Natural Resources Regulatory and Permit Reform Initiative: Unlocking Ontario’s Economic Potential

We are proposing a modernization initiative to improve how Ontario’s public lands and resources are managed. This initiative would update frameworks under the Public Lands Act, Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act, and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 to better support economic development, burden reduction, and service delivery. 

We are seeking input on proposed changes that could apply to public lands and natural resources, which include streamlining permitting processes, introducing permit-by-rule and codes of practice for low-risk occupations and activities, and improving digital access to applications and land information. For the proposed permit-by-rule or code of practice approaches, no applications would be required for specific occupations and activities, provided conditions are met, including registering the occupation or activity with the ministry for the permit-by-rule approach. These changes aim to reduce delays, improve predictability, and make it easier for individuals, businesses, municipalities, and Indigenous communities to use public lands and resources responsibly.

Under the current frameworks, various permits and approvals are required for occupations of and activities on public lands, and other activities regulated under the above listed statutes. We’ve heard from communities and stakeholders that certain approval processes can be inefficient and slow. Outdated planning policies and permitting systems hinder Ontario’s competitiveness and delay responsible development. 

We recognize the need to:

• Reduce duplication and clarify requirements
• Improve transparency and access to information
• Enable responsible economic development

Our goal is to build a modern management framework that:

• Respects Aboriginal and treaty rights
• Supports economic development and innovation
• Maintains environmental stewardship, and
• Improves decision-making

Overview of Proposed Changes: 

1. Crown Land Use Policies
   • Streamlining processes related to updating land use policies
   • Update land use policies to reflect current priorities and emerging opportunities
2. Occupation of and Dispositions of Interests in Public Lands
   • Standardize requirements and tailor applications
   • Set clear decision timelines
   • Introduce permit-by-rule and code of practice approaches for low-risk occupations and activities
   • Simplify approval of further use of lands which are subject to existing land use permits
3. Work Permits and Restricted Area Permits
   • Set clear decision timelines
   • Tailor application requirements
   • Expand permit-by-rule and code of practice approaches for low-risk activities
   • Transition restricted area permits to code of practice for routine construction
4. Compliance and Enforcement
   • Introduce new tools to encourage compliance
   • Clarify rules and penalties for common infractions
   • Strengthen enforcement options, including updated fines
5. Access to Information
   • Develop a public mapping tool to visualize occupations and activities on public lands
   • Create an online registry for permit-by-rule approach
   • Improve visibility for Indigenous communities, municipalities, and the public about what is happening on public lands
6. Conditions of Dispositions, Consents and Reservations
   • Introduce online application forms for common requests
7. Fish and Wildlife
   • Reduce approval requirements for certain non-lethal scientific collection activities
   • Establish clear rules for collecting and relocating species during development projects
8. Mine Tailings Facilities
   • Propose changes as part of the comprehensive framework for mine tailing storage facilities being developed by Ontario to clarify oversight and streamline approvals
9. Dams and Other In-Water Works – Except for Mine Tailings Storage Facilities
   • Modernize approvals for dams and waterpower facilities by:
     • relying on the Class Environmental Assessment for Waterpower Projects to be the primary tool to fulfill the location approval submission requirements
     • placing greater reliance on qualified professionals (e.g., engineers) for Technical Plans and Specifications

• Develop permit-by-rule approach for low hazard dams and code of practice approach for other low-risk in-water works
• Provide clear guidance for operating plans
• Introduce defined decision timelines
• Modernize enforcement and compliance tools

More detailed information on these proposals can be found below in the “Natural Resources Regulatory and Permit Reform Initiative: Unlocking Ontario’s Economic Potential” document available under Supporting Materials.

Ontario’s public lands and resources will continue to be managed under a system of laws, regulations, and policies that guide how public lands and resources are planned, accessed, and used. These lands support key industries such as mining, forestry, renewable energy, aggregates, and infrastructure, and are vital to the exercise of Aboriginal and treaty rights. This proposal outlines potential changes to the permitting and approval framework that apply to public lands and resources. While legislative and regulatory amendments are not yet proposed, the initiative may result in future proposed changes to legislation, regulation, policies, and procedures. We will continue to work with Indigenous communities and stakeholders as these proposals evolve. If further changes are proposed, the Ministry will consult further on those proposals. 

Regulatory impact analysis

We are not proposing any specific statutory, regulatory or policy changes and are only consulting on the proposals outlined above at this time. More information may be provided on potential impacts in subsequent postings. Further consultation will take place before any changes will be made.