Changes to Streamline Natural Resource Permits: Modernizing Forest Resource Licence Renewals

As part of its plan to protect Ontario and build the most competitive economy in the G7, the Ontario government is proposing changes to modernize and streamline natural resource permits, allowing mining and infrastructure projects to move forward faster and with greater certainty. These proposals, focused on low-risk and routine activities, would reduce administrative requirements for hundreds of natural resource permits annually and shorten approval timelines, all while continuing to safeguard public health and safety and sustainably manage natural resources.

We are proposing to amend the CFSA to allow for regulation making authority for the Minister for FRL renewals and then a new Minister’s regulation under the CFSA to enable a permit by rule approach for the renewal of a FRL. This proposal will better support economic development, burden reduction and service delivery. 

The proposed regulation would establish a permit-by-rule framework for renewing a forest resource licence. This approach would provide proponents with a streamlined approach to renew a FRL if they are able to meet the requirements of the CFSA and the regulation. 

The ministry is proposing to allow a permit by rule approach to renew a FRL for up to a two-year term if the following conditions can be met by the FRL holder: 

• The FRL is being renewed no earlier than 45 days before expiry.
• The FRL has not expired.
• The FRL is not suspended.
• The FRL renewal is consistent with the applicable forest management plan.
• All Crown timber charges are paid (account is current) and not subject to a repayment agreement or arrangement under the Financial Administration Act.
• Harvesting will continue beyond the current FRL expiry date.
• The licence holder has actively harvested during the current licence term.
• An agreement between the Sustainable Forest Licence holder and FRL holder under section 38 of the CFSA is in place for the full renewal period (where required).
• The licence holder is legally allowed to operate in Ontario (e.g., active, registered entity).
• The Ministry has not identified to the FRL holder any other reason why the FRL cannot be renewed through this process.
• The licence was not issued under an exception, exemption, or regulation (CFSA subsection 29(2), 42(2) or section 47 or O. Reg 167/95 section 29).
• The FRL is not subject to an associated agreement under section 27(3) of the CFSA.
• The FRL is not under the Algonquin Forestry Authority. 
• There are no other notification requirements associated with the renewal.

Where the conditions above cannot be met, FRL holders would continue to apply to the ministry for a forest resource licence renewal.

Regulatory impact analysis

If approved, the regulatory proposal may have positive impacts to the economy making it easier for forest industry to renew a forest resource licence. The ministry would appreciate feedback from businesses on any potential costs and benefits associated with the proposal.

The environmental impacts of the proposal are anticipated to be neutral. The forest resource licence must be consistent with the applicable forest management plan.