The way we plan and build our cities, our communities and our homes all affects our natural environment. Environmental planning is an important part of protecting our land and water. Conservation Halton’s Watershed Management Services Department consists of professional environmental planners, water resource engineers, coastal engineers, terrestrial and aquatic ecologists and GIS Specialists.

Conservation Halton is committed to supporting development decisions that protect the natural features of our watershed and enhance our ecosystem. Our policies and regulations are not only intended to protect the natural environment but are applied through the planning and regulatory process to safeguard human life and property.

Through our plan input role, Conservation Halton provides input into Watershed Studies, Subwatershed Studies, Official Plans and Comprehensive Zoning By-Laws to help identify and protect significant natural heritage features and functions and lands susceptible to natural hazards such as flooding, erosion and unstable soils/bedrock. Through our plan review role, Conservation Halton reviews specific development applications, such as Official Plan Amendments, zoning by-law amendments, plans of subdivision, severances, minor variances, Niagara Escarpment development permits and site plans in accordance with both our regulatory responsibilities as well as our responsibilities under the various Memoranda of Understanding with our watershed municipalities. Some of the issues/impacts that Conservation Halton review for are: stable slopes (valleylands, shoreline of Lake Ontario), flood plains, meander belt widths, wetlands, fish habitat, wildlife habitat, endangered species and threatened species habitat, stormwater management and subwatershed planning.

Development proposals are reviewed to determine how the proposed works may impact upon, and/or be impacted by, the natural environment. We have the regulatory responsibility to ensure that works are not permitted in areas of natural hazards in order to prevent the loss of life and property due to flooding, erosion and unstable soils/bedrock and to enhance natural resources.

This section includes details of our planning services and regulations, contact information and permit applications.