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We have approved updates to the Natural Heritage Assessment Guide (the Guide) for renewable energy projects. The updated Guide will ensure the ministry’s Natural Heritage Assessment process for renewable energy projects aligns with the regulatory amendments that were proposed to O. Reg. 359/09 (Renewable Energy Approvals Regulation). 

We are moving forward with changes to Ontario Regulation 359/09: Renewable Energy Approvals regulation to:

• Remove Renewable Energy Approval requirements for low-risk biogas projects
• Update Natural Heritage Assessment and Bird/Bat Environmental Effects Monitoring Plan requirements
• Update outdated definitions, ministry names and other references

Ontario Regulation 161/17 and Ontario Regulation 239/13 were amended to allow short-term bridges, geotechnical investigations, and mobile wind testing and environmental monitoring equipment on public lands provided conditions are followed, including location registration. In addition, the definition of “shore lands” was amended.

We have approved changes to the Renewable Energy on Crown Land (RECL) policy and to rescind the renewable energy project Approvals and Permitting Requirements Document (APRD). These changes reflect current policy and approvals considerations for the management of public lands when a proposal for a renewable energy project is submitted.

This application has been withdrawn at the applicant’s request.

An amended Environmental Compliance Approval was granted to Alamos Gold Inc. including a new sewage system and updated monitoring plan.

We have expanded the boundaries of 20 protected areas (11 provincial parks and 9 conservation reserves) and created 10 new protected areas (2 provincial parks and 8 conservation reserves). These changes provide increased opportunities for recreational activities and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Ontario’s natural heritage.   

An Environmental Compliance Approval (air & noise) has been granted to Cargill Limited for the operation of a beef processing facility, located in the City of Guelph, Ontario.

We have expanded the boundaries of 23 protected areas (17 provincial parks and 6 conservation reserves) and corrected the name of Chapleau Nemegosenda River Provincial Park. These changes contribute to the long-term sustainability of Ontario’s natural heritage and provide increased opportunities for recreational activities.

On December 16, 2025, O. Reg. 373/25: Criteria For Designations was filed under the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025, outlining the criteria that must be met for designating zones, projects and trusted proponents. This came into effect January 1, 2026.

On August 29, 2025, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing filed a Minister's Zoning Order (with conditions) with the Registrar of Regulations as Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 205/25 in the City of Markham. The Minister of Long-term Care requested that the Minister consider making the Zoning Order, which was supported by Markham's Mayor.

On May 1, 2026, the proponent withdrew the proposed early exploration permit.

An Environmental Compliance Approval with Limited Operational Flexibility (air) has been granted to DCL INTERNATIONAL INC., a facility for manufacturing exhaust after-treatment devices for mobile and stationary equipment located in Vaughan, Ontario.

The decision is for a new Environmental Compliance Approval for industrial stormwater management works serving Sunbelt Rentals of Canada Inc., located at 151 Wescar Lane, in the City of Ottawa, Ontario.

A new Environmental Compliance Approval was issued for the use and operation of a waste processing site to be used for the recycling, processing and transfer of solid non-hazardous waste generated from residential, industrial, institutional and commercial sectors.