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 by taking an active role in planning and development for the region.

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 under the Conservation Authorities Act and a permit will 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 planning matters in various capacities.

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

TRCA regulates certain activities in and adjacent to watercourses (including valley lands), wetlands, shorelines of inland lakes and other hazardous lands.

TRCA issues permission for work in this area by issuing a permit under Ontario Regulation 166/06. This role is granted to TRCA under section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act.

Digital Review Submission Standards* for Routine Infrastructure Works Permit Review

  • Use a shareware application such as Microsoft One Drive
  • Email the EA Planner 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: The planner will advise if submission of hard copy materials or any additional information is required for review or permit issuance.

Application Forms

  1. Permit or Voluntary Project Review Application
  2. Permit Re-Issuance Application or Permit and Voluntary Project Review Revision Application
  3. Request for Pre-Application (Pre-Consultation) Meeting
  4. Site Screening Application
  5. Tree or Vegetation Removal: Supplemental Form to Permit or Voluntary Project Review Application
  6.  Application for Permission to Enter TRCA Property
  7. Application for Archaeological Review

Digital Submission Requirements

  1. TRCA Digital Submission Requirements for Environmental Assessment Documents
  2. TRCA Digital Submission Requirements for Planning Act Documents
  3. TRCA Digital Submission Requirements for Permit and Voluntary Project Review Applications

Fee Schedule

  1. 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:

  1. Cheque: Request your accounting department submit the cheque to the attention of Evan Pelboos – Accounting Clerk, Finance Corporate Services, TRCA.
  2. Credit Card: Contact Evan Pelboos at (437) 880-2369 for payments made over the phone.
  3. Electronic Fund Transfer: This option may be available through your accounting department.

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

Download a copy of these instructions.

Recommended TRCA Contact Points

  1. Recommended TRCA Contact Points in the Municipal Class EA Process
  2. Recommended TRCA Contact Points in the TPAP EA Process

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.

TRCA Infrastructure Planning and Permits Planners

Please contact the planner serving your municipality:

Durham Region:
Alan Trumble, Planner I – alan.trumble@trca.ca – (437) 800-1951


Peel Region:
Kristen Sullivan, Planner – kristen.sullivan@trca.ca – (437) 880-2425


Toronto – East York, Etobicoke York, or North York:
Jackie Ho, Planner I – jackie.ho@trca.ca – (437) 880-2147


Toronto – Scarborough:
Aliyah Khan, Planner I – aliyah.khan@trca.ca – (437) 880-2387


York Region:
Andrew Kim, Planner I – andrew.kim@trca.ca – (437) 880-2285


Associated Documents


TRCA Administrative Fee Schedule for Environmental Assessment and Infrastructure Permitting Services
The Fee Schedule was developed in consultation with municipalities through an assessment of service delivery which adheres to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Policies and Procedures for Charging of Conservation Authority Fees, TRCA’s Fees Policy/Guideline 2010, and the range of Environmental Assessment (EA) or Infrastructure Review services consistent with TRCA’s Service Delivery Agreements and/or Memoranda of Understanding with area municipalities or agencies.