Natural Heritage
Resource Policies

The Natural Heritage Resource policies are  intended to preserve and improve the network of environmental features remaining in the City's urban area. 

Staff worked co-operatively with the representatives of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) and the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) to graphically define environmental features at both provincial and local levels. Following the preparation of detailed mapping, an analysis was undertaken to establish levels of significance for these features.

The intent of the Natural Heritage Resource is to afford different levels of protection to each of the three levels by establishing the boundary of the feature and providing protection, mitigation and connectivity corridors for natural heritage features through the preparation of an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) prior to development.

The three levels of the Natural Heritage Resources are represented on Schedule H of the Official Plan​. 

Implementation of current and progressive Natural Heritage Resource policies is not only an environmental consideration, but is also an important component of balanced growth. These policies are to be considered in coordination with economic development, social and cultural enhancements, and intensification of development.  Public input regarding natural heritage conservation will help to achieve policy goals and generate proactive support from citizens.