Permit fees

Below is the fee schedule for permits for construction and development activities within regulated areas. That includes areas in and near rivers, streams, wetlands, ponds, steep slopes, floodplains, the Lake Erie shoreline or regulated allowances of any of these features.

The GRCA Board approves these fees. Revenue supports the cost of operating the permit program. 

The current fee schedule became effective May 23, 2024.

For more information on the permit process, go to our Permits page.

  • All fees must be paid to the Grand River Conservation Authority.
  • Applicants are encouraged to consult with a Regulations Officer prior to submission of applications if they are unsure what to include with the application and what the fee would be.
  • Permit applications that fall into one or more categories will be charged one fee at the highest rate.
  • The GRCA may provide a refund or require the applicant to submit additional payment for a permit fee if it is found that an incorrect fee has been submitted. Fees are refundable if a review indicates that no permit is required.

  • Fee: $465

Development where there is low risk of impact on natural hazards or natural features. Development where there is no interference with wetlands or alterations to a shoreline or watercourse. These permits are usually in the area adjacent to the hazard or natural feature. No technical reports are required.

Examples:

  • Minor additions to an existing building or structure
  • New accessory structures 30 to 120 metres from wetland
  • Grading where less than one hectare is disturbed

  • Fee: $465

Development where there is low risk of impact on natural hazards or natural features. Development where there is an interference with a wetland or alteration to a shoreline or watercourse. No technical reports are required.

Examples:

  • culverts for secondary or farm access that are generally less than one metre in diameter
  • foot bridges where no in-stream work is required
  • pond maintenance
  • septic system installation or maintenance
  • directional drilling
  • minor grading and off-line pond

  • Fee: $675

Development where there is moderate risk of impact on natural hazards or natural features. Detailed report and/or plans are required.

Examples:

  • single unit development
  • grading greater than one hectare where no study is required
  • development less than 30 m from a wetland
  • major additions to an existing building

  • Fee: $1,185

Development where there is moderate risk of impact on natural hazards or natural features. Development where there is an interference with a wetland or alteration to a shoreline or watercourse. A detailed report and/or plans are required

Examples:

  • new municipal trail
  • repair shoreline protection
  • bank stabilization
  • primary access or municipal culverts generally less than one to two metres in diameter
  • bridge or road repair

  • Fee: $10,230

Development where there is a hazard risk and/or potential impact to natural hazards or natural features. One or more studies required.  For example, an environmental impact study, hydraulic analysis, stormwater management report or geotechnical report.

Examples:

  • golf courses
  • trailer parks/campgrounds
  • multi-unit development
  • large-scale development
  • grading greater than one hectare where a study is required

Major permit applications that have previously paid application or clearance plan review fees to the GRCA will be charged fees under the Minor or Standard category. 

  •  Fee: $6,710 for culvert/bridge replacements; $10,230 for all others

Development where there is a hazard risk and/or potential impact to natural hazards or natural features. Development where there is interference with wetlands or alterations to a shoreline or watercourse. More than one study required (for example an environmental impact study, hydraulic analysis, stormwater management, geotechnical or other studies).

Examples:

  • New bridge or primary access culverts generally greater than two metres in diameter
  • Proposals to remove wetlands and/or to infill flood plains

Major permit applications that have previously paid application or clearance plan review fees to the GRCA will be charged fees under the Minor or Standard category. 

  • Fee: $90

Projects undertaken under the Rural Water Quality Project or related projects.

  • Fee: $90 for amendments to plans made under a previously approved permit. 

  • Fee: $90 if a new application is submitted within one year of the original permit expiring and no changes to the original permit are requested.

Permits are valid for two years. To replace a permit before it expires, or for one year after it expires, the fee is $90. For expired permits where changes are being made, or that have been expired for more than a year, a full review of the project is required with the fee based on the category of the project.

  • Fee: $10,230 plus 50 cents per cubic metre of fill

Projects where more than 1,000 cubic metres of material is placed within the GRCA's regulated areas. Grading associated with Planning Act approvals is not considered a large fill application.

For more information, read Site Specific Guidelines for Fill Importation in Excess of 1,000 cubic metres (Large Fill) (178KB PDF).

  • Fee: two times the regular fee

  • Fee:  $255 for letters requested for title clearances or other inquiries. 

Contact Us

Grand River Conservation Authority
400 Clyde Road, PO Box 729
Cambridge, ON
N1R 5W6
Phone: 519-621-2761
Toll Free: 1-866-900-4722
grca@grandriver.ca