Plan Review & Permit Fees
There are fees for GRCA permits. This fee may be in addition to fees collected for Planning Act applications. Permit fees are based on the scope of the work being proposed and GRCA collects this fee directly.
GRCA fees can be paid by credit card over the phone or cheque. Please contact the GRCA for more information.
| Service / Permit | Fee |
|---|---|
| Inquiry / Pre-Consultation(fee deducted from permit review fee – if required) | $300.00 |
| Permit Review: Development Activities | Fee |
|---|---|
| Routine | $250.00 |
| Small Scale - Development / Interference & Alteration | $500 / $750 |
| Medium Scale - Development / Interference & Alteration | $1,500 / $2,500 |
| Large Scale - Development / Interference & Alteration | $3,000 / $5,000 |
| Application to Permit or Resolve Unauthorized Works | Double Original Fee |
| Permit Amendment | 50% of Original Fee (Maximum $500) |
| Additional or Requested Site Visit | $200 / $400 |
| Additional Technical Review Fee | $150 / hr + HST |
| Large Fill Site (greater than 500 m3) | $5,000 + $1.50 / m3 |
| Additional Technical Review / Support Not Covered Above | $150 / hr + HST |
| Clearance / No Objections | $100.00 |
| Legal Inquiry / Solicitor Letter | $350.00 |
All permits valid for a period of two years from the date of issue, unless otherwise noted.
| Service / Permit | Fee |
|---|---|
| Inquiry / Pre-Consultation(fee deducted from permit review fee – if required) | $300.00 |
| Plan Review | Fees |
|---|---|
| Minor Variance | $650 |
| Consent (Severance) | $1,000 |
| Rezoning / Zoning Amendment | $1,000 |
| Official Plan Amendment | $1,000 |
Site Plans
| Plan Review | Fees |
|---|---|
| Initial Review Fee (Minor) | $1,000 |
| Initial Review Fee (Major) | $2,500 |
| Detailed Review Fee (Minor) | $1,500 |
| Detailed Review Fee (Major) | $3,000 |
Subdivision Plans
| Subdivision Plan Review | Fees |
|---|---|
| Initial Review Fee | $10,000 |
| Detailed Review Fee (Phased Subdivisions) | $5,000 / phase |
| Detailed Review Fee (3 Submissions) | $3,000 / ha |
| Additional Submissions (Beyond third Submission) | $2,000 / sub |
| Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) | $10,000 deposit |
All permits valid for a period of two years from the date of issue, unless otherwise noted.
- For contiguous or concurrent applications received within the same calendar year, only the highest fee is charged.
- For plans of subdivision, fees will not be charged for environmental or hazard lands.
- For phased subdivisions, fees will be charged per phase upon request for clearance.
- Policies & Guidelines for the Administration & Implementation of the Conservation Authorities Act & Ontario Regulation 41/24
- Ontario Regulation 41/24
- GRCA Lake Ontario Shoreline Management Plan Hazard Maps
- Lake Ontario Shoreline Management Plan
- Erosion & Sediment Control Guideline
- Erosion & Sediment Control Inspection Guide
- Technical & Engineering Guidelines for Stormwater Management Submissions
- Hydrogeological Assessment
- Rural & Agricultural Guide to Permits
- Low Impact Development Guide
- Fisheries & Oceans Canada Standards & Codes of Practice
- Provincial Planning Statement, 2024
- PRESENTATION: Legislative Updates to the Conservation Authorities Act & How Your Municipality My Be Impacted (June 20, 2024)
- MNRF (2002 as amended). River and Stream Systems: Flooding Hazard Limit Technical Guide
- MNRF (2002). River and Stream Systems: Erosion Hazard Limit Technical Guide
- MNRF (2001). Understanding Natural Hazards
- MNRF (1996). Hazardous Sites Technical Guide
- MNRF (1997). Wave Uprush and Overtopping: Methodologies and Applications (Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Systems)
- MNRF (2022). Ontario Wetland Evaluation System: Southern Manual
Administration Office
2216 County Road 28
Port Hope, ON L1A 3V8
T: 905.885.8173
F: 905.885.9824
Ganaraska Forest Centre
10585 Cold Springs Camp Road
Campbellcroft, ON L0A 1B0
T: 905.885.8173
F: 905.797.2545
Education Rates & Fees
The Ganaraska Forest Centre (GFC) is pleased to offer exceptional programs at affordable rates. In order to ensure the best and safest experience at the most affordable rate, a number of different factors concerning your students and the desired program(s) are taken into consideration.
