Property Inquiries

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) provides services to clients who are interested in buying or selling property and need answers to one of these questions:

TRCA property inquiries

How Do I Find Out If a Property is Affected by TRCA Regulations?

OPTION 1: Take Advantage of TRCA’s Property Inquiry Service (Solicitor/Realtor/Compliance Search).

To assist potential buyers/sellers TRCA will provide an official letter that includes:

  • Whether a property is likely to be affected by Authority policies and regulations
  • What general restrictions/policies would apply
  • If there are any previous or outstanding violations on the property
  • A copy of a map of our regulated area (if available) if it intersects with the property.

This letter provides a formal record of the inquiry and provides valuable information to the client when making decisions to purchase, build on, re-grade or alter natural features on the site.

In other cases, the letter serves as official confirmation that the property is not affected by Authority policies and regulations, and provides the client with added peace of mind.

TRCA staff cannot advise you on whether or not to purchase a property; we provide the facts to help you make an educated decision.

The fee for this service is $365 per property parcel/response letter for regular service, and $730.00 per property parcel/response letter for expedited service. For more information on how to apply for this letter, please consult our Property Inquiry Submission Checklist.

Please note: Due to the high volume of inquiries and the information required to conduct a review, TRCA focuses its inquiry service on written requests. Staff require at least two weeks to reply.

OPTION 2: Check Our Regulated Area Search Tool and Consult with TRCA Staff.

Use TRCA’s Regulated Area Search Tool

Please note: The information in this tool is not intended to constitute advice nor is it to be used as a substitute for specific advice from a qualified professional. You should not act, or refrain from acting, based upon information shown in the viewer without verifying the information with TRCA staff and, as necessary, obtaining professional advice regarding your particular facts and circumstances.

OPTION 3: Speak with a Walk-in Planner at TRCA’s Head Office.

For immediate planning assistance of a general nature, a walk-in planner is available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. However, this service cannot provide detailed advice. Detailed information about specific properties and proposals should be obtained by booking consultations with our planning staff in advance either via the phone or in person.

planner assists member of the public with a property inquiry at the walk-in counter at TRCA head office

If a Property is Regulated, How Do I Find Out What I Can Build on It?

Submit a Concept Development Application

If you’re a potential buyer or seller seeking TRCA’s preliminary review of a specific development proposal for a specific property, your best course of action is to submit a Concept Development Application. The fee for this service is outlined in our Planning Fee Schedule.

Payment can be provided via personal cheque addressed to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority or by providing credit card information on the application form.

The Concept Development Application Service allows TRCA staff to:

  • Conduct a site visit on your property
  • Review preliminary proposals
  • Provide a comment letter on a preliminary proposal outlining TRCA’s preliminary position on what could be supported on a property, based on TRCA policies

TRCA is under no obligation to meet real estate deadlines, in the instance of an offer to purchase. Providing adequate timing is the responsibility of the agent/owner/purchaser to resolve file review, potential meetings, and discussion on complex issues.

Associated Documents


Concept Development Application Form
Concept Development Application for Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses (Pursuant to Ontario Regulation 166/06, as amended)


TRCA Administrative Fee Schedule For Permitting Services
The Fee Schedule adheres to the Provincial Ministry of Natural Resources Policies and Procedures for Charging of Conservation Authority Fees, the TRCA’s Fee Policy Guideline 2009, and the range of planning services consistent with TRCA’s Memorandums of Understanding with area municipalities.