TRCA’s Role in
Municipal Planning Policy and By-law Review
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) provides input and technical support to municipalities in the review and update of their Official Plans, Secondary Plans, and zoning by-laws and any special studies upon their request.
Through participation in committees, workshops, and studies, TRCA provides valuable information and advice on flood and erosion control, stormwater management, and the conservation of features important for natural hazard management within its watersheds.
TRCA’s Role in the
Planning Act Approval Process
TRCA is a public commenting body under the Planning Act. Following Ontario Regulation 686/21: MANDATORY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES under the Conservation Authorities Act, TRCA reviews and comments on applications within TRCA Regulated Areas.
TRCA provides comments and recommendations to help ensure that municipal decisions under the Planning Act are consistent with the natural hazard policies of the Provincial Planning Statement and conform to natural hazard policies in Provincial Plans.
Our comments assist municipalities in implementing Official Plan policies and Zoning By-law provisions that restrict development activities on lands subject to flooding and erosion (e.g., river and stream valleys, Lake Ontario shoreline), and to protect and restore natural features important for the management of natural hazards (e.g., wetlands).
TRCA’s Role in the
Municipal Building Permit Approval Process
The Conservation Authorities Act and regulation are “applicable law” under the Building Code Act, meaning that a TRCA permit, where applicable, is required prior to the municipality issuing a building permit.
To expedite review, comments or any approvals required from TRCA, your planning application or building permit application, when located in a Regulated Area, may be circulated to TRCA through your local municipal Planning or Building Department, or the municipality may send the applicant/landowner directly to TRCA to apply for a TRCA permit.
TRCA’s Role in the
Environmental Assessment Process
The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and Impact Assessment Agency of Canada are responsible for the administration of the provincial and federal Acts respectively, and for ensuring that proponents meet the requirements of the applicable act.
Other environmental assessment legislation and regulations also apply to oil and gas infrastructure and are managed under the Ontario and National Energy Boards.
Conservation authorities are identified as a commenting body under federal and provincial environmental assessment legislation and regulations.
In this capacity, TRCA reviews and comments on all environmental assessments that occur within a Regulated Area.
Proponents of an EA are required to identify and consult with TRCA if the proposed project has the potential to affect an item related to TRCA’s areas of interest, including but not limited to issues related to natural hazards and regulated features such as wetlands, shorelines and watercourses.
