Planning Services

 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. 

• 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.

• 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.

•  SVCA will comment on Natural Hazards if applicable, and will provide the comments directly to you and the municipality. The final approval of an application is made by the municipality, township, or county.