Topsoil Removal

Topsoil is essential to viable plant growth and its natural formation in Ontario has required thousands of years. The high productivity of much of Ontario's land is due in large part to its topsoil resources.

Topsoil serves as a stabilizing medium, and a nutrient and moisture source for plant growth. Removal of topsoil from agricultural and natural landscapes permanently depresses land productivity. Topsoil removal destabilizes landscapes, increasing the potential for wind and water erosion.

A new Municipal Act 2001 for the Province of Ontario came into force on January 1, 2003 and outlined several changes in a municipality's ability to deal with the issue of topsoil removal.

Site alteration provisions continue the authority for local municipalities to prohibit or regulate the placing or dumping of fill and the alteration of grades. The new Act also allows local municipalities to prohibit or regulate the removal of topsoil, integrating the provisions of the old Topsoil Preservation Act that has since been repealed.

The new Act clearly defines "topsoil" as:

those horizons in a soil profile, commonly known as the "O" and the "A" horizons, containing organic material and includes deposits of partially decomposed organic matter such as peat. 2001, c. 25, s. 142 (1).

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food supports the passage of municipal by-laws which protect agricultural and natural landscapes and topsoil resources.

Related Links

• Municipal Act - Site Alterations

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