What is a natural heritage system?

A natural heritage system is a network of interconnected natural features and areas such as wetlands, woodlands, valleylands, lakes and rivers.

Can you build on natural heritage land in Ontario?

Although new agricultural buildings are allowed within the Natural Heritage System, other policies such as those regarding key natural heritage features continue to apply (Greenbelt Plan 3.2.

What is a natural heritage evaluation?

The NHE is a comprehensive assessment of the existing natural features (e.g., biotic communities, ground water, geologic) that must comply with the technical requirements of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. …

What is the Ontario Greenbelt Plan?

The Greenbelt Plan is a set of policies that protects farmland, countryside, and natural areas in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (the area that surrounds the Greater Toronto Area). This region is one of the fastest growing areas in North America (The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, 2019).

How is the natural heritage system in Canada?

Many municipalities, often with the support of conservation authorities and with community consultation, have developed natural heritage systems that have been approved by local councils consistent with provincially-approved upper-tier official plans. Where this type of mapping is completed and available, it should be added.

Where are the natural heritage areas in Toronto?

In the more rural areas of the jurisdiction, such as the Oak Ridges Moraine in the north and the Duffins Watershed and Rouge Valley in the east, more sizable areas of natural habitat remain with some remarkable natural heritage features.

Where can I find information on natural heritage?

Some data are available through the Make-A-Map: Natural Heritage Areas application. This application allows users to view an online map with natural heritage information. Data managed by the Natural Heritage Information Centre are in a single map layer called the NHIC 1-kilometre grid.

Can a building be built in a natural heritage area?

A new building or structure within 120 metres of key natural heritage features in the Natural Heritage System for the Growth Plan and the Greenbelt Natural Heritage System and any key hydrologic features, is permitted without the need for a natural heritage or hydrologic evaluation subject to the following requirements: