Natural Resources Regulatory and Permit Reform Initiative: Proposals to Support a Regulatory and Permit Reform Initiative

To support economic prosperity and protect Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources (the “Ministry”) is seeking input on proposed changes to various permits and approvals related to renewable energy, natural resources, public lands, and forests. The goal of these changes is to:

• make it simpler, easier and faster to get approvals for projects in mining, energy, forestry, infrastructure, housing and economic development
• continue to safeguard public health and safety and the sustainable management of natural resources.

The Ministry oversees a wide range of permits and approvals. While we have been steadily making improvements since 2018, there are still opportunities to do more and make things easier to navigate for Ontarians and businesses. For example, updating or changing certain permits and approvals using:

• clearer rules
• better client service
• simpler processes
  • Code of Practice in this and the related / linked proposals means: a guideline or policy that requires persons doing an activity to do so in accordance with the guideline or policy. No registration or reporting to the Ministry will be required. These codes would still be enforceable through inspections and compliance activities.
  • Permit-by-Rule in this and the related / linked proposals means: if proponents meet specific conditions set out in the regulations, they can self-register and will have approval to carry out the prescribed activity. 

As part of this initiative, we are seeking input on four proposals:

•  Natural Resources Regulatory and Permit Reform Initiative: Proposing changes to the Renewable Energy on Crown Land policy | Environmental Registry of Ontario
• Natural Resources Regulatory and Permit Reform Initiative: Proposing changes to streamline certain approvals under the Public Lands Act | Environmental Registry of Ontario
• Natural Resources Regulatory and Permit Reform Initiative: Improving forest legislation, regulations, processes and forest management policy | Environmental Registry of Ontario
• Natural Resources Regulatory and Permit Reform Initiative: Unlocking Ontario’s Economic Potential | Environmental Registry of Ontario

Where applicable, the ministry will consult with Indigenous communities on specific proposals. Depending on the nature of any comments received from Indigenous communities in response to the ERO proposal notices, the ministry may consider making changes to the proposed policy changes.