Changes to Streamline Natural Resource Permits: Proposing new and updated guidance related to approvals under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act

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 proposed changes will clarify approval requirements and processes for new and existing dams and provide efficiencies in timelines, all while continuing to safeguard public health and safety and the sustainable management of water and other natural resources.

The LRIA  provides the Ministry of Natural Resources (the “Ministry”) with the legislative framework governing the construction, operation, alteration, and decommissioning of dams and other in-water structures, such as water crossings, in Ontario. This framework helps protect public safety, infrastructure, and the natural environment.

The purpose of the LRIA is to provide for the:

1. management, protection, preservation and use of the waters of the lakes and rivers of Ontario and the land under them
2. protection and equitable exercise of public rights in or over the waters of the lakes and rivers of Ontario
3. protection of the interests of riparian owners
4. management, perpetuation and use of the fish, wildlife, and other natural resources dependent on the lakes and rivers
5. protection of the natural amenities of the lakes and rivers and their shores and banks 
6. protection of persons and of property by ensuring that dams are suitably located, constructed, operated and maintained and are of an appropriate nature with regard to the purposes of clauses (1) to (6)

To support economic development and the provincial integrated energy plan, Energy for Generations, we are proposing to modernize and provide clarity on the LRIA  policy framework to ensure proponents understand the Ministry’s requirements for constructing, operating and maintaining dams, including new waterpower facilities.

In 2025, the Ministry proposed to explore a number of concepts to improve efficiency in permitting and approvals under the LRIA  in ERO posting 025-1141 Unlocking Ontario’s Economic Potential. This posting provides further details regarding some of those concepts that pertain to the approval of new waterpower development but also to other dam structures regulated under the LRIA . 

We are proposing to create two new technical bulletins and make significant changes to an existing technical bulletin. The two new technical bulletins will provide clarity in approval requirements for Plans and Specifications for new Dams, and the preparation and approval of operating plans that may be ordered under the authority of Section 23.1 of the LRIA . We are also updating the Maintaining Water Management Plans Technical Bulletin (2016) primarily to include implementation guidance for operating plans.

Proposed Changes

Please see supporting document for further information on proposed changes.

Environmental Implications

No negative impacts on the environment are expected to result from the new technical bulletins or changes to the existing guidance. The changes are intended to provide clarity on requirements for approvals under the LRIA  to proponents proposing new dam construction and operations as well as existing dams on maintaining water management plans or operating plans. The proposal does not eliminate any LRIA  approvals or override other environmental regulatory requirements or approvals at the municipal, provincial or federal levels. 

Regulatory impact analysis

No negative impacts on the environment are expected to result from this proposal. 

The anticipated social consequences of the proposal are minimal as no proposals impact public or Indigenous consultation and engagement opportunities.

The anticipated economic consequences of the proposal are likely positive. The proposed changes would clarify approval requirements and processes for businesses seeking to engage in waterpower projects and provide greater business certainty and reduce the frequency of requests for additional information from the Ministry thereby also reducing wait times and the number of iterative exchanges with the Ministry during approvals.