Section 10 - Environmental Management

10.4 Natural Environment

Lands designated on Schedule A3 as "Natural Environment" are those lands having vegetation, topographic, wildlife, and geological features that are environmentally significant. The "Natural Environment" areas designated on Schedule A3 have been identified by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, and the City. The "Natural Environment" designations within the City currently consist of the following:

    1. other wetlands;
    2. Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest; and
    3. Jock River Shoreline.

It is Council's intent to designate those lands identified on Schedule A3 as "Natural Environment" to:

  • preserve habitat areas for wildlife;
  • protect areas of scientific or educational value;
  • protect areas of botanical interest;
  • protect areas of scenic value;
  • protect municipally significant wood lots; and
  • protect other wetlands.

The predominant use of lands designated as "Natural Environment" shall be uses such as agriculture, conservation, forestry, and preservation of the natural environment. In addition, passive parks or other similar forms of outdoor recreational activities may also be permitted as long as the use of such lands respects the natural constraints and limitations of the environment.

The designation of lands as "Natural Environment" is intended to protect the area and does not mean the land is available for public use. Use by the public is only permitted where land is publicly acquired. Such public and private land may be the subject of management plans which will set out what types of activities will be provided for. Management plans will be prepared with consideration of the interests of adjacent landowners.

Acquisition of lands designated "Natural Environment" is at the discretion of Council. Where lands designated "Natural Environment" are in City ownership, Council may enter into an agreement with other public agencies to manage such lands.

10.4.1 Permitted Uses

The permitted uses in the "Natural Environment" designation are as follows:

    1. educational, recreational or scientific uses which utilize, but do not adversely affect, the natural characteristics of these areas;
    2. an existing single detached dwelling and accessory buildings on each lot existing and fronting on a public road which is maintained year-round;
    3. farming including any existing farm dwelling units and other farm structures associated with the farming activity;
    4. selective forestry as approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources; and
    5. uses that will assist in conserving or managing water supplies, wildlife or other natural characteristics.

10.4.2 Natural Environment Policies

To support Council's objectives for lands designated "Natural Environment" on Schedule A3, regard shall be given to the following policies:

    1. development that does not maintain the integrity of the existing environmentally significant feature(s) shall not be permitted on lands designated "Natural Environment";
    2. lands designated "Natural Environment" are to be managed so as to complement adjacent land uses and protect them from any potential adverse effects (i.e., noise, traffic, etc.);
    3. where environmental constraints coincide with the "Natural Environment" designation, the relevant constraint policies apply;
    4. where lands designated as "Natural Environment" are under private ownership, this Plan shall not be construed as implying such areas are open to the general public or that the lands will be purchased by the City or any other public agency;
    5. lands designated on Schedule A3 as "Natural Environment" shall be zoned appropriately;
    6. existing uses shall be recognized as legal non-conforming by the policies of this Plan and the provisions of the implementing Zoning By-law. Council shall generally discourage the expansion of any existing use beyond the limits recognized in this Plan and the implementing Zoning By-law;
    7. where recreation or conservation uses are designed for public use, adequate on-site parking shall be constructed and located to minimize its potential impact on the recreation or conservation use;
    8. prior to adopting an Official Plan amendment to redesignate "Natural Environment" areas, Council shall consult with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the relevant Conservation Authority;
    9. Council will encourage sound environmental stewardship through an education and leadership role; and
    10. recognizing that natural features do not follow municipal boundaries, Council will cooperate with surrounding municipalities in protecting environmental significant and sensitive features.
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