity permit applications made under Section 28.1 of the Conservation Authorities Act is now available for public consultation.
Summary of Changes
Summary of changes:
Below is a summary table highlighting where new policies have been added, existing policies have been modified, and where policies have been removed. This list is not exhaustive but captures substantive changes.
|
Topic |
Existing Policies |
New Policies |
Effect |
|
Watercourse Setbacks |
Requires 30 metres from any watercourse |
Removed |
Policies are focused on natural hazard mandate. |
|
Pollution and Conservation of Land |
Required pollution and/or conservation of land to be considered as part of permit review. |
Removed |
Pollution and conservation of land were removed from the Act. |
|
Ecological Function |
Was a policy consideration. |
Removed |
Policies are focused on natural hazard mandate. |
|
Additions to Existing Dwellings |
Allows 20% up to 20m2, or 50% up to 50m2 subject to site and design criteria. |
Allows 20m2 or 50m2 based on safe access availability. |
Simplifies standard, slightly more permissive, particularly for existing small dwellings. |
|
Roofline Overhangs |
Allows 10% overhang, typically only allowed for eavestroughs and doorway awnings. |
Allows up to cumulative total of 20m2. |
Will allow for small unenclosed covered decks or carports. |
|
Safe Access |
Allows maximum 0.3 m depth. |
Allows safe access based on depth and velocity. |
More permissive. Expected to provide more flexibility within the upper watershed. |
|
Areas of Reduced Flood Risk |
Allowed for increased development within specific built-up areas within the City of Ottawa where flood protection works were present |
Changed name to Area Specific Flooding Hazard Policies and consolidated with other sections. Removed Kingsview Park as applicable area in line with City of Ottawa changes. |
Policies ultimately are more aligned with direction related to natural hazards. Removed language contingent on municipal planning. |
|
Placement of Fill |
Allowed for minor placement of fill and balanced cut and fill |
Limits minor placement of fill to 15 m3. Refines balanced cut and fill policies by establishing technical guidelines. Expands fill placement to support private sewage systems and floodproofing |
Policies generally more permissive, however, improves clarity related to current implementation. |
|
Meander Belts |
No previous policies |
New Erosion Hazard Policies for Meander Belts for Unconfined Valley Systems. |
Modernizes policies to include natural hazard type included in Act |
|
Dynamic Beaches |
No previous policies |
Added policies that will properly apply based on the type of regulated hazards for Petrie Island. |
Modernizes policies to include natural hazard type included in Act |
|
Shoreline Protection |
Policies were specific to riverfront shorelines |
Policies expanded to clarify current implementation, specifically related to beaches, hardscaping. Language expanded to include lake shorelines. |
Policies generally the same with how permits have been conducted |
|
Sensitive Marine Clay |
No previous policies |
Added policies to require hazard to be assessed. |
Policies generally promote protecting hazard, will be subject to technical guidance under development. |
|
Bedrock Hazards |
No previous polices |
Added policies related to bedrock hazards, specifically karst formations |
Modernizes policies to include natural hazard type included in Act |
|
Watercourse interference |
Was based primarily Hydrotechnical analysis |
Policies expanded to include agricultural enclosures, and design requirements for crossings, channelization, realignment, dredging |
Slightly more permissive, and provides additional clarity on activity specific requirements |
|
Boat Houses, Boat Ports and Docks |
Not permitted on river systems |
Allows boat houses with restrictions to limit potential risks. |
More permissive, aligns with municipal and federal partners. |
|
Swimming Pools |
All pools directed 30 meters back from watercourses Limited location in floodplains |
Above ground pools shall be restricted from floodplains and erosion hazards. In-ground pools allowed subject to appropriate design. Setbacks removed. |
Policies generally more permissive and focuses on natural hazard. |
|
Wetlands |
Only Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSWs) and those in municipal Official Plans / zoning regulated Allowed development between 30 and 120 metres Further limited within 30 meters. |
Public Consultation
We encourage everyone to review RVCA’s updated development policies during the consultation period ending July 10. We also invite you to connect with RVCA staff to learn more about the policies and what it may mean for you and your property. You can do so by:
- Viewing draft policies
For more details, contact us:
If your application has been refused or approved with conditions, you can appeal through a the RVCA's Hearing Board.
For guidance, downoad the RVCA Hearing Procedures.
How to submit digital paperwork:
- Access all forms and fee information by clicking here.
- Be sure that the application is in PDF format (including photos).
- Consider using apps such as Turbo Scan that convert jpeg photos into PDF documents.
- Upgrading software on office desktop to Adobe Pro to be able to edit PDF documents.
2. Electronic files that accompany the email request/instruction must be applied as an ATTACHMENT.
3. Email your application to the intake email address identified by your municipality listed here.
4. Watch for payment details. Directions on how to make payment will be sent to your inbox. Please note, payments must be received to activate the permitting process.
When reporting a failing system or other occurrences please contact your local conservation authority. You will need to provide the following information upon calling our office for the property in question:
- Name of Property Owner
- Civic Address (Ex. 3889 Rideau Valley Dr.)
- Municipality
- Complaint (e.g., I can see sewage pooling on my neighbors’ septic bed)
- Are you a neighbour, councillor, or installer? From the Health Unit, By-Law Office or Building Inspector?
Please note all reports are kept confidential
If you would like to receive a response from us ensure you leave contact information otherwise we will treat this as an anonymous report.
General
NEW BOOKLET: Septic Smart - Understanding your Home's Wastewater System
Septic System/Treatment Units with Annual Maintenance Agreements
Wells
The Mississippi Valley and Rideau Valley Conservation Authorities administer Part 8 (Sewage systems approvals) of the Ontario Building Code on behalf of several watershed municipalities (listed below). This means your local conservation authority is responsible for reviewing septic designs and plans, issuing Building Permits for new and replacement sewage systems, and inspecting installations to ensure compliance with provincial regulations.
Learn more on how to submit your application by choosing the municipality where you are installing or replacing a Part 8 sewage system. Not listed below? Check with your municipality to learn about their septic approvals agent.
Who should you call for septic information?
An applicant may also need approval from the RVCA for any construction or development work looking to take place in a regulated area in or near a river, stream, steep slope, wetland or shoreline. For more information, go to RVCA Permits - Section 28.
More...
RVCA staff will review the application and discuss it with the applicant. Staff may suggest changes in the plan so it will comply with environmental rules and regulations. At the end of the review, recommendations will be sent to the municipality for its consideration in its decision.
RVCA staff will review the application and discuss it with the applicant. Staff may suggest changes in the plan so it will comply with environmental rules and regulations. At the end of the review, recommendations will be sent to the municipality for its consideration in its decision.
- 2023 Fee Schedule
- 2024 Fee Schedule - effective January 1, 2024 (30-day notice)
The RVCA and our member municipalities encourage pre-consultation in advance of submitting a formal Planning Act application. At a pre-consultation meeting, the applicant, the approval authority and the review agencies will discuss the proposal and the reports that may be necessary to support the application. The pre-consultation process assists the applicant in preparing a proposal that will meet the policies and submission requirements of the municipality, the RVCA and other agencies, potentially saving time and money.
