If you are planning to do any work near a lake, river, stream, floodplain, steep slope or wetland, you may require approval from the RVCA.

The following projects require RVCA review and approval: 

• the construction, reconstruction, erection or placing of a building or structure of any kind,
• changes that would alter the use or potential use of a building or structure
• increasing the size of the building or structure or increasing the number of dwelling units in the building or structure,
• site grading,
• the temporary or permanent placing, dumping or removal of any material, originating in the site or elsewhere,
• the straightening, changing or diverting or interfering with an existing channel of a river, creek, stream or watercourse, or changing or interfering with a wetland.
• All shorelines and watercourses, regardless of whether or not they appear on mapping, are subject to the alteration to waterways component of Ontario Regulation 174/06.

Note: As of April 1, 2024, 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.

If you are not within an identified floodplain, wetland, adjacent to a steep slope or working on the waterfront, then a permit may not be required from the RVCA. You should still contact your municipality to ensure your project meets municipal requirements. Please contact us for information.