Watercourse & Valleyland Protection

In addition to administering Regulations to protect life and minimize property damage, CVC implements policies to ensure that environmental integrity in the Credit River watershed is maintained. To fulfill these objectives, and in support of the policies of our member municipalities, CVC provides planning advisory and technical review services for development applications made under the Planning Act, the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act, and other municipal, provincial and federal legislation. In addition to requirements under The Fill, Construction and Alteration to Waterways Regulation, development applications are also screened for conformity to CVC's Watercourse and Valley Land Protection Policies.

These policies identify the principles and methodologies for determining the most appropriate development setbacks from watercourses, valleys and ravines, wetlands, woodlands and other significant environmental features. Development applications made to your municipality for lands located within or adjacent to a CVC Area of Interest, may be forwarded to CVC for review and comment. CVC then reviews development applications with regard to specific objectives and requirements designed to ensure long-term environmental protection and conservation. For proposed development located within or adjacent to a CVC Area of Interest, an environmental impact study may be required to further investigate impacts and where feasible, identify measures to mitigate and minimize impacts. Where development proposals indicate an unacceptable environmental impact, CVC does not support their approval. Fees are assessed for this review and vary depending on the location and type of an application. Details on the fee schedule may be obtained from CVC or from your local municipality.

For more information on CVC Regulations and Policies please contact our planning department.

Additional Publications & Guideline (available from CVC)

• Authority Policies on Floodplain Management, 1994
• CVC Stormwater Management Guidelines, 1996
• Environmental Impact Study, General Terms of Reference, 1993
• Guidelines for the Review of Golf Course Proposals Within the Credit River Watershed, 1992
• Sediment Control Guidelines for Development, 1995
• Technical Guidelines for Floodproofing, 1994
• Technical Guidelines for Pedestrian Bridge Crossings, 1993
• Watercourse and Valley Land Protection Policies, 1992 (Download PDF Document)