Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is updating its Planning and Regulation Policies to reflect recent changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, which came into effect on April 1, 2024. The update also supports the new Shoreline Management Plan, introduced in March 2025.
HCA’s current policies have not undergone a detailed review since 2011, so this update is an important step to ensure they stay current and effective.
What’s Staying the Same?
HCA will continue to regulate development in and around watercourses, wetlands, river valleys and shorelines. Most existing rules about building or changing land in these areas remain unchanged or only slightly adjusted.
What’s Changing?
Some of the proposed updates include:
- A clearer explanation of how provincial policies guide planning and regulations
- New information about the watersheds HCA manages
- Separate sections for land use planning and regulation policies
- Updated shoreline rules based on new flood and erosion data
- More flexibility for minor building projects in hazardous areas
- Revised rules for how stormwater is managed and how wetlands are considered
- New criteria for ensuring safe access during floods or other hazard events
The draft policy is available for public review and feedback until August 15, 2025.
View the draft document and share your comments:
- Policies for Land Use Planning & Regulation in the Watersheds of the Hamilton Conservation Authority
- HCA’s Planning and Regulations Policies Update report to Conservation Advisory Board
If you have questions, please contact:
Mike Stone
Senior Manager, Watershed Planning, Stewardship & Ecological Services
mike.stone@conservationhamilton.ca
