As we ring in 2025, we also welcome the arrival of the new construction season.
While most people won’t be breaking ground until the spring, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) recommends you plan ahead to ensure approvals are in place before construction season begins.
At the NVCA, we’re committed to promoting and regulating responsible development across our watershed. With more than 450 permit applications received in 2024, we’re proud to have worked with landowners to provide approvals with prescribed timelines 99 per cent of the time since April 1, 2024. However, the key to a smooth and timely approval process lies in one critical step: submitting your complete permit application early to avoid potential construction delays.
Planning a construction project involves many moving parts. Requesting a pre-consultation meeting in advance of submitting your formal application will inform whether any studies may be required and confirm submission requirements to ensure NVCA staff have what they need to complete their review. Complex projects may require input from other professionals, such as engineers or environmental consultants. While the NVCA maintains strict timeframes for how quickly permit applications must be processed and approved or denied, those regulations don’t account for time spent waiting after we’ve requested additional information. Being prepared with all necessary documentation can significantly streamline the process, and getting in early allows buffer time if clarification is required. A proactive approach will keep your project timeline on track and minimize unexpected delays.
Permit applications can take up to three weeks to process and up to 90 days to approve, depending on the complexity of your project. Once approved, permits are typically valid for 24 months. If more time is required, applicants can extend their valid permit once for an additional 24 months, giving them plenty of time to complete their projects.
Our team at the NVCA is here to guide you through the permit process, ensuring your project is safe and sustainable, making our watershed more resilient to flooding and other natural hazards. Early submission of permit applications allows us to work together to address any concerns, giving your project the best chance of success.
By submitting your application early, you’re not just helping us meet our timelines — you’re setting yourself up for a smooth and successful project. With our expertise and your proactive approach, we can make faster approvals a reality.
Start your application today, and let’s work together to build a better future for the Nottawasaga watershed.
Ben Krul is the manager of development planning and permits with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. For more information about planning your development, visit nvca.on.ca.
