As you prepare for the season ahead, now is a good time to consider what activities on your farm may require approvals or permits – particularly considering recent changes to municipal planning and provincial legislation, such as the Conservation Authorities Act.
Be aware of what activities may be prohibited in certain areas on your farm. It is important to have permits in hand prior to starting the work, as the potential fines can be significant*.
A municipality may have by-laws that require specific authorizations, such as:
- Tree cutting by-laws
- Site alteration by-laws (may cover activities that remove or add fill to grade farmyards or laneways, levelling or enhancing fields or pastures)
- Building permits
- Demolition permits
Conservation Authorities may also require approvals/permits for a variety of activities that occur in their ‘regulated areas,’ such as:
- installation of new tile drains
- site grading
- temporary or permanent placing or removal of any fill (originating on site or off-site)
You can check if your property is located within a ‘regulated area’ by checking the mapping on your local Conservation Authority’s website.
It is also a great time to ensure any existing permits or approvals are still valid, such as your Permit to Take Water, Nutrient Management Plan, pesticide certifications, Annual Truck/Trailer Safety Inspections, and Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR).
*Conservation Authority Act – fines
30.5 Offences
Penalty
(2) A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on conviction,
(a) in the case of an individual,
(i) to a fine of not more than $50,000 or to a term of imprisonment of not more than three months, or to both, and
(ii) to an additional fine of not more than $10,000 for each day or part of a day on which the offence occurs or continues; and
(b) in the case of a corporation,
(i) to a fine of not more than $1,000,000, and
(ii) to an additional fine of not more than $200,000 for each day or part of a day on which the offence occurs or continues. 2017, c. 23, Sched. 4, s. 29.
Monetary benefit
(3) Despite the maximum fines set out in clauses (2) (a) and (b), a court that convicts a person of an offence under clause (1) (a) or (b) may increase the fine it imposes on the person by an amount equal to the amount of the monetary benefit that was acquired by the person, or that accrued to the person, as a result of the commission of the offence. 2017, c. 23, Sched. 4, s. 29.