South Nation Conservation (SNC), the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) are welcoming public input on updated development policies and wetland mapping used in Conservation Authority permitting.

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. This update requires Conservation Authorities to regulate development activities within 30 metres of all wetlands, as defined by the new regulation. 

Conservation Authority staff have completed draft updates to policies, procedures and mapping in response to these provincial changes. Watershed residents are invited to schedule individual meetings (in-person or virtual) or attend an upcoming public open house to learn more about proposed development policy updates and wetland mapping.

SNC Administrative Office
38 Victoria Street, Finch, ON
Thursday, June 27, 2024
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
(SNC/RRCA)

R.J. Kennedy Community Centre
1115 Dunning Road, Ottawa, ON
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
(RVCA/SNC)

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 recreational, educational, and research opportunities. Wetlands are also usually associated with unstable, organic soils and not always suited to development.

The conservation authority partners have regulated development activities within Provincially Significant Wetlands and certain Locally Significant Wetlands since 2006. With the new provincial regulation, most wetlands will now be regulated, however, the buffer around them where a development permit is required has been reduced from 120 metres to 30 metres.

Policy information, draft maps and meeting request links are available online:

Conservation Authorities work on behalf of their member municipalities to help manage, conserve and restore natural resources and guide sustainable development activities through permitting.

Through acquiring ecologically significant property, managing conservation lands, permitting sustainable development, and providing technical advice and cost-share funding for habitat improvement projects, there are a variety of ways to help improve wetlands and biodiversity within the region. Residents interested in learning more about land donations and project funding are encouraged to contact their local conservation authority.

Map showing SNC, RRCA, and RVCA territories. Submitted