Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses
Ontario Regulation 167/06
The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority received approval on May 4, 2006 from the Minister of Natural Resources to administer Ontario Regulation 167/06, the Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation, for the local watershed region.
Ontario Regulation 167/06 is not a new regulation; it is an amendment to the previous Fill, Construction and Alteration to Waterways Regulation. The main objective of the regulation is the continued protection of public safety, property and the environment.
The regulation enables the Conservation Authority to deliver on a provincial mandate; that is, to prevent loss of life and property damage due to flooding and erosion, to prevent pollution and to conserve natural resources. Generally, the regulation will not affect current existing land uses or increase the existing area subject to the regulation in our local watershed. Natural hazards and heritage features outlined in the regulation coincide with the environmental protection areas in local municipalities as defined under the provincial policy statements of the Planning Act.
The Conservation Authority hosted a series of meetings to inform the public about the changes to the regulation, to provide examples of the updated mapping and address any concerns raised. The meetings were held in Lakefield, Millbrook and Norwood in late January, 2006. Presentations were made to municipal councils and additional meetings were hosted with some of the member municipalities on request.
Copies of the regulation and the accompanying maps [municipality-specific] have been provided to each of the 8 member municipalities within the Otonabee Region watershed. The complete set of maps – 85 in total – will be available for public viewing at the Conservation Authority office located at 250 Milroy Drive in Peterborough.
Ontario’s Conservation Authorities have regulated development in flood risk areas and other natural hazard and natural heritage areas since shortly after Hurricane Hazel [October 1954] devastated southern Ontario and 81 lives were lost. The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority has been involved in the regulation program since 1967. Ensuring proper development on a watershed basis has long been recognized as the most effective way to consistently manage the risks associated with natural hazards and to protect natural heritage features.