If you are planning to build or alter land (e.g. excavate or fill) near a wetland, watercourse, or along a shoreline, you may require a permit from Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) or municipal planning approval.

Pre-consultation with MVCA Planning & Regulations staff is recommended for any development requiring an MVCA permit. Requirements for any submission should be discussed with MVCA staff. The pre-consultation process is intended to:

• Determine if an MVCA permit application is required;
• Determine the information required to be submitted with the application and fees necessary to deem the application complete;
• Determine if site visit(s) are required to verify the presence or absence of features such as valley lands, slopes, wetlands and watercourses;
• Clarify the general process that is required to obtain a permit; and
• Identify any potential concerns with the proposed development activity and to provide an overview of what revisions may be necessary to meet MVCA’s regulatory requirements and policies.

See pre-consultation guidelines for more information. Call 613-253-0006 or email planning@mvc.on.ca for a pre-consultation with one of our staff.  Calls are normally returned within 2 business days.  Ideally, you should contact the MVCA at the same time as your local municipality to streamline required approvals.

The MVCA administers a permitting process to protect peoples’ lives and property from natural hazards such as flooding and erosion, and to maintain the health of the watershed.  Permits are issued in accordance with the provincial Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 41/24: Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits.

Conservation Authorities are a commenting agency for applications made under the Planning Act such as severances, site plans, subdivisions, zoning by-laws amendments, and minor variances. MVCA comments on the potential impact of development on natural heritage issues, (water quality, storm water management, wetlands, aquatic resources, etc.), natural hazards (flooding and erosion) and in some areas of the watershed, on-site servicing such as wells and sewage disposal systems). The Province has mandated that Conservation Authorities comment on natural hazards and MVCA has agreements with its member municipalities to assist in addressing natural heritage issues.

Are you planning development and have questions? Read our FAQs.

General Inquiry Property Form

Looking to understand some basics about a property? Complete our General Property Inquiry Form below. Please allow for 48 to 72 hour response time. More complex requests may take longer.