The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has recently completed a project to update maps showing watercourses throughout the Grand River watershed and is seeking public comments on these changes.
The GRCA helps to protect natural areas and watercourses such as rivers, streams, flood plains, wetlands, steep slopes and the Lake Erie shoreline by regulating construction, grading, alteration and development activities in and near those areas. This is done through Ontario Regulation 150/06 under the Conservation Authorities Act.
With more recent information now available, the GRCA is proposing amendments to the mapping that is currently used by the public for Ontario Regulation 150/06.
The authority says the proposed mapping changes will not affect the area that is currently regulated, since Ontario Regulation 150/06 specifies in the text that all watercourses and a 15 metre allowance from the top of a bank are regulated.
“However, the proposed changes will more clearly show the regulated areas on the mapping, making it easier for the public to visually identify regulated areas on the maps,” the authority explains in a press release.
Members of the public are invited to provide comments on the proposed changes to the mapping by attending one of three public information sessions.
There will be no formal presentation; however, the sessions will allow landowners and the public to view the updating mapping, provide comments and speak directly with a GRCA planner.
All sessions will be held from 4 to 7pm on:
– Sept. 27 at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex – Unity Hall, 550 Belsyde Avenue, Fergus;
– Sept. 28 at the Brant Sports Complex – Punter Room, 944 Powerline Road, Paris; and
– Sept. 29 at the GRCA Head Office – Auditorium, 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge.
Those unable to attend a public information session may provide comments online through the GRCA’s website at: www.grandriver.ca/mapreview. Online comments will be accepted until 4pm on Oct. 7.
