Submission checklists › TRCA

TRCA VPR: Site Development, Grading and Earthworks

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) · version October 31, 2021, Rev. 2.0

To be used together with the TRCA VPR General Submission Requirements Checklist and, if required, the Bridges, Culverts and Other In-Water Works Checklist, together with any comments previously submitted by TRCA specific to the project.

General submission requirements checklist

1All items listed within the TRCA VPR General Submission Requirements Checklist.

Supporting documentation

2Delineation of all relevant natural feature and hazard limits and watercourses on the drawings. Contact TRCA staff for a preliminary screening of existing features. Additional work to refine and identify limits may be required, such as:
  • Natural Heritage System (NHS)/dripline identification: may require a site visit with TRCA staff and a surveyor (TRCA Field Staking Protocol)
  • Physical top-of-bank identification: may require a site visit with TRCA staff and a surveyor (TRCA Field Staking Protocol)
  • Long-Term Stable Top of Slope (LTSTOS) for a factor of safety of 1.5 through a Slope Stability Analysis, if development is near a slope steeper than 3H:1V and/or the watercourse is within 15 m of the toe of slope
  • Regional flood plain water surface elevations via TRCA data request, if available. Contact TRCA to determine available modelling and model type (1-D, 2-D, etc.). A Flood Plain Analysis may be required if modelling is not available from TRCA or impacts within the flood plain are proposed
  • Meander belt identification through a Meander Belt Analysis for watercourses with a drainage area greater than 100 ha (TRCA Belt Width Delineation Procedures)
  • Shoreline hazard limit identification if within the Lake Ontario Shoreline regulated area, which may include a dynamic beach hazard limit through a Coastal Hazard Assessment report

Depending on the scope of work and existing site conditions, the following may be required (confirmed in consultation with TRCA). If the work requires site plan and/or involves construction or alteration of a building or structure:

3Identification and delineation of the proposed setback from the combination of the outermost feature and hazard limits on the drawings, along with the proposed buildings/structures and infrastructure. The setback is typically 10 m (30 m for Provincially Significant Wetlands) from the feature/hazard limit; deviations may be permitted depending on existing site conditions and the proposed work.
4Grading and cross-section drawings, showing existing and proposed grades and depth of construction
5Stormwater Management (SWM) Report & Plans that satisfy TRCA criteria for water quantity, quality, erosion and water balance, and are encouraged to incorporate a treatment train including Low Impact Development (LID) measures (TRCA SWM Criteria Document and LID SWM Planning and Design Guide).
6For proposed works in the flood plain, including structures, grading or access:
  • Justification that grading works and structures sited in the flood plain have been avoided to the extent possible
  • Flood assessment, report and drawings confirming the proposed works will not impact the water surface elevation during the greater of the Regional Storm or 100-year storm outside the study area (contact TRCA for flood plain model data; see the Technical Guidelines for Flood Hazard Mapping)
  • Analysis demonstrating that safe access and egress can be achieved
  • Appropriate floodproofing per the MNRF Rivers and Streams Flood Hazard Technical Guideline, including elevation plans and cross-sections of proposed structures, floodproofing plans, electrical plans showing panels above the flood plain, and a Structural Engineer's verification that the structure can withstand velocities and depths associated with the flood event
7Geotechnical slope stability study to assess the stability of slopes and develop mitigation measures to protect against erosion hazards where hazardous slopes and valley walls may exist

If the proposed work is located near or impacts the Natural Heritage System

8Natural Heritage Study by a qualified ecologist/biologist to confirm existing site conditions/past studies; assess potential impacts of development, construction methods and access; and demonstrate that impacts have been minimized to the extent feasible. Define the scope in consultation with TRCA staff.
9Vegetation and Tree Removal Plans (TRCA Guideline for Ecosystem Compensation and any vegetation guideline required by the project owner)
10If required (i.e. if headwater features are present), a Headwater Drainage Feature Assessment (TRCA Evaluation, Classification and Management of Headwater Drainage Features Guideline)

If the proposed work includes earthworks/grading/filling within the floodplain or near/on a slope

11If required (i.e. if filling within the flood plain), a cut and fill balance analysis, including cross-section drawings, to ensure sufficient flood plain storage is maintained on the property.
12If required (e.g. to ensure cut or altered slopes, retaining walls, etc. are stable), a Geotechnical Investigation and Slope Stability Analysis (TRCA Geotechnical Engineering Design and Submission Requirements)
13Drawings showing existing and proposed grades, including cross-sections in areas near/on the slope. Any altered slopes need to be designed to be stable based on the Geotechnical Investigation and analyses.
14Shop drawings of any proposed structures (e.g. retaining walls, shoring systems, etc.) and associated construction details, signed and stamped by a Licensed Professional Engineer (stamps required for VPR letter issuance)
15The TRCA Standard Flood Contingency Plan Note should be included on the drawings (TRCA Standard Notes). Depending on the risk level, a separate Flood Contingency Plan may be required. Ask about having contractors sign up for TRCA flood messages by email.
16Geotechnical Monitoring and Inspection Plan for impacts of vibration, loading, etc. on slopes during construction

If the proposed work is located within the Lake Ontario Shoreline regulated area

17Coastal Hazard Assessment report prepared by a qualified coastal engineer, including identification of the dynamic beach hazard limit (if applicable). Depending on the outcome, mitigation measures may need to be developed and implemented by a qualified coastal engineer.

Notes

18No fees associated with VPR submission
19Contact TRCA staff for a screening of site features/hazards
20Obtain relevant computational modelling, mapping layers and data through a TRCA Data Request (modelling requests may take additional time). Relevant feature and hazard limits and the TRCA Regulated Limit should be included on the drawings. A completed and signed TRCA Data Disclaimer is required.
21All TRCA guidance documents are available on the TRCA Planning and Permits website (trca.ca/planning-permits)
22Supporting TRCA VPR-related information in your project records should also be referenced. Additional TRCA checklists and guidelines are available on the TRCA website and should be referred to at the time of application. Consultation with the TRCA Planner to confirm requirements at the time of application is strongly recommended.

Permits this checklist is for

Official pages

Track this submission free.
Deadlines in business days, email alerts before decisions are due, and your whole team in one place.
Track this permit free