A principal mandate of NBMCA is to prevent the loss of life and property due to flooding and erosion 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, dynamic beaches, pollution or the conservation of land may be affected by development.
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.
If your property is within a regulated area, you may need a permit before you:
NBMCA regulates development and alterations in or on the areas within NBMCA’s jurisdiction (see map in sidebar) that are within a regulated area (see Map Your Property for a searchable map of NBMCA's Approximate Regulated Areas):
Pursuant to the Regulation, Section 6, NBMCA may grant permission to straighten, change, divert or interfere with the existing channel of a river, creek, stream or watercourse or to change or interfere with a wetland.
Municipalities are also 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. Commercial and industrial development are also subject to the regulations and permitting process.
To find out if your property is within an area regulated by NBMCA contact the Regulations Officer at 705 474-5420 or email
Call us First. If you are considering a project that may require a permit, we strongly encourage you to first contact our office. This consultation will help to determine if you need a permit and the information required, such as plans and studies, that may be needed for us to assess your permit application. This could save you time and money. In order to submit an application, you must be the owner of the property listed on the application or complete a Landowner Authorization Form.
Complete Your Application. When you are ready to apply, you will need to submit a completed application for permit and the appropriate review fee. Include all drawings, studies and information required, signed and dated, as we cannot begin to process your submission until the application is complete. DIA Permit Application Form
The Review Process. Once NBMCA receives your completed application, staff review the plans, complete a site inspection and take the steps needed to make an informed decision. The review process may take 15-30 business days. NBMCA staff value working with applicants to find solutions that will balance your project needs and wants with the needs of the natural environment. If your application is denied, you can appeal it through a hearing process.
What you'll need
Here's what you'll need to file your DIA application:
How to submit your application
We encourage you to email your application directly to Valerie Murphy, Regulations Officer at valerie.murphy@nbmca.ca
Fax: (705) 474-9793
In person drop off: 15 Janey Ave., North Bay.
Fees and Payments
Regulations program services and fees, as well as NBMCA's Fees Policy, are outlined on the Application Forms & Fees section of the website.
Legal Inquiries
When submitting a property information request to NBMCA, solicitors/agents must provide the following information: