Planning & Development Administrative Procedural Manual

The Planning & Development Administrative Procedural Manual outlines the information, fees and other requirements needed when seeking development approvals from the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA).

NBMCA is empowered by the Conservation Authorities Act to regulate development, interference with wetlands and alterations to shorelines and watercourses, and to provide technical expertise on flood and erosion control, stormwater management, and the protection of natural features and functions within its watersheds. NBMCA reviews applications made under Ontario Regulation 41/24; the Planning Act; the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act; Ontario Regulation 332/12 and other applicable legislation. 

NBMCA is responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the Building Code Act and the building code related to sewage systems in the District of Nipissing and parts of the District of Parry Sound. NBMCA's On-site Sewage System Program is designed to regulate and ensure compliance with the building code regarding the installation and maintenance of on-site sewage systems. Sewage systems under the building code are systems that treat and dispose of 10,000 litres per day or less of sewage and are wholly contained on the same parcel of land as does the building(s) for which they serve.

This Manual will assist you in understanding and navigating through our approval processes. It provides an explanation of what we do and why we do it; outlines NBMCAs targeted review timelines; identifies the fees and processes for the various application types; and specifies information we need to review your proposal. It is also intended to highlight the importance of preliminary consultation and provide clarity and transparency around our review procedures and submission requirements.

Each section of this Manual addresses a different aspect of the role NBMCA plays in the review of development proposals. Included is the legislative and policy framework that guides NBMCAs decisions and actions, the responsibilities NBMCA has as a commenting agency under the Planning Act, and how NBMCA administers Ontario Regulation 177/06, its natural hazard-based Regulation and Part 8 of Ontario Regulation 332/12, our On-site Sewage System Program. Other review services offered by NBMCA are also described. Additionally, our checklists, applications and technical guidelines along with our fee schedules are provided.

NBMCA has also prepared two other comprehensive documents as they relate to NBMCA's permitting and plan review processes: 

• Policy Manual for the Administration of Ontario Regulation 177/06 Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourse has been created to provide a clear understanding of NBMCA’s role, mandate and responsibilities relating to the Conservation Authority’s Act and permitting process.
• Approximate Regulated Area Screening Maps:  NBMCA completed an update to the wetland mapping information to better reflect the features on the landscape.  The update provides more accurate and up-to-date Approximate Regulated Area (ARA) mapping.