Of the 398 applications received by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) last year, all but one were approved, according to Senior Regulations Officer Meagan Kieferle.
During a recent technical briefing on the NVCA’s permitting process, Kieferle stressed that the authority’s mandate is not to prevent development, but rather to ensure the protection of the watershed and balance economic growth with environmental protection.
“Our vision is to foster a sustainable watershed that is resilient to the effects of climate change, urban growth and other stressors and provides for safe, healthy and prosperous people and communities,” said Kieferle. “Ultimately, we aim to prevent injury and loss of life, reduce risks to property and infrastructure, and protect the natural benefits offered by wetlands, watercourses and shorelines.”
The NVCA is responsible for the entire Nottawasaga Watershed, a portion of which is situated within the jurisdiction of its 18 member municipalities. Property owners require an NVCA permit for construction of a dwelling or an addition, building things like shorewalls, in-ground pools, retaining walls and septic tanks, construction of accessory buildings greater than 150 square metres in area, and grading or other site alteration. Permits are not required for projects like fences and ground level decks outside natural hazards, and above ground pools. Where there is any doubt, Kierferle encourages property owners to visit the NVCA office in Utopia for a pre- consultation.
“The easiest way is to just walk into our office and say ‘this is what I’d like to do’. Our staff will point out any potential problems with obtaining a permit, and may be able to suggest small changes that will make the project compliant,” she said. “For moreinvolved consultations, an appointment is recommended, and there is a fee.”
Applications that have gone through a pre-consultation tend to be approved more quickly, according to Kieferle. Minor applications may be green lighted in as little as a day or two if no technical review is needed. Once the application is completed, provincial guidelines suggest that a decision should be rendered within 90 days. Kieferle says since last April, the NVCA has been 100 per centsuccessful in meeting that standard. The most common reason for delays are incomplete applications, with missing information such as accurate measurements or drawings.
Fines for proceeding without necessary permits can be up to $50,000 plus additional review fees and costly delays.
To determine whether your property is in a protected area, check the interactive map at www.nvca.on.ca/ planning-permits/find-your-property.