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Regulation Permits

Long Point Region Conservation Authority is authorized under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act to implement and enforce the regulation Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits (Ontario Regulation 41/24).

Ontario Regulation 178/06 establishes Regulated Areas where development could be subject to flooding, erosion or dynamic beaches, or where interference with wetlands and alterations to shorelines and watercourses might have adverse effect on those natural features.

You can find out if your property is regulated by using LPRCA’s online mapping tool.

Download the 2024 Permit Application

 

Do you need a permit from LPRCA?

If you are planning to do any work near a lake, river, stream or wetland, you may require approval form LPRCA.

Permission from LPRCA is required to: 

    • develop in areas of natural hazards including river or stream valleys, wetlands or hazardous lands;
    • alter a river, creek, stream or watercourse; or 
    • interfere with a wetland.

The Permit Process: How Do I Apply?

Step 1: Call and discuss your plan with a planner

LPRCA encourages anyone seeking to do work near a lake, river, stream or wetland to first contact the LPRCA office to discuss the plan. The free consultation will help determine whether a permit is required and, if so, what to expect during the permitting process and whether drawings or studies will be required.

To discuss plans or make an appointment, call 519-842-4242 or email planning@lprca.on.ca.

To minimize wait time and ensure a staff member is available to speak with you, please make an appointment before visiting the LPRCA Administration Office. 

Step 2: Submit a complete application

Download and complete our 2024 Permit Application and review the current Permit Fee Schedule.

If you are unsure of the fee, please contact a planner to discuss.

Submission by mail or in-person: LPRCA ATTN: Planning Services, 4 Elm Street, Tillsonburg, Ontario N4G 0C4
Submission by email to: planning@lprca.on.ca

Once an application is submitted, LPRCA will confirm receipt. Please allow approximately 15 days for LPRCA to review the application for completeness. Once again, you are encouraged to discuss your plans with an LPRCA planner beforehand to ensure any required additional information including floodproofing, geotechnical engineer reports, costal engineering reports, etc. are submitted as part of your completed report.

Step 3: The review process

LPRCA staff will review and evaluate the submitted application based on conformity with the LPRCA Policies for the Administration of the Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation, LPRCA Shoreline Management Plan and the following Ministry of Natural Resources Technical Guides that include detailed engineering, geotechnical and scientific principles, practices and procedures for hazardous land identification, planning and management:

Review timelines:

    • Applications for a minor activity where no technical studies or engineered drawings require review will be made within 21 days after a complete application is received.
    • Applications for a complex or major activity require further review and a decision will be made within 28 days after a complete application is received. 

LPRCA staff cannot refuse an application without providing the applicant an opportunity to speak to the LPRCA Board of Directors in support of the application in question. In the event that LRPCA staff cannot recommend approval of your application, staff with schedule a hearing. The preparation process for a hearing usually takes five to eight weeks after receipt of a complete application. For more information download the LPRCA Hearing Procedures Policy or contact a planner to discuss.

For more information regarding the Permit Application Process download the Permit Process Flowchart.

What happens if work starts without obtaining a permit?

Work completed before a permit has been issued is considered a violation. LPRCA staff will work with applicants to review the existing project and ensure it meets current policy. Violations will be assessed on site-specific bases. LPRCA prefers to work with landowners to achieve voluntary compliance with current regulations and policies. If LPRCA staff and a landowner cannot work out a solution, LPRCA may take legal action.

Where can I learn more about LPRCA’s regulations and policies?

For more information about our regulations and planning policies and procedures visit the Policies and Guidelines page.

Are other approvals required?

A permit from LPRCA does not replace building permits or any other permits issued through municipal offices or other agencies. Please be advised that it is the responsibility of the landowner to determine if any additional permits or authorization are required for a project.

Landowners located in Long Point should review the Who to call when planning work in the Long Point Area factsheet for agency contact information.