The Planning Act and Provincial Policy Statement  determine the planning process in Ontario. Considering the natural environment is an important part of land use planning.

Lower Trent Conservation provides planning and technical advice to assist municipalities within our watershed region in fulfilling their land use planning responsibilities associated with natural hazard management, natural heritage and water resources as outlined in the Provincial Policy Statement.

When staff review individual applications for development made under the Planning Act, we look to ensure that natural hazards will not be negatively affected by the proposed development. At the same time, we work to ensure that a completed development project will not be negatively impacted by natural hazards, including flooding.

Staff provide comments on Municipal Official Plans and amendments, Zoning Bylaws and amendments, subdivision, condominium, site plan control, minor variance, and consent applications, and projects under the Environmental Assessment Act. In cases where applications conflict with provincial or Authority policy, staff may attend Ontario Municipal Board hearings in support of those policies.

Our Plan Review Manual gives clarity to our position as it relates to the interpretation of federal, provincial and municipal policy on matters related to planning. This document enables staff to provide consistency to recommendations on applications it receives. Our Plan Review Manual is currently being updated to reflect recent changes in legislation. If you have any planning related questions, please submit an inquiry using our Property Inquiry Service.

Fees for Plan Review services are charged to assist with covering program costs that are not supported through government funding.