Contact(s)
In addition to its regulatory role under the Conservation Authorities Act, GRCA also provides advice to watershed municipalities under the Planning Act. The GRCA has a delegated responsibility from the Province of Ontario to review and comment on municipal policy documents and development applications to make sure that they are consistent with the natural hazard policies of the Provincial Policy Statement.
Through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), GRCA provides comments to municipalities on how environmental impacts from development can be avoided or reduced. The MOUs outline which areas GRCA is responsible to provide advice on such as natural hazards, natural heritage, water quality and quantity.
Memorandums of Understanding
Types of applications reviewed
The types of proposals reviewed by the GRCA include:
- severances
- creation of building lots
- minor variances
- zone changes
- Official Plan amendments
- condominium applications
- site plan approvals
- plans of subdivision, and
- any other applications under the Act.
The preconsultation process
When a Planning Act application is submitted to a municipality, the municipal staff will decide if it needs to be reviewed by the GRCA.
For large and complex applications (e.g. a plan of subdivision), the municipality may organize a meeting with the applicant and all of the agencies involved, called a preconsultation meeting. At the meeting, the applicant and agencies will discuss what studies and reports may be needed to support the application.
For simpler applications (e.g. a severance), the municipality will forward the application to the GRCA so a Resource Planner can discuss the project with the applicant. During this process, the planner will describe the information and studies required for the review.
The preconsultation process helps the applicant develop final plans that will meet the policies of the GRCA and other agencies, potentially saving time and money.
- Go to the Plan Review fees page for more information on GRCA fees.
The review process
GRCA staff will review the application and discuss it with the applicant. GRCA staff may suggest changes to the plan so it will comply with environmental policies and regulations. At the end of the review, the GRCA will send recommendations to the municipality for its consideration in its decision on the application.
Permits for development in regulated areas
An applicant may also need a permit from the GRCA if any construction or development work will take place in a regulated area in or near a river, stream, steep slope, wetland, floodplain or the Lake Erie shoreline. For more information, go to our Permits page. Additional permits may be required from other agencies as well.
Policies and guidelines
The GRCA has several policies and guidelines applicable to Planning Act applications. Go to our Polices and guidelines page for more information.
