I have been doing lots of reading and never realized the complexity of planning and building a pond. My wife and I just purchased 100 acres of land (rolling hills and 60% mature forest with 20-25% re-growth and some lower lying areas). Anyway, this is our retirement project and we want to build a pond. The area we want to dig a pond (3+ acres) is situated in what I call a basin as it has some run off from a slight hillside where we will build our house. It has some scrub bush and a little re-growth of some softwood that is maybe 2-4 yrs old.

I am hoping to start reaching out to our local MNR and Conservation authorities and was wondering if there are any strategic points I should make we seeking permission to construct a pond? The house we are building will have a walkout basement and will overlook the pond and will be approximately 150-200 feet away.

Any input would be appreciated as I am a novice and have no idea what they (local authorities may say). I do know a few folks who just went ahead and dug a pond without permission but I want to do it right.

Thanks

Hopefully our Canadian friends on here can give you information as a lot of what to expect depends not only your provincial rules but possibly local ones.

I.e. here in the U.S. in my local county no permits are required but in the next county they are. I've also see horror stories here of slow moving government bureaucracy, and saying absolutely not to one land owner and sure to another -- in the same state and locality. (Here in the U.S.)

I would be more concerned if your pond will hold water. At some point a test dig to see what your soil profile looks like would be in order.

Thanks Cecil...so much to learn but I love the information. There are some big ponds in the general area so I hope my test digs work out. If not, I will have to completely rethink our house plans etc....