Building a new home (or a replacement home) is considered DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY under the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 41/24.
A permit will be required if the development activity is proposed within a TRCA Regulated Area and does not meet the exception criteria of Ontario Regulation 41/24.
Why You Need to Apply for a Permit
Under the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 41/24, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) regulates and may prohibit development activity from taking place within or near valley and stream corridors, wetlands, and the Lake Ontario shoreline.
If your property is regulated, a TRCA permit is required prior to carrying out any new development activity.
Please note that the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 41/24 are “applicable law” under the Building Code Act, i.e. your municipality cannot legally issue a building permit until a TRCA permit or clearance has been obtained.
Submission Requirements
- Lot survey – to include existing development/structures on the property.
Note: Topographical information may be required. Pre-application consultation is recommended to confirm. - Site grading and landscaping plan overlaid on lot survey showing:
- Existing top of slope if the property backs onto the ravine. TRCA will confirm the existing top of slope location, and this line may be adjusted as per a site visit by TRCA staff. A study may be required to locate the stable top of slope.
- Proposed house location including any ancillary structures (e.g., decks, pools, etc.).
- All surface treatments (e.g., manicured grass, concrete, flagstone).
- Existing and proposed grades (geodetic elevations).
- Setback dimension from the top of slope (or stable top of slope where applicable) to the proposed dwelling and any ancillary structures or at-grade patio (if applicable).
- Location of temporary erosion and sediment control fencing to be installed during construction to prevent construction debris from entering the ravine, or the municipal sewer.
- House elevations showing:
- Grade elevation(s) of the lowest and all exterior openings (windows, doors, vents, etc.) in relation to final grades (geodetic elevations).
- Elevation differences between existing and proposed final grades including drainage patterns.
- Regulatory flood plain elevation (if applicable and already provided to you by TRCA staff).
- Floor plans if home is within a flood plain showing:
- Existing and proposed habitable floor area calculations.
- Proposed use of each floor, including basement.
Please note: Additional technical information (e.g., geotechnical slope stability assessment, structural engineering letter with stamped drawings) may be required once staff have carried out an initial review and a site visit (if applicable).