Plan Input and Review
Through a Memorandum of Understanding between Conservation Ontario, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and Municipal Affairs and Housing, Conservation Authorities are delegated the responsibility to represent the provincial interest in regards to natural hazards encompassed by Section 3.1 of the Provincial Policy Statement.
Conservation Authorities review and provide comments on municipal planning documents and applications (i.e. minor variances, consents, amendments to the zoning by-law, etc.) submitted pursuant to the Planning Act as part of the Provincial One-Window Plan Review service. Comments are also provided on comprehensive zoning by-law and Official Plan updates undertaken by a Township or Municipality.
Comments are to ensure that planning decisions take into consideration and are consistent with the natural hazard policies contained within Section 3.1 of the Provincial Policy Statement.
Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) as a Commenting Agency
Comments are provided by the LRCA, as a commenting agency, on all planning documents and applications submitted to the planning authorities within the Area of Jurisdiction of the LRCA. Comments are provided which advise whether the application meets the intent of Section 3.1 of the Provincial Policy Statement.Comments are not provided on any other Sections within the Policy.
The applicable delegated approval authority (i.e. Municipality, Committee of Adjustment or Municipal Affairs and Housing) considers comments provided by all commenting agencies and makes their decision and imposes conditions based on a review of all sections of the Provincial Policy Statement and other applicable Provincial Plans.
Area of Jurisdiction
The LRCA Area of Jurisdiction includes: City of Thunder Bay, Municipalities of Neebing, Shuniah and Oliver Paipoonge and the Townships of Conmee, O’Connor, Gillies and Dorion. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is responsible for areas outside the jurisdiction of the Authority.