Regulations under this Act:
R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 826 Designation of area of development control
R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 827 Designation of planning area
R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 828 Development within the development control area
The purpose of the Act is to provide for the maintenance of the Niagara Escarpment and land in its vicinity as a continuous natural environment and to ensure that any development is compatible with that natural environment. The Act establishes the Niagara Escarpment Plan which applies to the area of land designated as the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area.
The objectives of the Niagara Escarpment Plan are to:
(a) protect unique ecologic and historic areas;
(b) maintain and enhance the quality and character of natural streams and water supplies;
(c) provide adequate opportunities for outdoor recreation;
(d) maintain and enhance the open landscape character of the Niagara Escarpment as far as possible, by such means as compatible farming or forestry and by preserving the natural scenery;
(e) ensure that all new development is compatible with the purpose of this Act;
(f) provide for adequate public access to the Niagara Escarpment; and
(g) support municipalities within the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area in their exercise of the planning functions conferred upon them by the Planning Act.
The Niagara Escarpment Plan may contain, among other environmental, economic, social and physical development policies, policies affecting the identification of major parks and open space, the development and maintenance of educational, cultural, recreational and health facilities, the distribution and density of population, and general location of industry and commerce.
The Act authorizes the establishment of the Niagara Escarpment Commission, a provincially-funded and administered agency, to prepare and implement the Niagara Escarpment Plan. Additionally, the Act provides for the formation of advisory committees whose purposes include advising and making recommendations to the Ministry through the Commission.