Regulated Activities Policies Update

South Nation Conservation (SNC) is updating its Regulated Activities Policies to reflect changes to the Conservation Authorities Act (the “CA Act”) which came into effect on April 1, 2024. These policies provide clarity and transparency in the administration of SNC’s permitting program.  

SNC’s current policies were last updated in April 2023. This update is an important step to ensure the policies stay current and effective to ensure timely delivery of permit services for watershed residents and partners.  

Please note: This policy document does not change or update SNC's maps of regulated areas of floodplains, watercourses, river valleys, shorelines, and wetlands. It is not a technical document. 

 

What Stays the Same 

The April 1, 2024, changes to the CA Act did not change SNC’s permitting role. SNC continues to help protect people and property from the risks of natural hazards by regulating development and other activities in and around hazardous lands, watercourses, wetlands, river valleys, and shorelines. Most of SNC’s existing policies regarding development or changing land in these areas remain unchanged or slightly modified for consistency with new provincial regulations. The policies are not a technical document and do not contain technical guidelines.  

What’s Changing 

Some of the proposed updates include:  

    • incorporation of the province’s new statutory test for the issuance of CA Act permits;

    • updated descriptions of regulated areas and activities to comply with provincial regulations;

    • formalization of submission requirements and process that SNC has implemented to comply with changes to the CA Act;

    • a clearer explanation of the permit application process including timelines, the role of pre-consultation, complete application requirements, and the review of permit applications;

    • a clearer explanation of processes available to permit holders including amendments and extensions; 

    • more flexibility and exceptions for minor projects and activities in hazardous lands;

    • new criteria for ensuring safe access for new development during floods; and

    • new criteria for “balanced cut and fill” projects in flood plains. 

The draft policy is available for public review and feedback from June 29th to July 31st. 

We want to hear from you!

View the draft documents below and share your comments through SNC’s feedback form: 

➡️ Regulation Activities Policies 2026 (Draft)

➡️ Frequently Asked Questions - Updated Regulation Activities Policies

➡️ Click HERE to access the Online Feedback form

If you have questions, please contact: regulations@nation.on.ca