Should Ontario Streamline Forest Permits and Regulations?

Official title: Natural Resources Regulatory and Permit Reform Initiative: Improving forest legislation, regulations, processes and forest management policy(source: Environmental Registry)

Closed Regulations & Permits Economy & Jobs Natural Resources
Ontario wants to cut red tape for forestry operations. The province is proposing changes to forest rules and permitting to speed things up and reduce costs for the industry. They say it'll support economic growth while still managing forests sustainably.

Why This Matters

Work in forestry or a related industry? These changes could affect your job and your community's economy. Live in a forest-dependent town in Northern Ontario? Streamlined permits might mean more local jobs. Care about how Ontario's forests are managed? This is your chance to weigh in on the balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

What Could Change

Forest industry permits could become faster and cheaper to obtain. Some regulatory steps may be eliminated entirely. The government says costs will drop for forestry companies, other sectors using trees, and individuals. Specific details are still being developed.

Key Issues

  • Which forest regulations and permit processes should be streamlined?
  • How can costs be reduced for the forest industry while maintaining sustainable management?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation closed on December 22, 2025. Comments were accepted through the Ontario Regulatory Registry.