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What
is the Commission?
The Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC)
was established in June 1973 under the Niagara Escarpment
Planning and Development Act. The Commission has 17 members appointed by Order-in-Council.
Nine members, including the Chairman, represent the public-at-large
and eight members represent counties and regions within the
Escarpment area. The Commission reports to the Government
of Ontario through the Minister of Natural Resources.
NOTE: For property owners looking for a development permit
there is more information about this process.
Our purpose
The Act and the Commission provide for the maintenance
of the Niagara Escarpment and land in its vicinity substantially
as a continuous natural environment and ensure only such development
occurs as is compatible with that natural environment.
Our
mandate
The Commission's initial tasks were to prepare
a Provincial Plan for the Niagara Escarpment and to administer
a system of development control. The revised Plan was approved
by Cabinet in June , 2005.
The Commission now implements the Plan through
the following responsibilities:
- To
promote the objectives of the plan;
- To
process and make decisions on development permit applications;
- To
review and comment on all proposed developments within the
Plan Area and intervene at hearings if Plan policies are
substantially threatened;
- To
process and make recommendations on proposed Plan amendments;
- To
assist the Minister and municipalities in achieving conformity
of local official plan documents and municipal by-laws;
- To
assist the Minister in monitoring Plan implementation; and,
- To
provide a Plan interpretation role.
Meetings
The
Commission meets as a corporate body once a month to consider
permit applications, plan amendments and comments on development
proposals. Meetings
are held at the Commission's main office in Georgetown. Those
wishing to speak at a meeting should notify the Commission
in advance.
Communications
The
Commission produces a wide range of informational material
for schools and the public. The Escarpment reference library
in Georgetown is open during regular business hours. Contact
Karen Carruthers
or Richard Murzin for more information.
Staff
At
the present time, the Commission is supported by a staff of
24 operating from the Georgetown main office and one regional
office in Thornbury. The regional office enhances public access
for permit applications and other information. Offices are
open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Public
Complaints Policy
As
mandated by the Ontario Government, all provincial government
agencies are to adopt a Public Complaints Policy. Following
is a downloadable version of the NEC's Public Complaints Policy.
 Download
Reader to view and download the policy.
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