Aster Environmental - admin@aster-enviro.com - 705-627-3588

A lake system in Ontario that may be reviewed as part of a Natural Heritage Evaluation.
A lake system in Ontario that may be reviewed as part of a Natural Heritage Evaluation.
Exposed tree roots on the Niagara Escarpment, where Natural Heritage Evaluations are often required.
Exposed tree roots on the Niagara Escarpment, where Natural Heritage Evaluations are often required.
A Cedar Waxwing bird identified during a Natural Heritage Evaluation.
A Cedar Waxwing bird identified during a Natural Heritage Evaluation.

Natural Heritage Evaluation Services

Environmental Consultants Specializing in the Preparation of Natural Heritage Evaluations in Ontario

  • Aster Environmental is a leading provider of Natural Heritage Evaluation services in Ontario for approvals under the Greenbelt Plan, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, and Niagara Escarpment Plan. We have supported clients in many local jurisdictions such as King, Caledon, Clarington, Richmond Hill, Uxbridge, Stouffville, Aurora, Scugog, Durham, and Northumberland.

  • An NHE will confirm the presence and extent of natural features, and outline an appropriate strategy to mitigate the effects of development.

  • We guide our clients through the process from start to finish. Unlike many larger companies, we provide a personalized service without the big price tag.

Contact Us

Call today and speak directly with a qualified ecologist. We will answer any initial questions and provide you with advice and a quote at no cost.

What is a Natural Heritage Evaluation?

An NHE is an assessment tool for characterizing the natural environment. This type of report may be requested by a planning authority in Ontario to review the potential environmental impacts of a development application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Heritage Evaluations:

A rare plant identified during a Natural Heritage Evaluation.
A rare plant identified during a Natural Heritage Evaluation.
A marshy shoreline area that may be reviewed as part of a Natural Heritage Evaluation.
A marshy shoreline area that may be reviewed as part of a Natural Heritage Evaluation.

Who completes a Natural Heritage Evaluation Report?

An NHE is typically prepared by an ecologist or other qualified professional with expertise in ecosystem characterization and impact assessment.

How much does a Natural Heritage Evaluation cost?

As with any professional service, the cost varies based on the complexity of the project. One of the most important factors influencing cost is the numbers of field surveys required to complete the study. We are open and transparent about our fees - give us a call to discuss!

How long does it take to complete an NHE?

In some cases, an NHE can be completed based on a single field survey. We prioritize the schedules of our clients, often offering a turn-around time of weeks, not months.

Does completion of an NHE guarantee approval of my application?

We strive to work collaboratively with clients and approval agencies to seek solutions. Our work receives consistent agency approvals in jurisdictions across Ontario.

Are all NHE reports the same?

Most planning authorities have specific guidelines for how to prepare an Natural Heritage Evaluation within their jurisdiction. Here's an example guideline for NHEs in the Oak Ridge Moraine planning area: https://www.oakridgesmoraine.org/_files/ugd/af9063_8d7a708c5bb642cba12af800ea84c268.pdf?index=true

We welcome any and all questions regarding the process of completing a Natural Heritage Evaluation. Send us an email or give us a call to speak directly with a qualified Ecologist!

Servicing Southern & Central Ontario.
Direct Contact:

705-627-3588
admin@aster-enviro.com