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. 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 and the permit process doesn't add meaningful protection. Removing the red tape could speed up housing and transit projects.

Why This Matters

Building a new home or community centre? This could mean fewer delays and lower costs. Run a pottery studio or community garden? You might not need provincial permits anymore. But if you're worried about environmental oversight, this is your chance to weigh in on whether these activities really are low-risk.

What Could Change

Four Ontario regulations would be amended. Private sewers serving up to five homes could skip permits. Temporary construction drainage wouldn't need approval. Small pottery kilns and warehouse equipment would be exempt from air emission rules. Community composting and biogas-to-natural-gas facilities would face less red tape. Existing permit holders could apply to have their permits revoked.

Key Issues

  • Should professional verification be required for sewage works design?
  • Are there other sewage works at mining operations that should be included or excluded?
  • What other air and noise emissions should be considered for exemption?
  • What fuels do stop log lifters use and what emission standards do they meet?

How to Participate

  1. Review the appendix with supporting information to understand the specific activities proposed for exemption.
  2. Submit your comment online through this consultation page. Include ERO number 025-1361 in your submission.
  3. Or email your feedback to permissions.modernization@ontario.ca with ERO number 025-1361 in the subject line.

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