Plan Review

In addition to its regulatory role under the Conservation Authorities Act, GRCA also provides advice to watershed municipalities under the Planning Act. The GRCA has a delegated responsibility from the Province of Ontario to review and comment on municipal policy documents and development applications to make sure that they are consistent with the natural hazard policies of the Provincial Policy Statement.

Types of Applications Reviewed

The types of proposals reviewed by the GRCA include:

severances
creation of building lots
minor variances
zone changes
Official Plan amendments
condominium applications
site plan approvals
plans of subdivision, and
any other applications under the Act.

The Preconsultation Process

When a Planning Act application is submitted to a municipality, the municipal staff will decide if it needs to be reviewed by the GRCA.

For large and complex applications (for example a plan of subdivision), the municipality may organize a meeting with the applicant and all of the agencies involved, called a preconsultation meeting. At the meeting, the applicant and agencies will discuss what studies and reports may be needed to support the application.

For simpler applications (for example a severance), the municipality will forward the application to the GRCA so a Resource Planner can discuss the project with the applicant. During this process, the planner will describe the information and studies required for the review.

The preconsultation process helps the applicant develop final plans that will meet the policies of the GRCA and other agencies, potentially saving time and money.

Go to the Plan Review Fees page for more information on GRCA fees.

The Review Process

GRCA staff will review the application and discuss it with the applicant. GRCA staff may suggest changes to the plan so it will comply with environmental policies and regulations. At the end of the review, the GRCA will send recommendations to the municipality for its consideration in its decision on the application.

Permits for Development in Regulated Areas

You may also need a permit from the GRCA if any construction or development work will take place in a regulated area in or near a river, stream, steep slope, wetland, floodplain or the Lake Erie shoreline. To see if an area is regulated, type the address into our Map Your Property Tool. For more information on permits, go to our Permits page. Additional permits may be required from other agencies as well.

Policies and Guidelines

The GRCA has several policies and guidelines applicable to Planning Act applications. Go to our Policies and Guidelines page for more information.