Check the address, not the view
A property does not need an obvious stream beside the building to deserve a ravine check. Toronto provides a Ravine and Natural Feature Protection By-law map. Use the address and property boundaries to identify whether the proposal needs a conversation with the City's ravine office. Ask for assistance if the mapped boundary or the proposed work area is unclear.
Describe more than the building
Give the reviewer the proposed demolition area, access, storage and any associated grading or soil movement. A small building footprint does not describe every activity on the land. Keep unconfirmed work outside the agreed removal scope until the relevant reviewer has explained what information and permission are needed.
Make the conservation check separately
TRCA regulates development in or near valleys, streams, wetlands and the Lake Ontario shoreline. Its planning and permit review is separate from the City's tree and ravine process. Ask TRCA about the actual property and proposal rather than assuming a City response settles both. This guide does not determine a regulated boundary or grant permission.
Carry both responses into planning
Keep the mapped reference, drawing issue, authority response and unresolved conditions together. If access or the extent of ground disturbance changes, return to the affected reviewer. Connect those answers to the house demolition extent schedule so a priced removal does not quietly expand into unreviewed site work.
Questions to settle before the next step
Use this decision table with the people responsible for your property. Record the actual answers in your private project file.
| Decision | Question or evidence | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| City ravine check | Address and proposal sent | Record response and drawing issue |
| TRCA check | Property and associated work described | Record separate response |
| Scope revision | Access, storage or ground work changed | Identify which review must reopen |
Keep your completed record private. Bring the relevant scope questions into the optional project planner or discuss them directly with Clearpath.
Official information
Check the applicable requirements for your property and proposed work with the responsible authority or qualified professional.
Source references reviewed October 8, 2026.