Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) reviews all municipal infrastructure projects at the planning (environmental assessment and Planning Act) and permitting stages.
Municipal infrastructure Projects
include those owned or managed by the municipality, such as:
- Transportation and transit systems
- Water and wastewater management systems
- Emergency management services facilities (e.g., fire, ambulance, police stations)
- Trails and active use projects
- Public art
- Schools, parks, community centers, cultural facilities, and recreation centres
- Public infrastructure components of master environmental servicing plans or secondary plans received under the Planning Act, such as a municipal pumping station
- Stormwater management infrastructure related to water, wastewater, and roads projects
TRCA Review Services
Screening
We suggest that before you apply for an environmental assessment, Planning Act, or permit review, you request our staff screen your project to confirm whether there is a TRCA interest in your project.
A clearance letter will be provided if TRCA has no interest.
Once your project has been screened, we recommend you book a pre-application consultation meeting with your TRCA planner. We suggest this for all applications, whether an environmental assessment, Planning Act or permit application.
Planning Act and Environmental Assessment Review
TRCA reviews environmental assessment (EA) and Planning Act applications.
EA applications are submitted to TRCA directly by the proponent through the TRCA Application Portal.
Planning Act applications are submitted by the proponent to the municipality, which in turn circulates to TRCA.
Permit Application Review
Once the planning phases of the project are complete (or for projects that are exempt from planning processes), it is time to submit the permit application.
Before applying for a permit, TRCA recommends the proponent request TRCA staff screen the project, and request a pre-application consultation meeting.
TRCA has two types of infrastructure permits:
In emergency situations, TRCA also offers expedited review services which follow its emergency infrastructure works protocol.
Your TRCA planner will assist you in choosing the right type.
If construction details or site conditions change after your TRCA permit is approved, you may need to submit an application for permit revision.
if you need more time to complete the construction of your project before your permit expires, you will need to submit an application for permit extension. This request must be made before the permit expires.
Permission to Enter TRCA Land / Request for Archaeological Review
As one of the largest landowners in the Greater Toronto Area, TRCA understands that access to TRCA-owned land may be necessary to facilitate infrastructure development.
In all circumstances, proponents must work directly with the TRCA Property department to receive the necessary approvals.
If access includes any type of ground disturbance, a TRCA-led archaeological review is required.
Need More Information?
- Learn More About:
- Infrastructure Planning and Permits
- Who is Responsible for Infrastructure Project Review at TRCA
- Provincial and Federal Infrastructure Project Review at TRCA
- Oil, Gas and Utility Infrastructure Project Review at TRCA
- Regulation, Permits, and Planning Act Review: Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t See Your Project Here?
Please view Quick Links for Infrastructure Proponents and Consultants or Quick Links for Homeowners, Landowners and Developers.
If you have any questions about the Infrastructure Planning and Permitting review services, please email infrastructureplanningpermits@trca.ca. Please allow up to two (2) business days for a response.
For additional information, see our Quick Links for Infrastructure Proponents and Consultants.