The rate for each of our programs is listed below. Please contact the GRCA for more information if you have any questions concerning the rates for a program of interest.
| Programs | Fees |
|---|---|
| Overnight Experience (up to 30 students) | From $3,503 + HST |
| Day Experience (up to 30 students) | From $5151 |
| Outdoor Education On-A-Roll | From $210 / class1 + Mileage $0.51 / KM |
| Virtual Education Program | $210 / session1 |
| SHSM Day Experience - 1 Certification | From $50 + HST / student |
| SHSM Day Experience - 2 Certifications | From $75 + HST / student |
| SHSM Overnight – 2 Day Overnight Experience (Min. 20 students) | From $180 + HST / student |
| SHSM Overnight – 3 Day Overnight Experience (Min. 20 students) | From $272.50 + HST / student |
| Nature Nuts Summer Camps – Leaders In Training (Port Hope Location) | $345 + HST / Camper |
| Nature Nuts Summer Camps – Regular Camps (Port Hope Location) | $235 + HST / Camper |
| Nature Nuts Summer Camps – Extended Care (AM or PM Only) | $15 + HST / Camper |
| Nature Nuts Summer Camps – Extended Care (AM & PM) | $30 + HST / Camper |
1 HST is applied to High School Groups
Policies & Guidelines
Once you have selected your experience type and date, the next step in the booking process is the booking package. A booking package will be prepared and emailed to you. The booking package will contain your Use of Facilities Permit and an invoice for a 50% non-refundable booking deposit.
- To secure your experience date, payment of a 50% non-refundable booking deposit, together with the signed permit must be returned to GRCA within 10 business days of receiving the booking package. Deposits may be paid using your school payment procedures.
- A cleaning/damage deposit is required along with the non-refundable deposit and signed permit and will be returned in part or in full upon inspection post event. Financial responsibility for damages to the Centre’s buildings and grounds must be borne by the Permit Holder, including all those that exceed the deposit or if no deposit was received.
- Payment in full is expected at least 14 days prior to the event date.
- If a group cancels within 14 days of the visit, full payment will still be due. If a booking is affected by circumstances beyond GRCA’s control (i.e. fire, emergency, natural disaster, government restrictions, labour disputes etc.) and GRCA programming is not possible, the GRCA will work with the client to move booking deposits forward to a future date, within the same school year.
- If a group finds they are unable to find suitable dates or are not able to proceed in any manner, the GRCA will refund deposit payments upon request, less a $100 administration fee.
- For Day Experiences, your program selections must be provided to the GFC at time of booking or within two weeks prior to your experience.
- For Overnight and SHSM Experiences, your program selections must be provided to the GFC 30 days prior to your experience.
As part of our booking processes, a GFC instructor will contact you to confirm the total numbers of students that will attend the visit.
Please Note: This number of students communicated to the GFC instructor will be used to calculate the final balance owing and an invoice will be sent for the balance. This final balance cannot be changed and is due prior to your experience date. If additional students attend, a supplementary invoice will be prepared and emailed to you. Upon request, an official receipt that day will be supplied.
For Day Experiences, your participant numbers must be confirmed two weeks prior to your experience.
For Overnight and SHSM Experiences, your final participant numbers must be provided to the GFC 30 days prior to your experience.
-
For Day Experiences, the GFC uses a 1:30, teacher-to-student ratio. Your group may exceed this ratio by up to three students for a total of 33 students. There is an additional charge of $20/student that will apply.
-
For Overnight Experiences, the GFC uses a 1:30, teacher-to-student ratio. The minimum rate, based on the length of your overnight experience, includes up to 30 students. There is additional charge for every student above this 30 student minimum rate up to a maximum of 60 students.
Additional teachers and adult chaperones are included free of charge in the minimum rate at a ratio of 1 adult / 10 students for overnight experiences. There is an additional charge for every additional supervisor, teacher, and adult chaperone above the 1:10 ratio. Each additional adult will be charged the per person rate and will sleep in one of the dorm rooms.
If a school group has to reschedule a secured experience date, a $100.00 admin fee will be added to the final invoice. Some exceptions may be considered – i.e. weather/bus cancellations. Please contact the Ganaraska Forest Centre for information regarding these exceptions.
Education Staff
Please contact us on how we may help in presenting the appropriate safety, supervision and risk management information to your administrators or if you have further questions for GRCA Teachers and programming.
education@grca.on.ca
T: 905.885.8173
Administration Office
2216 County Road 28
Port Hope, ON L1A 3V8
T: 905.885.8173
F: 905.885.9824
Ganaraska Forest Centre
10585 Cold Springs Camp Road
Campbellcroft, ON L0A 1B0
T: 905.885.8173
F: 905.797.2545
Ganaraska Forest Centre Rental Fees
Please contact the GRCA for availability.
| Full Facility / Full Weekend Weddings | Fees |
|---|---|
| Prime Season: May 1 to October 31 | From $7,604 + HST |
| Off-Season: November 1 to April 30 | From $6,354 + HST |
All permits valid for a period of two years from the date of issue, unless otherwise noted.
Nestled in the 11,000-acre Ganaraska Forest, the Ganaraska Forest Centre (GFC) offers a scenic and relaxing venue for your group’s next weekend retreat or camping experience. The forest and its many trails along with our facility rentals offer a unique opportunity for your group to explore and enjoy the natural world.
