This consultation closes at 11:59 p.m. on:
May 17, 2025
Proposal summary
The ministry is proposing a new law called the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025. If it gets approved, the Ontario government will be able to designate special areas that are critical to Ontario’s economy and security, where selected projects could move faster as a result of simplified rules, faster approvals, and one-window access to services.
Proposal details
Purpose of Proposed Legislation
The Special Economic Zones Act, 2025 is meant to quickly advance strategically important economic activity and priority projects within designated zones. By building faster and more strategically, Ontario can protect its industries, mitigate the impact of trade disruptions, and ensure the long-term prosperity and security of the economy.
Special Economic Zones
The Special Economic Zones Act, 2025 will give government the power to designate zones through regulation if certain criteria are met.
A zone will be a geographic area that could include one or more projects of critical or strategic importance. Zones could vary significantly in size, from a small parcel of land to a large area.
Once a zone is set up, vetted projects in the zone with reliable proponents that meet high standards for operation, safety, and the environment can benefit from things like:
- faster permitting
- streamlining some permits and approvals
- simplified requirements
- priority access to one-window services
Authorities
The Special Economic Zones Act, 2025 includes regulation-making authority to:
- make criteria for designating:
- special economic zones
- vetted projects
- trusted proponents that meet high operating, safety and environmental standards
- designate:
- special economic zones
- vetted projects
- trusted proponents that meet high operating, safety and environmental standards
- identify which regulations, permits, processes, approvals, and similar requirements will be exempted, altered or continue to apply
The Special Economic Zones Act, 2025 would come into effect on Royal Assent of the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025.
Supporting materials
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Contact
SpecialEconomicZones@Ontario.ca