Streamlining Natural Heritage Rules for Wind and Solar Projects

Official title: Natural Resources Regulatory and Permit Reform Initiative: Updates to natural heritage technical guidance for renewable energy projects(source: Environmental Registry)

Closed Regulations & Permits Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Ontario wants to update the technical guides that govern how renewable energy projects assess their impact on natural areas. The changes would align with proposed updates to the Renewable Energy Approvals regulation. This could make it faster to get wind and solar projects approved.

Why This Matters

Support clean energy? This affects how quickly new wind and solar farms can be built in Ontario. Live near a proposed project? The rules for assessing wildlife and habitat impacts could change. Faster approvals might mean more green energy—but some worry about weaker environmental protections.

What Could Change

Technical guides for natural heritage assessments would be updated to match new Renewable Energy Approvals rules under O. Reg. 359/09. This could reduce the studies required before a wind or solar project gets approved. Environmental assessment requirements may become less stringent.

Key Issues

  • Should natural heritage assessment requirements be streamlined for renewable energy projects?
  • How should technical guides align with proposed changes to O. Reg. 359/09?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation has closed. Comments were accepted until January 19, 2026. Visit the Environmental Registry of Ontario to find the full notice and any posted decisions.