​​Proposed regulatory amendments under the Lake Simcoe Protection Act to align with regional conservation authorities

ERO number
026-1071
Notice type
Regulation
Act
Lake Simcoe Protection Act, 2008
Posted by
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Notice stage
Proposal
Proposal posted
Comment period
October 22, 2026 - December 6, 2026 (45 days) Open
Last updated

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This consultation closes at 11:59 p.m. on:
December 6, 2026

Proposal summary

​​The government is proposing changes to O. Reg. 219/09 under the Lake Simcoe Protection Act, 2008, to update references to the conservation authority and the list of participating municipalities to reflect the new regional structure of conservation authorities. 

Why consultation isn't required

​​The proposed amendments to Ontario Regulation 219/09 would not, if implemented, have a significant effect on the environment. The proposed amendments are also predominantly administrative in nature.   

​The proposed amendments would ensure that the regulation accurately reflects and aligns with the amalgamation of conservation authorities that will take place under the Conservation Authorities Act and the planned consequential statutory amendments to the Lake Simcoe Protection Act, 2008.  

​The proposed amendments do not establish new environmental requirements or objectives, alter existing environmental protections, modify regulatory standards, or change substantive obligations for municipalities, conservation authorities, proponents, or other regulated parties. ​

Proposal details

The government is proposing legislative and regulatory changes to ensure alignment of the Lake Simcoe Protection Act, 2008 (LSPA) with the consolidation of conservation authorities, to occur on February 1, 2027. The proposed changes would ensure the continued effective implementation of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan to protect and restore the ecological health of the Lake Simcoe watershed.  

This proposal focuses on the proposed regulatory changes under the LSPA. Parallel Environmental and Regulatory Registry of Ontario postings outline the planned legislative amendments (RR 26-MECP017) to the LSPA and complementary regulatory proposals under the Conservation Authorities Act (CAA) (ERO 026-1067) and the Clean Water Act (CWA) (ERO 026-1070). A summary of the planned legislative changes and list of regulatory proposals can be viewed at ERO Bulletin 026-1069.   

 

Summary of proposed changes 

The ministry is proposing to amend Ontario Regulation 219/09 (General) under the LSPA to align with the new regional structure of conservation authorities. The proposed amendments would: 

  • Replace references to the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority with references to Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority, which is the conservation authority that Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority is being consolidated into. 
  • Update the list of participating municipalities of the conservation authority for the purposes of the LSPA to include only single-tier and upper-tier municipalities, in order to align with changes to the CAA. 

If made, these proposed regulatory amendments would provide continuity of the roles and responsibilities of the conservation authority in protecting and restoring the ecological health of the Lake Simcoe watershed, and alignment with the regional conservation authority framework to facilitate the delivery of key programs and services to protect and restore the ecological health of the Lake Simcoe watershed.  

 

Providing feedback 

We welcome your feedback in response to the proposed regulatory amendments. Comments may be submitted through this posting or by email to ca.office@ontario.ca. 

 

Analysis of regulatory impact 

The proposed regulatory amendment is not expected to result in direct compliance costs. Any impacts are expected to be limited to minor administrative or operational coordination activities associated with municipal representation, which are anticipated to be negligible and accommodated within existing municipal resources. 

Comment

Let us know what you think of our proposal.

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Public Input Coordinator

Email address
Office
MECP Conservation Branch
Address

300 Water Street North tower, 4th floor
Peterborough, ON
K9J 3C7
Canada

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Contact

Public Input Coordinator

Email address
Office
MECP Conservation Branch
Address

300 Water Street North tower, 4th floor
Peterborough, ON
K9J 3C7
Canada

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