The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) conserves and protects natural resources in the Rideau River valley for the benefit of everyone. The RVCA believes that sound land use and municipal planning is a critical part of protecting our land and water. It is also essential to preventing the loss of life and property damage due to flooding and erosion.

Note: As of April 1, 2024, a new Minister’s regulation (Ontario Regulation 41/24: Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits) will replace the RVCA's existing Ontario Regulation 174/06 under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act. Moving forward, O. Reg. 41/24 will be used by all Conservation Authorities. 

As part of this mandate, the RVCA continues to:

• Regulate construction in and along environmentally sensitive areas such as floodplains, steep slopes, wetlands, shorelines and waterways 
• Review development proposals (municipal plan / Planning Act review) within or adjacent to natural areas
• Administer Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code on behalf of the City of Ottawa and Tay Valley Township by reviewing and issuing Building Permits for construction, enlargement and/or alteration of sewage disposal systems.

Our team of staff work towards clean water, natural shorelines and sustainable land use throughout the watershed.