Report Unauthorized Development
With the support of the Ministry of Natural Resource’s Enforcement Branch, the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) has a responsibility to ensure development activities comply with the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act (NEPDA) and associated regulations.
Within the Area of Development Control (See map) the NEC reviews Development Permit Applications to ensure they meet the policies of the Niagara Escarpment Plan (NEP). Some types of development do not require a Development Permit.
You can learn more about exemptions and NEC’s review process at the Common Exemptions.
The most common activities which constitute a contravention of the NEPDA include:
Undertaking development, that is not exempt, without a Development Permit.
Failure to comply with the conditions of a Development Permit.
To submit a report of unpermitted development, please click the button below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What type of reports does the NEC respond to?
The NEC responds to development related compliance matters that are administered under NEPDA (within Development Control).
What types of reports does the NEC not respond to?
The following activities are not subject to NEPDA, therefore are not within the NEC’s administrative role.
- Inquiries related to Development occurring outside the Area of Development Control as identified by Revised Regulation of Ontario 826/90 (see map) – please contact your local municipality.
- Spills, pollution, pesticide use, or other environmental contamination – please call the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks’ Spills Action Centre at 1-866-MOE-TIPS (663-8477).
- Garbage dumping, noise complaints, property standards – contact your local municipality’s by-law enforcement.
- For all other MNR compliance matters (e.g. licenced aggregate sites, fishing, and hunting concerns) – please contact the MNR Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667).
What is a Civil Matter?
Civil matters are legal disputes between two parties and need to be resolved between those parties, which can require legal proceedings/litigations. The NEC does not have any legal authority to resolve civil matters such as:
- Damage to private property.
- Encroachment/lot boundary disputes.
- Surface water drainage disagreements.
What can I expect after filing a report?
You will receive an acknowledgment within two business days confirming that your report has been received. Given privacy and compliance process requirements, you will not be provided updates on the status of NEC’s compliance efforts.
If the NEC is not the appropriate agency, we will direct you to an alternative agency when possible.
How does the NEC process non-compliance reports?
NEC compliance staff use a risk-based approach for assessing matters of non-compliance to determine the most appropriate response. This response can range from seeking voluntary restoration to prosecution under NEPDA/Provincial Offences Act.
Can I make an anonymous non-compliance report?
No. The NEC will not share your name or personal information, with members of the public. However, all records generated during the course of an investigation are subject to disclosure during the prosecution process, which would include a reporters personal information and the initial report. As a witness, you may also be requested to testify.
Can I receive updates on the NEC’s compliance efforts?
NEC staff are committed to preserving the integrity of our compliance processes, including adhering to all privacy legislation and requirements. For this reason, NEC staff are unable to provide status updates or share information related to a complaint or ongoing compliance issue. Due to privacy concerns, we also cannot share our findings related to a particular report