An agency of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry that operates at "arm's length" from the Ontario government in accordance with the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act. 
 
The Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development 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.

The Escarpment is a height of land and related topography extending 725 kilometres through south central Ontario from Queenston to Tobermory. 
 
The Commission fulfills the following responsibilities:

• to promote the objectives of the Niagara Escarpment Plan (NEP)
• 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 NEP 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 NEP implementation
• to provide a Plan interpretation role

• Office: Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm
• meetings monthly at the Georgetown Office to consider permit applications
• people wishing to speak should notify the Commission in advance

Call for information