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Contact Us! 519-773-9037

Find our Location
[email protected]
Catfish Creek Conservation AuthorityCatfish Creek Conservation Authority
Catfish Creek Conservation AuthorityCatfish Creek Conservation Authority
"To communicate and deliver resource management services and programs
in order to achieve social and ecological harmony for the watershed".
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Mandate / Objectives / Mission Statement
    • Governance / Board of Directors
      • Board Meeting Agendas/Minutes
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Staff Directory
    • Publications
    • Events Calendar
    • Links
  • Programs
    • Environment Planning & Permits
    • Water Management
      • Flood Forecasting and Warning
      • Technical Studies / GIS
      • Low Water Advisories
      • Watershed Report Card
      • Port Bruce Flood Management Information
    • Watershed Stewardship
      • Tree Planting
      • Woodlot Management
      • Private Lands Stewardship
    • Environmental Education
      • Information and Fees
      • Available Programs
      • W.I.L.D Rangers Education Programming
      • Springwater Day Camp
  • Conservation Areas
    • Rules and Regulations
    • Conservation Lands Map
  • Springwater Campground
    • About Springwater
    • Springwater Maple Syrup Festival
    • Seasonal Camping
    • Overnight Camping
    • Day Use Area
    • Schoolhouse and Pavilions
    • Springwater C.A. Visitor Centre Hours
  • Our Supporters
    • Awards and Scholarships
    • Donors and Supporters
    • Fundraising
  • Contact Us

Environmental Planning & Permits

Environmental Planning

Land use planning affects almost every aspect of life in Ontario. Environmental Land Use policies allow local Planning Boards and Councils to set goals and help communities grow while managing our land and resources. Conservation Authorities (CA’s) provide input to member municipalities to help ensure that planning decisions protect damage to property or injury to residents in proximity to Natural Hazards such as flooding, erosion and slope failures.

Recognizing that natural resources are best managed on a watershed basis, the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA) promotes the conservation of forests, waters and wetlands within the tributaries of Catfish Creek, Silver Creek and along the Lake Erie Shoreline. CA’s are involved in the review of planning applications under the Planning Act in three ways: as an agency with delegated responsibilities for the review of natural hazards; as a technical advisor; and as a commenting agency.

Staff at our office can provide resource and hazard land mapping to help you protect environmentally sensitive areas and ensure that development has regard for natural physical processes near your property.

Environmental Regulations

In 2024, the Province legislated Conservation Authorities throughout Ontario to adopt a more consistent approach to regulating development in proximity to environmental hazards. Pursuant to the Conservation Authorities Act, Ontario Regulation 41/24 – Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits, was approved by the Province and adopted by the CCCA Board of Directors.

Although it is not necessary to map a feature before it can be regulated, the CCCA has carried out wetland, flood plain and shoreline studies to help identify some of the unique natural characteristics of the watershed. Provincial and Authority guidance documents were used to establish Regulation Limits within the CCCA jurisdiction.

Residents can view their property and identify whether their property is affected by Ontario Regulation 41/24. It is important to note that in some cases your property may cross the boundary of two Conservation Authorities. In this case you should contact both conservation authorities to determine if your property is within a regulated area.

Map Your Property

The information made available on this site is not intended to constitute advice nor is it to be used as a substitute for specific advice from Catfish Creek Conservation Authority or qualified professionals. The information made available on this site is intended for illustrative and informational purposes only. It is meant as a screening tool and is subject to change without notice.

For further inquires and/or information in regards to natural hazards present on their property, residents are encouraged to reach out to CCCA staff at 519-773-9037 ext. 18 or [email protected].

Section 1(1) of Ontario Regulation 41/24 provides the following definition of development.

Development means:

a) The construction, reconstruction, erection or placing of a building or structure of any kind,
b) Any change to a building or structure that would have the effect of altering the use or potential use of the building or structure, increasing the size of the building or structure or increasing the number of dwelling units in the building or structure,
c) Site grading, or
d) The temporary or permanent placing, dumping or removal of any material, originating on the site or elsewhere.

The Conservation Authority now regulates:

  • development in river or stream valleys, wetlands, shorelines and hazardous lands and associated allowances;
  • the straightening, changing, diverting or interfering in any way with the existing channel of a river, creek, stream, watercourse or for changing or interfering in any way with a wetland; and
  • other areas where, in the opinion of the Minister, development should be prohibited or regulated or should require the permission of the Authority.

Legal Inquiries

Legal Inquiries are another important aspect of flood plain management. The Authority responds to inquiries from lawyers, realtors, and the general public who are interested in knowing whether or not a property is located within a flood or erosion prone area.

For planning or legal inquiries, email [email protected]

Water Mangement

  • Environmental Planning & Permits
  • Flood Forecasting and Warning
  • Technical Studies / GIS
  • Low Water Advisories
  • Watershed Report Card
  • Port Bruce Flood Management Information
  • Port Bruce Riverine and Coastal Floodplain Mapping

Downloads

  • Regulations Fee Schedule
  • Work Permit Application
  • Checklist For Complete Application
  • Watershed Management Practices
  • Landowner Authorization Form
  • Understanding Natural Hazards
  • Watershed Connections Flyer

Upcoming Events

  • 75th Anniversary Celebration
    • 14 Jun 25,

  • Christmas Spirit Walk
    • 6 Dec 25,

  • » View All Events
  • Recent Updates

    • WATER SAFETY WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – April 2, 2025
    • WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT NORMAL – March 6, 2025
    • FLOOD WARNING – March 4, 2025

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