The Rideau Valley Conservation Strategy (1992) stated that our "Vision" was for "clean water, natural shorelines and sustainable land use throughout the watershed." It was further declared that "a healthy valley environment will be our greatest gift to future generations". These principles are followed in the Planning and Regulations program.

Recent amendments to the Planning Act and other legislation have placed greater responsibility on municipalities for matters related to development. The Conservation Authority will assist municipalities with the environmental elements of these increased responsibilities wherever possible. In this regard a team of staff experienced in water resources engineering, biology, hydrogeology, municipal planning and other elements of resource management has been assembled to provide advice and assistance where required.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority believes that the watershed is the most effective and efficient basis for making many environmental and resource management decisions. This method is adaptive and recognizes the dynamic nature of watersheds, watercourses, their associated land forms and the interrelationships of human activities.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority also believes that partnerships are a vital element in achieving our vision. For this reason we value the relationships we have with our many federal, provincial and municipal colleagues as well as with community associates. Participation in the following partnerships is of particular significance to the Planning and Regulations Program:

Ottawa Septic System Office (OSSO)
The Ottawa Septic System Office provids septic system review and approval functions for the City of Ottawa and Tay Valley under the Ontario Building Code as well as suitability assessments for new development related to the Planning Act.

Rideau Waterfront Development Review Team (RWDRT)
Providing one stop planning and regulatory advice to approval authorities along the Rideau Canal from Ottawa to Kingston. Partners are the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority and the Rideau Canal Office of Parks Canada.

Planning and Development Review Team (Conservation Partners)
South Nation Conservation, Mississippi Valley Conservation and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority providing co-ordinated input on environmental matters to upper and lower tier municipalities within Ottawa while respecting the differences in our particular watersheds. Certain staff are shared by the three conservation authorities to ensure that the service is both efficient and effective.