(North Bay, March 28, 2023) The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) is hosting two half-day conferences this week, one for municipal staff and another for construction contractors, focusing on best management practices and permit applications for works around wetlands, watercourses, and steep slopes.
More than 20 local contractors gathered today and 20 municipal councillors, public works and planning staff meet Wednesday to learn more about managing development projects in areas regulated by NBMCA.
“We’re bringing together our municipal partners to share information relevant to the important work they may be planning in NBMCA-regulated areas in the coming year,” said Dave Britton, NBMCA Chair.
“NBMCA works together with our member municipalities to support vital watershed management and development throughout the region,” added Chitra Gowda, NBMCA CAO, Secretary Treasurer.
Municipalities are required to consult with NBMCA and obtain a permit for any ditches, culverts, drains or other municipal road work if it is being undertaken within NBMCA’s regulated area. NBMCA staff will also review its new protocol which provides municipalities with an accelerated process for undertaking emergency work in regulated areas.
“The Contractor’s Conference will focus on best management practices and pre-consultation approaches to facilitate expedited application reviews of permit applications in accordance with provincial regulations and NBMCA policies”, said Valerie Murphy, NBMCA Regulations Officer.
Staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry will be on hand to answer questions relevant to other legislation which governs development requiring review and approval by the Ministry.
NBMCA administers Ontario Regulation 177/06 - Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses (DIA) - pursuant to Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act.
A principal mandate of NBMCA is to help prevent the loss of life and property due to flooding and erosion in regulated areas and to conserve and enhance natural resources. Ontario Regulation 177/06 is a key tool in fulfilling this mandate because it regulates development in areas where the control of flooding, erosion, or the conservation of land may be affected by development.
The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) was founded in 1972 by the Province of Ontario and the NBMCA’s member municipalities. A non-profit organization, the NBMCA works closely with the public to balance human needs with environmental needs of the region’s watershed. The NBMCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities who are members of Conservation Ontario.
-30-
Contact:
Valerie Murphy, Regulations Officer (705) 498-3038
Chitra Gowda, CAO (705) 474-5420