Processing of applications
Your application will be reviewed for completeness to ensure that it meets the policies set out in the SVCA Planning and Regulations Policies Manual.
SVCA staff may request revisions to plans or reports submitted as part of the application. This is a normal part of the review process and applicants are encouraged to consult with staff as reports and plans are prepared to make the most efficient use of time. If your application does not meet SVCA’s policies, staff will explain how your proposal can be changed.
SVCA staff may also contact other review agencies to discuss the proposed project; however, it is your responsibility to obtain all other necessary approvals from federal, provincial, and municipal authorities.
Decision timelines for permits
Once staff have confirmed that your application is complete, a decision is to be made within 30 days for a minor application and 90 days for a major application.
Projects that qualify as ‘Major' or 'Minor' works are determined by staff on a project specific basis.
| Minor application |
| A minor works project is a relatively low-cost proposal, has limited application requirements, and/or a relatively small geographical area is involved, with less potential to significantly impact a hazardous or sensitive area. |
| Major application |
Major applications may include those that:
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After receipt of a complete application, delays in timelines may occur due to SVCA requests for additional information to address errors or gaps in technical information submitted for review.
If a decision has not been made within the required timeframe (30 days for minor applications / 90 days for major applications), the applicant can submit a request for an Administrative Review by the General Manager / Secretary-Treasurer, and then if not satisfied, by the SVCA Board of Directors.
Through an “Agreement to Defer Decision” between the applicant and SVCA, applications can be put “on hold” or returned to the applicant pending the receipt of further information to avoid premature refusals of permissions (permits) due to inadequate information.
Approval of the permit
Your application will be approved if, in the opinion of staff, it conforms to the policies set out in the SVCA Planning and Regulations Policies Manual.
Your project may only begin after receiving an SVCA permit signed by the General Manager / Secretary-Treasurer. Any proposed amendments to the permit will require SVCA review and approval and may be subject to additional fees.
Permits are normally issued for one year. Requests for an extension of one year, provided that the scope of work remains unchanged from the original application, must be made in writing before the permit expires.
| Administrative Review |
|
Your application can be submitted to SVCA at any time; however, the application must be complete for it to be considered. The completeness of an application is determined by SVCA staff, or the applicant can request an Administrative Review by SVCA's General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer. If the General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer determines an application is not complete, the applicant can request an Administrative Review by the SVCA Board of Directors. Applications to recognize works that have already occurred are not eligible for administrative reviews. |
| Right to a Hearing |
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In accordance with Section 28 (12) of the Conservation Authorities Act, permission required under Ontario Regulation 169/06, as amended, shall not be refused or granted subject to conditions unless the person requesting the permission has been given the opportunity for a Hearing (by request) before the Executive Committee. Should you receive an SVCA approved permit and you object to one or more of the conditions, you will have the option to attend a Hearing before Executive Committee. Should you submit a complete application for which staff is not prepared to issue a permit, you will have the option to attend a Hearing scheduled before Executive Committee. After holding a hearing under Section 28 (12), Executive Committee shall, (a) refuse the permission; or (b) grant the permission, with or without conditions After the Hearing, if the Authority refuses permission, or grants permission subject to conditions, the applicant who requested permission shall be given written reasons for the decision. If the person is refused permission or objects to conditions imposed on the permission, the person may appeal to the Mining and Lands Tribunal within 30 days of receiving the reasons for the refusal. |
Terms and conditions
Permission granted by SVCA cannot be changed or transferred. Approvals, permits, etc., may be required from other agencies prior to undertaking the work proposed. SVCA’s permission does not exempt the applicant from complying with any or all other approvals, laws, statutes, ordinance, directives, regulations, by-laws, etc., that may affect the property or the use of same.
SVCA may, at any time, withdraw any permission given if, in its opinion, the representations contained in the application for permission are not carried out or the conditions of the permit are not complied with.
Application Fees
Contact Us
Resources Information Technician - Bruce and Wellington County
Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority
1078 Bruce Road 12, Box 150, Formosa
Ontario, Canada N0G 1W0
T. 519-377-3942
Send email to Resources Information Technician
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