New Generic Regulation in Effect

In 1998, the Province of Ontario made revisions to Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act that resulted in the need to change the implementing regulations.

The regulation change has occurred in two steps. First, in 2004 the Province approved the overall Generic Regulation: Ontario Regulation 97/04 – Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses.

On May 4, 2006, the second step in the process was completed for the Upper Thames River watershed with the approval of a local regulation to implement the Generic Regulation.

In the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) watershed, the new local regulation is Ontario Regulation 157/06.

This regulation replaces the old Fill, Construction and Alteration to Waterways regulations, and fulfils the same general purpose of ensuring public safety and preventing property damage and social disruption, due to natural hazards such as flooding and erosion. The UTRCA implements the regulation by issuing permits for works in or near watercourses, valleys, wetlands, or shorelines, when required.

What activities are regulated?

The types of activities regulated and the process for obtaining a permit have not changed significantly. As before, property owners must obtain permission from the UTRCA before beginning any development, site alteration, construction, or placement of fill within the regulated area. Permits are also required for any wetland interference, or for altering, straightening, diverting or interfering in any way with the existing channel of a creek, stream or river. Click here to download the Application for Consent/UTRCA Permit Application Form (pdf file).

What areas are regulated?

The Province has changed some of the criteria that the Conservation Authority uses to determine the extent of the regulation area (also called the “regulation limit”). As a result, the amount of regulated land may have changed on some properties.

Revised mapping has been created that identifies hazard lands and wetlands within the regulated area. Low resolution maps are available on this web site for viewing and downloading. These web site maps are intended for use by the public to gain an understanding of the areas affected by the regulation limit. This mapping is in no way a substitute for professional advice and/or contact with the UTRCA.

High resolution maps, both digital and hard copy, are available for a fee.

For more information, e-mail or call 519-451-2800 ext. 289.

Other Links

• UTRCA Generic Regulation Limit Index Map

• UTRCA Application for Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses (pdf)

• Revised Conservation Authorities Act

• Generic Regulation (O. Reg 97/04) (pdf)

• New UTRCA Implementing Regulation (O. Reg 157/06) (pdf)

• UTRCA Policies for Implementing Ontario Regulation 157/06 (pdf)

The UTRCA hosted three public information sessions to present the new regulation and mapping in October/November 2005.  The materials developed for the information sessions are available below (pdf files):

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