Proposed Amendments to the…

Proposed Amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act, Schedule 7 of the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025

Bill 5's proposed OHA changes remove all protection for as yet undiscovered districts and landscapes of historic and cultural significance if they happen to be in areas which "in the opinion of the Lieutenant Governor in Council ... could advance the following provincial priorities: transit, housing, health and long-term care, other infrastructure or such other priorities as may be prescribed."

Unless we do archaeological assessments, we won't know if these high priority areas contain Indigenous burial grounds or settlement areas.

The proposed changes undercut Ontario's acknowledged to "duly consult First Nations on decisions and actions that may adversely impact asserted or established Aboriginal or treaty rights."

The only thing this amendment unleashes is a blatant disregard for our common heritage. It is an appalling mindset and display from this provincial government.