Regulation Mapping Update
In accordance with Ontario Regulation 41/24 (Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits), KCCA regulates areas where development may have an impact upon the control of flooding, erosion or dynamic beaches, and where interference with wetlands and alterations to shorelines and watercourses may adversely affect those features. The regulation ensures public health and safety and the protection of life and property with respect to natural hazards.
Ontario Regulation 41/24 came into effect on April 1, 2024, and is used by all conservation authorities in the province. A new requirement of the regulation is that conservation authorities must now annually update regulation mapping to reflect areas where a permit from KCCA is required prior to any development or alteration activities being undertaken.
Consequently, KCCA undertook a comprehensive review of its mapping based on 2018 Provincial LiDAR data and SWOOP 2020 aerial imagery. As a result of changes in the definition of a watercourse and a reduction in the regulated buffer around wetlands some regulated areas were enlarged while others were reduced. KCCA encourages the public, municipalities and stakeholders to review the draft regulation mapping updates. If you require assistance with reviewing the changes, please contact our office at 519-631-1270 or email maisa@kettlecreekconservation.on.ca.
The draft regulation mapping can be viewed using KCCA’s online mapping that shows where natural hazards may occur in the KCCA watershed. If your property lies in a regulated area, you may require a permit from KCCA to undertake development. Certain activities do not require a permit in a regulated area. These exceptions are listed in Ontario Regulation 41/24. KCCA strongly encourages you to contact planning and regulations staff to fully understand how the regulation may affect your property.
The updated mapping will be considered at the April 15, 2026 Full Authority meeting after which it will be finalized and posted to KCCA’s website.
If you have questions about the updated mapping, please reach out to staff by April 2, 2026 (extended):
How was the mapping updated?
The most up to date data was used in the desktop analysis including 2018 Provincial LiDAR data, SWOOP 2020 aerial imagery, hydrology, soils, wetland and floodplain layers. A qualified third-party consultant undertook the evaluation. In addition, results were sample verified and reviewed by KCCA staff. The final report is available below.
Hydrological Hazard Mapping: Updates to KCCA Regulation Limit Mapping Data
How is the mapping used?
KCCA’s regulation mapping is used as a screening tool. It provides a visual, GIS-based, first-step assessment that informs stakeholders of potential permit requirements before undertaking development. As a screening mechanism, it is not a “statutory map”. The mapping is used by KCCA, municipalities and the public as an illustration of where the Act and Regulation may apply. If your property is within a regulated area you should contact KCCA staff to discuss your project and determine if your property is affected by the Regulation and whether or not a permit will be required.
What is included in this new update?
- New requirements under O Reg 41/24 including a reduction in streams that no longer meet the provincial definition
- A reduction in the regulated buffer around wetlands from 120 metres to 30 metres
- Slope hazard identification
- Addition of created wetlands
- Improved GIS capabilities and ground truthing information
Summary of changes
- Wetlands: Updated wetland boundaries through orthophoto interpretation; added KCCA created wetlands and updated Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) boundaries
- Slopes: Updated the slope stability hazard using LiDAR elevation data
- Watercourses: Updated the watercourse layer to remove 600km of watercourses that no longer meet the provincial definition
| Regulated in 2024 Mapping (sq. km) | Regulated in 2026 Mapping (sq. km) | Change between 2024-2026 (sq. km) | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
|
134 |
130 |
-4 |
1% |
What does the map show us?
- Red: Areas that were not previously regulated but will be regulated once mapping is finalized
- Blue: Areas that were regulated previously and will no longer be regulated once mapping is finalized
- Black Dashed Line: 2026 regulated area
Questions?
Maisa Fumagalli
Planning and Regulations Supervisor
519-631-1270
maisa@kettlecreekconservation.on.ca