The Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) along with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) have a shared responsibility in ensuring development activities within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area comply with the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act (NEPDA), Niagara Escarpment Plan (NEP) and associated regulations.   

NEC staff apply a risk management approach to compliance activities.  When a potential violation (occurrence) is identified, our staff gather and consider information about the occurrence including compliance history and potential environmental impact.  NEC staff use case specific information to make informed judgements to determine the appropriate response.  Options for response under the NEPDA include: 

• encourage voluntary compliance 
• use a Development Permit to gain compliance 
• apply an administrative order 
• apply a warning 
• lay of a charge (under the Provincial Offences Act.) 

Inspections are planned annually to monitor compliance with issued Development Permits and their conditions. Inspections may also be undertaken in response to information reported by NEC staff or the public, or as part of targeted inspection campaign. 

To discuss a concern or report an occurrence (compliance complaint), contact us at 905-877-5191 or fill out the form below.