Natural Heritage Evaluation Services

NHE reports are completed in accordance with municipal and provincial land use polices, and following the standards of applicable guidelines. Natural Heritage Evaluation requirements can vary by jurisdiction, but will include the following steps.

• Review of background information resources: an NHE report will review background databases to acquire information regarding natural heritage features on the surrounding landscape. This can include records of species at risk, or information about known sensitive features, such as wetlands or significant woodlands.

• Agency communications and coordination: an NHE may include consultation with one or more agencies, such as the local municipality or conservation authority. This is good practice to promote a streamlined review and approval process.

• Field surveys to document natural heritage conditions: a key aspect of any NHE is field data collection. An ecologist will conduct one or more field surveys to document existing site conditions and identify potential constraints to development.

• Mapping analysis of natural heritage features: an NHE report will incorporate detailed mapping of natural heritage constraint limits, such as the delineated boundaries of woodland and wetlands.

• Development impact analysis: the report will include a detailed review of how proposed development may impact identified natural features. This discussion will offer recommended measures for avoiding or mitigating impacts, such as setbacks, buffers, and construction best management practises.

• Review of conformity with environmental policies and regulations: in most cases, an NHE will include a discussion on how the proposed development conforms and complies with applicable planning policies and environmental regulations.

What does a Natural Heritage Evaluation include?

Other Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Heritage Evaluations in Ontario:

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.

What is the cost of a Natural Heritage Evaluation?

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?

An NHE may require multiple site surveys or, in some cases, can be completed based on a single survey. We prioritize the schedules of our clients, with turnaround times often measured in 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.

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!

What field surveys are required to inform an NHE?

An NHE almost always involves one or more field surveys, such as:

• Ecological land classification.

• Woodland and wetland delineation and assessment.

• Watercourse and fish habitat assessment.

• Plant and tree inventories.

• Wildlife surveys (e.g., birds, frogs, bats).

• Species at Risk (SAR) surveys and SAR habitat assessment.

A municipality or other planning authority may require an NHE to support an application for development planning approvals. This is a standard policy requirement in many provincial plans, such as the Greenbelt Plan. In general, the need for an NHE is triggered by development being proposed close to one or more natural features, such as woodlands, wetlands, watercourses, or habitat for Species at Risk.

When do I need a Natural Heritage Evaluation?

NHE Project Examples

'Kingscross Estate', Township of King

One of several 2025 Natural Heritage Evaluations in King Township. For this site, AES staff prepared a report to support re-development of an estate home in the 'Kingscross' neighborhood of King City. With hills and woodlands common locally, we provided guidance to the landowner regarding strategies for mitigating and avoiding impacts to surrounding sensitive features.

'Vivian Rd. Hobby Farm', Whitchurch-Stouffville

For this NHE in the Township of Whitchurch-Stouffville, AES reviewed a proposal to convert an old hobby farm into a new estate dwelling. In this case, we prepared both the NHE report and a 'Landform Conservation Assessment' to review potential impacts to the Oak Ridges Moraine landscape.