Infrastructure Planning and Permits

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Environmental Assessment Review and Permit process helps to protect people, property, and the watersheds we live in.

We review projects that affect our watersheds, and we regulate infrastructure development in or near valleys, streams, and wetlands, and along the Lake Ontario shoreline.

Construction of infrastructure is considered development activity under the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 41/24, and a permit may be required if the infrastructure is proposed within a TRCA Regulated Area.

Environmental Assessment Review

Under the Planning Act and the Environmental Assessment Acts (federal and provincial), TRCA is a commenting agency and provides input on the risks related to natural hazards.

For public infrastructure and large private infrastructure projects, Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act is the principal review mechanism.

When the provincial Environmental Assessment Act was approved in 1975, conservation authorities were directed to provide technical clearance for natural resources management on applications made under the Act.

Technical advice is also sought from TRCA for applications made under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The majority of TRCA’s environmental assessment review falls under the provincial process.

How to Apply for a Permit

Digital Review Submission Standards* for Routine Infrastructure Works Permit Review

Use a shareware application such as Microsoft One Drive
Email infrastructureplanningpermits@trca.ca with a link to the shared file
Include the following information in the shared file:

Covering letter
Signed application form
Technical reports, drawings and other associated material

*Please note: A planner will be assigned to your application and will advise if any additional information is required for review or permit issuance.

Application Forms

Digital Submission Requirements

Fee Schedule

Environmental Assessment and Infrastructure Permitting Fee Schedule

How to Pay TRCA Review Fees

For applications subject to a review fee as per the TRCA Fee Schedule, payment can be made as follows:

Cheque: Request your accounting department to submit the cheque to the attention of TRCA Planning and Permits and include CFN # or invoice # and name of the Planner.

Credit Card:

For Infrastructure Planning and Permits:

Non-invoice payment (no invoice was requested): Contact Anastasiia Borsuk at (437) 880-2325 for payments made over the phone
Invoice payment: Contact Marina Mironova at (437) 880-2340 for invoice payment for IPP file.

For Development Planning and Permits:

Contact your Planner for the appropriate fee and method of payment.

Electronic Fund Transfer: This option may be available through your accounting department. Contact our A/R team at receivables@trca.ca

To ensure accurate processing of your fee, please ensure your accounting department references the Project’s file number when making any payments.

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Recommended TRCA Contact Points

Technical Guidelines and Checklists

When preparing your permit application, a number of studies and detailed information may be required depending on the location and scope of work of the project. Technical guidelines and checklists below will provide guidance on these requirements.

General Infrastructure Planning and Permits Enquiries

General enquiries related to Environmental Assessment or Infrastructure related Permits and Voluntary Project Review Applications should be emailed to infrastructureplanningpermits@trca.ca
In your email, please include your project name, proponent, brief project description, municipality where the project is located, and your question(s).
Please allow up to one business day for confirmation of receipt, and up to two additional business days for a planner to respond.

Fees

Your appropriate fee will be determined by a TRCA Planner depending on the application category as per the TRCA Permit Fee Schedule. Please contact your Planner for method of payment.