Important Information for Green Energy Proponents

Renewable energy projects may require Conservation Authorities Act approval from the local conservation authority (where one exists), even if the project is located on Crown land. Through conservation authorities’  Development, Interference and Alteration Regulations (Ontario Regulations 42/06 and 146/06 to 182/06) made under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act, conservation authorities are empowered to regulate development and activities in or adjacent to river or stream valleys, Great Lakes and large inland lakes shorelines, watercourses, hazardous lands and wetlands. Development taking place on these lands may require permission from the conservation authority to confirm that the control of flooding, erosion, dynamic beaches or pollution is not affected.  Conservation authorities also regulate the straightening, changing, diverting or interfering in any way with the existing channel of a river, creek, stream, watercourse or for changing or interfering in any way with a wetland.  Please contact your local conservation authority for permit information.

To find your local conservation authority, see our map .

To find contact information for your local conservation authority, see our contact list.

For more information about conservation authority regulations and permit requirements see our Development, Interference and Alterations Regulations Information Brochure. Please note that, pursuant to Section 28(13.1) of the Conservation Authorities Act, which was an amendment to the legislation made through the Green Energy Act, 2009, the control of "conservation of land" is not a consideration for approvals of renewable energy projects.