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On November 23, 2023, an amendment to O.Reg. 509/18, made under the Electricity Act, 1998 was filed to introduce rolling incorporation of Ontario’s efficiency standards with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) efficiency standards for 24 space and water heating products regulated by Ontario and NRCan.

The Ministry of Energy has decided to move forward with the proposal. Lieutenant Governor in Council has approved the Orders in Council (OICs) and Minister’s Directive pursuant to the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 (OEBA). The OICs and Directive will facilitate the timely development of five new transmission lines in Southwestern Ontario.

This proposal invited comments on Towards a Greater Golden Horseshoe Transportation Plan: Discussion Paper. This feedback informed the development of Connecting the GGH: A Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The plan sets out a vision for mobility in 2051, and highlights key actions that will be taken to achieve that vision.

On January 29, 2021, O. Reg. 509/18, made under the Electricity Act, 1998 was amended to add five new products, to revise efficiency standards for televisions to harmonize with Natural Resources Canada, and to delay new standards for liquid-filled distribution transformers by two years.

We have issued a director’s order to Algoma Steel Inc. requiring them to apply for new site-specific standards for air emissions for their Sault Ste. Marie facility by March 31, 2022.

We are implementing regulatory changes related to the management of excess construction soil and redevelopment of brownfield sites. These changes will reduce soil management costs and promote brownfields redevelopment, while protecting human health and the environment.

Ontario has made amendments to Ontario Regulation 406/19 and the associated Soil Rules to increase soil management flexibility and support greater reuse of excess soil from housing, infrastructure, and other construction projects.

Species-specific policies (i.e., government response statements) have been finalized outlining actions to protect and recover eight species at risk in Ontario: American Ginseng, Butler’s Gartersnake, Eastern Banded Tigersnail, Golden-eye Lichen, Gray Fox, Purple Twayblade, Small-flowered Lipocarpha and Transverse Lady Beetle.

Updates were made to the Off-Farm Anaerobic Digestion Materials Protocol under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002. These changes ensure consistent eligibility of organic waste materials from the production of ingredients used in food, animal feed, pet food, ethanol, and biodiesel production, irrespective of where the ingredients are produced. 

We have updated the Director’s Technical Rules for assessing source water protection vulnerability and risk under the Clean Water Act, 2006 to ensure that the quality of Ontario’s sources of drinking water continues to be protected and that source protection efforts are supported by current science.

Ontario has changed restrictions on the transfer and storage of winter-grade gasoline prior to the winter switchover date by amending O. Reg. 271/91 (Gasoline Volatility). We have also added clarifications about acceptable gasoline testing methods.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing consulted from October 23 to November 22, 2025, on municipal use of Enhanced Development Standards at the lot level. The Ministry received 134 submissions and reviewed this input to help inform future policy direction.

The ministry is moving forward with amending regulations made under the Environmental Protection Act and the Ontario Water Resources Act to streamline permissions for certain low risk short-term water taking activities. These amendments align approval requirements with the activity’s level of risk, while maintaining environmental oversight.

This Advanced Wood Construction Action Plan has been revised and approved following a review of comments and feedback received through the Environmental Registry of Ontario.

On July 3, 2018, Ontario cancelled the cap and trade program. Cycling programs funded through the cap and trade program have been cancelled.