Should Wind Testing and Environmental Monitoring Equipment Skip the Permit Process on Crown Land?

Official title: Natural Resources Regulatory and Permit Reform Initiative: Proposing changes to streamline certain approvals under the Public Lands Act

Open Regulations & Permits Economy & Jobs Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Ontario wants to let energy companies and developers place certain equipment on Crown land without getting a permit first. Right now, even temporary wind testing towers or environmental monitoring gear need written approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources. The province is proposing to let these low-impact, short-term activities proceed with just a registration—no full review required.

Why This Matters

If you care about how Ontario's Crown lands are used—that's 77% of the province—this affects the rules. Energy companies could set up wind testing equipment faster, which could speed up renewable energy projects. But it also means less government review before equipment goes on public land near lakes, rivers, or forests you might use.

What Could Change

Mobile wind testing towers, geotechnical drilling equipment, environmental monitors, and temporary bridges could be placed on Crown land without a permit—just registration. The definition of 'shore lands' would narrow, potentially affecting what activities need permits near water. Lands under contract with Ontario's electricity system operator would be off-limits for other uses.

Key Issues

  • Should mobile wind testing equipment be allowed on Crown land without a permit?
  • Should geotechnical and hydrogeological investigation equipment skip the approval process?
  • Should the definition of 'shore lands' be narrowed to exclude spring flooding and extreme events?
  • Are the proposed conditions sufficient to protect the environment?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Public Lands Act - Proposed Regulatory Amendments document to understand the specific changes being proposed.
  2. Submit your comments through this consultation page on the Environmental Registry of Ontario by December 22, 2025.
  3. You can also email your feedback to public.lands@ontario.ca.

Submit Your Input

Comment On The Public Lands Act Amendments Draft Email
Questions Being Asked (6)
  1. Do you support allowing mobile wind testing equipment on Crown land without a permit?
  2. Do you support allowing geotechnical and hydrogeological investigation equipment without a permit?
  3. Do you support allowing environmental monitoring equipment without a permit?
  4. Do you support allowing short-term bridges without a permit?
  5. Are the proposed conditions sufficient to protect the environment?
  6. Do you support the proposed changes to the definition of shore lands?

Key Documents