Throughout the year, we provide various groups, like Girl Guides, Cadets and Scouts, use of our campsite and rental facilities on weekends. Please see our Availability Calendar to choose your next weekend getaway.
Administration Office
2216 County Road 28
Port Hope, ON L1A 3V8
T: 905.885.8173
F: 905.885.9824
Ganaraska Forest Centre
10585 Cold Springs Camp Road
Campbellcroft, ON L0A 1B0
T: 905.885.8173
F: 905.797.2545
Ganaraska Forest Program Fees
Recreation User Fees
Please note: All Ganaraska Forest visitors are required to have a membership or day pass and are required to present their membership or day pass to GRCA staff or enforcement officers upon request and display a valid Ganaraska Forest parking pass on the dash of their highway vehicle while parked at the Ganaraska Forest.
Forest Memberships and Day Passes are non-transferable. Please visit the Ganaraska Conservation Online Store to purchase Day Passes and Forest Memberships.
Adult Non-Motorized
| Membership Type | Permitted Activities |
|---|---|
| Hiking / Snowshoeing | Hiking / Snowshoeing |
| Membership: $32 | Day Pass: $7 |
| Cross-Country Skiing | Hiking / Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing |
| Membership: $80 | Day Pass: $16 |
| Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Hunting | Hiking / Snowshoeing, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Hunting |
| Membership: $80 | Day Pass: $16 |
Youth Non-Motorized
| Membership Type | Permitted Activities |
|---|---|
| Hiking / Snowshoeing | Hiking / Snowshoeing |
| Membership: $0 | Day Pass: $0 |
| Cross-Country Skiing | Hiking / Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing |
| Membership: $40 | Day Pass: $8 |
| Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Hunting | Hiking / Snowshoeing, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Hunting |
| Membership: $40 | Day Pass: $8 |
Adult Motorized
| Membership Type | Permitted Activities |
|---|---|
| Motorized-Use (Operator) | Hiking / Snowshoeing, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Hunting, Motorized-Use (Operator), Motorized-Use (Passenger) |
| Membership: $190 | Day Pass: $32 |
| Motorized-Use (Passenger) | Hiking / Snowshoeing, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Hunting, Motorized-Use (Passenger) |
| Membership: $80 | Day Pass: $16 |
Youth Motorized
| Membership Type | Permitted Activities |
|---|---|
| Motorized-Use (Operator) | Hiking / Snowshoeing, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Hunting, Motorized-Use (Operator), Motorized-Use (Passenger) |
| Membership: $95 | Day Pass: $16 |
| Motorized-Use (Passenger) | Hiking / Snowshoeing, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Hunting, Motorized-Use (Passenger) |
| Membership: $40 | Day Pass: $8 |
Parking
Please remember to display your valid parking pass
Ganaraska Forest Centre (GFC)
- Public washrooms and showers available in the small building with a blue door at GFC.
- ORV’s (ATVs and off-road motorcycles) are not permitted to ride anywhere on Forest Centre grounds.
- Ganaraska Forest Centre ORV parking area is located just north of the main driveway into the GFC. No unloading ORV’s and No highway vehicle parking in this lot.
- Horses are not permitted on GFC grounds. Equestrians visiting the GFC must secure horses at the provided horse paddock.
Central Forest
- Ganaraska Forest Centre, 10585 Cold Springs Camp Road (No unloading Off Road Vehicles, Snowmobiles or Horses).
- Horse Trailer Lot, 10th Line Hope (1 km east of Cold Springs Camp Road) Horse trailer Parking Only.
West Forest
- P2, Boundary Road (1.5 km east of HWY 115).
- P6, Corner of Porter Road and Sandaraska Road (Additional dedicated Horse Trailer Parking).
- P7, Carscadden Road (1 km north of Concession Road 8).
East Forest
P5, 10th Line Port Hope (1.5 km west of County Road 10).
Special Group Events
A Ganaraska Forest Special Event Application Form must be submitted a minimum of three months prior to the event date and must include an insurance certificate indicating liability coverage, a map showing which trails/ trail markers intended for use and an accurate description of the of the event.
| Event Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Special Event (maximum group limit: 100 Participants) | From $125 + HST |
*Required for group / events between 25–100 participants. All people, participants, volunteers, organizers, and spectators accessing the GFC / Ganaraska Forest for a special event are required to carry a Ganaraska Forest Membership or day pass.
To purchase a Ganaraska Forest Membership or Day Pass, please visit:
Please download and read the Ganaraska Forest Rules & Gudielines before visiting the Forest.
Administration Office
2216 County Road 28
Port Hope, ON L1A 3V8
T: 905.885.8173
F: 905.885.9824
Ganaraska Forest Centre
10585 Cold Springs Camp Road
Campbellcroft, ON L0A 1B0
T: 905.885.8173
F: 905.797.2545