Should Ontario Streamline Permits for Public Lands and Resources?

Official title: Natural Resources Regulatory and Permit Reform Initiative: Unlocking Ontario’s Economic Potential

Open Regulations & Permits Economy & Jobs Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Ontario wants to make it faster and easier to get permits for activities on Crown land. Right now, businesses, municipalities, and Indigenous communities face slow, complex approval processes for things like mining, forestry, and renewable energy projects. The province is proposing permit-by-rule approaches for low-risk activities, clearer timelines, and better online tools.

Why This Matters

Work in mining, forestry, or renewable energy? This could speed up project approvals. Own a cottage on Crown land? Permit processes might get simpler. Live near public lands? A new mapping tool would show you what's happening in your area. Indigenous communities would get better visibility into activities affecting their treaty rights.

What Could Change

Low-risk activities on Crown land could proceed without individual permits if they meet standard conditions. Decision timelines would become mandatory rather than open-ended. A public mapping tool would show all occupations and activities on public lands. Fines for violations would increase, and enforcement tools would be strengthened.

Key Issues

  • Should low-risk activities on Crown land be allowed without individual permits?
  • How should permit-by-rule and code of practice approaches work?
  • What information should be included in a public mapping tool for Crown land activities?
  • How can approval processes better respect Aboriginal and treaty rights?

How to Participate

  1. Read the discussion paper to understand the proposed changes to public lands management.
  2. Submit your comments through this consultation page or email public.lands@ontario.ca by the deadline.

Submit Your Input

Comment On The Permit Reform Proposal Draft Email

Key Documents