The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) conserves and restores the natural resources in the Rideau River valley for the benefit of everyone. As part of this mandate, the RVCA preserves and regulates important environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands and waterways. The Conservation Authority also regulates building on floodplains and steep slopes to reduce the risk of loss of life and property damage.

The RVCA regulates these areas in partnership with local municipalities and residents of our watershed such as yourself. Regulation occurs under the Fill, Construction and Alteration to Waterways Regulations (the Fill Regulations), made under the Conservation Authorities Act.

When Do You Need A Fill Regulations Permit?
If you want to place fill or build on or near a wetland or flood plain, you have to get permission from the RVCA. If you call us, we'll tell you whether you need a permit for your work and how to apply.

What Happens When You Call?
Calling ahead of time will save everyone time and money. If you phone ahead to make an appointment, you can view maps at the LandOwner Resource Centre or the RVCA Head Office that show where your property is located relative to regulated areas. If necessary, Conservation Authority staff may visit your property. Staff will also advise you about the permit requirements for your project.

What Happens If You Don't Call?
If you don't call the RVCA, you may do something that is not permitted under the Fill Regulations. Permits for work in regulated areas are required by provincial legislation. If your project is illegal, you may have to remove the work, and you may be fined.

We can answer any other questions you have about projects on land regulated by the Fill Regulations. Just give us a call.

For preliminary inquiries, contact:
LandOwner Resource Centre
Information Specialists at
613.6923571 or 1.800.267.3504
Jamie Batchelor at extension 1132
Kellie Adams at extension 1126

If you have an application submitted to the RVCA regarding your project, contact:
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613.692.3571 or 1.800.267.3504 (toll free in 613 exchange area)

Who Else Should You Call?
You should also call the Building Department of your local municipality. It will have other guidelines that apply to your project.

Before the Fill Regulations came into effect in 1977, residents of the Rideau River valley could build beside the river. Unfortunately, they discovered that the floodplain and their houses were often flooded after heavy rain.

Today the RVCA determines what types of development are permitted on flood plains of the Rideau and its tributaries. These tributaries include Kemptville Creek, Jock River, Stevens Creek and the Tay River. The RVCA and municipalities along these rivers have developed local floodplain policies that meet community needs.

If you call us, we can tell you whether your proposed project is on the floodplain of the Rideau or rivers that flow into the Rideau. We can also let you know about the policies that apply under the regulations in various communities in the Rideau River watershed.