Municipal Drains, designated through the Drainage Act, make up approximately 60% of the watercourses in the St. Clair Region Watershed. Under section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act a watercourse is defined as an identifiable depression in the ground in which a flow of water regularly or continuously occurs. Most Municipal Drains meet the definition of a watercourse under the Act and are therefore regulated.
All Municipal Drainage projects are reviewed to ensure no impacts to flooding, erosion, wetlands, or conservation of land. For Municipal Drain Maintenance works the SCRCA adheres to the provincially approved Drainage Act and Conservation Authorities Act Protocol to provide permissions for these works. For works outside of maintenance a permit may be required for work to be completed. (Or, for new drains or improvements to existing drains a permit may be required for work to be completed)
Download Permit Application for Drainage Act Works (PDF) Download Checklist of Requirements for Drainage Act Works (PDF)See also – Drainage Act and Conservation Authorities Act Protocol (external link)