Should Ontario Remove Permit Requirements for Low-Risk Environmental Activities?

Official title: Exempting low-risk activities from requiring environmental permissions

Open Regulations & Permits Environment & Climate Housing & Communities
Ontario wants to let certain activities skip environmental permits entirely. We're talking about things like small pottery kilns, splash pads at parks, temporary construction drainage, and community composting. The government says these are low-risk activities where permits don't add meaningful protection. Removing the red tape could speed up housing and transit projects.

Why This Matters

Building a new home? This could mean fewer delays. Running a pottery studio or community garden? Less paperwork for you. Live near a construction site? The rules for temporary drainage would change. If you care about environmental oversight, you might want to weigh in on whether these activities really are 'low risk.'

What Could Change

Dozens of activities would no longer need Environmental Compliance Approvals or Permits to Take Water. Small pottery kilns, warehouse equipment, splash pads, and community composting would be exempt. Construction projects could skip permits for temporary stormwater drainage. Foundation drainage systems for commercial buildings would get the same exemption residential ones already have.

Key Issues

  • Should a qualified professional be required to verify that exempt sewage works are properly designed?
  • Are there other sewage works at mining operations that should or shouldn't be included in the exemptions?
  • What other air and noise emissions should be considered for exemption?
  • What fuels are used by stop log lifters and what emission standards do they meet?

How to Participate

  1. Review the appendix with supporting information to understand which activities would be exempt.
  2. Submit your comment online through this consultation page by February 3, 2026.
  3. Or email your feedback to permissions.modernization@ontario.ca. Include ERO number 025-1361 in your message.

Submit Your Input

Submit A Comment On The ERO Draft Email
Questions Being Asked (4)
  1. Should the ministry require verification by a qualified professional that the sewage works has been adequately designed?
  2. Are there other sewage works that do not discharge directly or indirectly to land, surface water or groundwater, such as those at mining operations, that should or should not be included in this proposed exemption?
  3. Are there any air and noise emissions from additional activities that the ministry should consider for an exemption and why?
  4. Are there any other types of fuels used by stop log lifters and what are the typical exhaust emission standards that are met as per the manufacturer's specifications?

Key Documents