Natural Heritage Reference Manual for the Provincial Policy Statement

The Ministry of Natural Resources is updating this important document and a draft second edition manual will be released through the Environmental Registry on May 28, 2009 for public review and comment.

The Natural Heritage Reference Manual (previously issued in 1999) has been updated through a process that included focused consultation with planning practitioners from various interested organizations.  The Environmental Registry posting is an opportunity for a wider audience to provide feedback on its content and direction. 

The draft second edition Natural Heritage Reference Manual will be posted on the Environmental Registry for a 60-day comment period ending on July 27, 2009.  You are encouraged to review the manual and provide comments through the Environmental Registry (www.ontario.ca/environmentalregistry) which can be accessed by searching for Registry # 010-5853.

Natural Heritage Reference Manual for the Provincial Policy Statement
(PDF, Size: 2.2 MB)

This document, the Natural Heritage Reference Manual, is a guide for those who require additional information on technical issues relative to the application of natural heritage policies Provincial Policy Statement (PPS). The PPS provides policy direction on matters of provincial interest in municipal land use planning under the Planning Act. 

The Natural Heritage Reference Manual is one of a number of documents issued by the Province to assist planning authorities and other participants in the land use planning system. This Reference Manual, developed in consultation with practitioners, represents the most up-to-date information available at the date of publication on specific technical issues relating to the PPS.

The Natural Heritage Reference Manual should not be read in isolation from the PPS and the other support documents. These documents are advisory only and may be updated as technology or techniques improve. They provide information to assist in understanding the policy. They do not add to or derogate from policy. Except as otherwise specified (e.g., where requirements are established by legislation or regulation), they do not represent the only acceptable approaches. There may be many ways to achieve the end results established in the PPS. However, in all cases planning authorities must have regard to the PPS.

This Manual applies to municipalities, planning boards and planning authorities, all of which are referred to as planning authorities from this point forward. Users of this Manual will also include consultants, landowners, land developers, environmental agencies, community-based organizations, non-government organizations (NGOs), interested citizens and the Ontario Municipal Board.