Planning Services

Planning services

SVCA acts as a Review Agency and is circulated on all Planning Act Applications Under the Planning Act. All conservation authorities are considered “public bodies” under the Planning Act and must be given the opportunity to comment on applications and planning documents.

All conservation authorities have been delegated responsibility from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) to represent the provincial interest on matters related to Natural Hazards. SVCA will review all Planning Act applications with regards to Section 3.1 (Natural Hazards) of the Provincial Policy Statement.

SVCA will also comment on Natural Heritage features (e.g. wetlands and woodlands), and water quality and quantity (e.g. storm water management) if we have a Plan Review Service Agreement with the applicable municipality or county that includes such review.

Planning Act Applications

Please contact your local municipality to apply for any of the following planning activities:

Minor variance
Zoning by-law amendment
Consent / severance
Site plan approval
Official plan amendment
Plan of subdivision or condominium

Your municipality will circulate your application to SVCA for comments as required.

You can book a Planning Act pre-submission consultation.

What is the difference between permit applications and Planning Act applications?

Permit applications

Applied for directly through the SVCA office and staff make the decision on individual applications.
Through the Conservation Authorities Act, SVCA is responsible for regulating development around hazardous lands and environmental features.

Planning Act applications

Initiated through an individual municipality.
SVCA is circulated and requested to provide comments.

What role does SVCA have in reviewing Planning Act applications?

Under the Planning Act, all conservation authorities are considered “public bodies” and must be given the opportunity to comment on applications and planning documents.
SVCA acts as a Review Agency and is circulated on all Planning Act applications with regards to Section 3.1 (Natural Hazards) of the Provincial Policy Statement.
All conservation authorities have been delegated responsibility from the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) to represent the provincial interest on matters related to Natural Hazards.
SVCA will comment on Natural Heritage features (e.g. wetlands and woodlands) and water quality and quantity (e.g. storm water management) if there is a Plan Review Service Agreement/MOU with your municipality or county.

Am I required to contact SVCA regarding my Planning Act application (severance, zoning bylaw amendments, minor variances, etc.)?

At this time, you are not required to pre-consult with SVCA prior to making a Planning Act application; however, staff do strongly recommend a pre-consultation as this process can streamline your review and potentially save money.
After receiving this information, it is your decision whether or not to proceed with any formal Planning application with the municipality.

Does SVCA approve my Planning Act Application?

No. We provide comments with regards natural heritage and hazards, if applicable. The final approval of an application is made by the municipality, township, or county.
SVCA will comment on Natural Heritage and Natural Hazards if applicable, and will provide the comments directly to you and the municipality.