Otonabee Conservation performs a number of important roles in the land use planning and development process. In these roles, Otonabee Conservation derives its authority from the Conservation Authorities Act and its associated Regulations, and indirectly, from the Planning Act.
Otonabee Conservation is the approval authority for development and/or activity applications submitted for approval under the ‘Regulation of Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses’ (Ontario Regulation 167/06) under the Conservation Authorities Act. Approvals are granted in the form of a permission (commonly known as a permit).
In terms of planning, Otonabee Conservation has a mandated responsibility under Ontario Regulation 686/21 to review and comment on planning issues that are related to natural hazards.
Otonabee Conservation will continue to review development proposals under the Planning Act and/or as a watershed management agency under the Conservation Authorities Act.
Otonabee Conservation also enjoys a unique relationship with Parks Canada, which operates the Trent-Severn Waterway. Parks Canada manages water levels along the Trent-Severn Waterway to provide the needed water depth for boating and related recreational activities as well as minimize flooding. Water depths are regulated on the 14 locks and water control structures that are part of the Waterway and are within our watershed. Permits may be required by Parks Canada for activities on lands below the ‘Upper Controlled Navigation Limit’, while permits may be required from Otonabee Conservation for activities above the ‘Upper Controlled Navigation Limit’.