Our work in regulating lands has several major components.

1. Regulation Permits

We ensure that development proposals have regard for natural hazard features and the natural environment while conforming with our watershed development policies. We are authorized under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act. Learn more >> 

2. Municipal Plan Review

We are responsible for representing the provincial interests with respect to natural hazards (examples include flooding, erosion and unstable ground) and natural features on applications circulated under the Planning Act. We are responsible for providing advice on the interpretation of the Provincial Policy Statement. We also have agreements with the City of Ottawa and Counties in the watershed to provide comments on natural heritage features, which include significant woodlands, wetlands, environmentally sensitive areas, fish habitat, as well as rare, threatened and endangered species and their habitats. Learn more >> 

3. Board Approved Development Policies

The goal is to foster and consistently apply the development policies and guidelines that protect the environmental integrity of our watershed. Recognizing that development and changes occur within some limits and is ultimately limited by the capacity of the watershed environment is key.

4. Septic System Approvals and Re-inspections

We provide septic system approvals and re-inspection program in interested municipalities. Our role is to ensure septic systems are built property for the benefit of the homeowner and the environment. We enforce the rules and regulations defined by the Ontario Building Code. Learn more >> Ottawa Septic System Office
Learn more >> Mississippi Valley Septic System Office

5. Technical Assistance

RVCA engineering and technical staff may also provide comments on water management and natural hazard aspects of planning and regulatory applications depending on the complexity of the application.

They are also involved in preparing subwatershed reports, remedial strategies and stormwater management strategies and the design of capital work projects and major floodplain engineering studies.

Key areas of expertise include: hydraulics and hydrology, plan input and review, environmental regulations, data collection and computer modeling, remediation and restoration techniques for the natural environment, project design, tendering and supervision.

6. Stewardship

Our stewardship programs provide technical and financial assistance to support private landowners who undertake environmental projects that are designed to improve surface and groundwater quality, reduce soil erosion, enhance wildlife and more. Learn more >>

7. Flood Forecasting and Flood Control

RVCA is responsible for issuing flood warnings to help reduce flood damages. We do this by monitoring weather conditions and river flows issuing flood messages (advisories and warnings) to a variety of public service agencies through the media and this website controlling development in flood-prone areas to reduce potential property damages. Learn more >>