Updated June 26, 2024: Please be advised that the SNC, RVCA and RRCA are pausing consultation on updated wetland mapping. They appreciate the feedback and comments they have received to-date and support the direction they received from the Ministry of Natural Resources giving them time to work on a local approach.
Updated June 24, 2024
Conservation Authorities are required to regulate development within natural hazard areas, like floodplains and unstable slopes, as well as wetlands, watercourses, and shorelines.
On April 1, 2024, the Province replaced individual Conservation Authority regulations with Ontario Regulation 41/24: Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits. The goal of the new regulation is to streamline approvals and establish a standardized approach.
In response to these legislative changes, South Nation Conservation (SNC), Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), and Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) have worked together to update their existing development activity policies, procedures, and wetland mapping that guide development under the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 41/24.
Updated wetland mapping is available for review and includes the addition of Locally Significant Wetlands and a reduction to the regulated area surrounding wetlands (from 120m to 30m) where development activities require a permit.
A public consultation period is now underway to review these updates and provide input on draft wetland mapping. Meetings can be schedule with Conservation Authority staff or people may attend one of the following drop-in open house events:
RVCA
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
3:00 – 8:00 pm
R.J. Kennedy Community Centre
1115 Dunning Road, Ottawa, ON
RVCA/SNC
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
3:00 – 8:00 pm
RVCA Administrative Office
3889 Rideau Valley Drive, Manotick, ON
SNC/RRCA
Thursday, June 27, 2024
3:00 – 8:00 pm
SNC Administrative Office
38 Victoria Street, Finch, ON
Wetlands provide significant ecosystem services and benefits including flood attenuation, erosion protection, groundwater recharge, filtration of drinking water supplies, wildlife refuge, and forest cover, as well as recreation, educational, and research opportunities. Wetlands are also usually associated with unstable, organic soils and may not be suited to development.
For more information, to request a meeting, and to view the interactive property maps with wetland boundaries, please visit the SNC website.
More information:
They are offering 1:1 meetings with the public, virtually or in-person. Request a Meeting
At this time, the mapping is draft, and changes are still being made. The mapping is intended to be a screening tool and will be updated as new information is available and site visits are completed. If someone believes their property has been mapped incorrectly, they can complete a free site visit to confirm wetland boundaries.