Act
Proposal to exempt various Ministry of Transportation projects from the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act
Regulation Number(s):
697/21
Instrument Type:
Act
Bill or Act:
Environmental Assessment Act
Summary of Decision:
The government wants the Bradford Bypass road project to be built in a timely way to improve the movement of people, and ease traffic congestion in a way that remains protective of the environment.
The Ministry of Transportation has already completed an individual Environmental Assessment for the project and has an understanding of the potential impacts of the project.
Last summer, we introduced a proposal for a new regulation that would eliminate duplicative requirements from the Environmental Assessment process while ensuring environmental protection remains a priority. The proposal notice was posted on our Environmental Registry for 45 days and all comments were considered before a decision was made.
This new regulation comes into force on filing and eliminates duplicative requirements from the Environmental Assessment process while ensuring environmental protection remains a priority.
The regulation will still require the Ministry of Transportation to complete environmental studies and consultation during each phase of the streamlined assessment process, as well as obtain environmental permits and approvals.
The government is supportive of projects that demonstrate they can be built and operated in a way that works for communities and is fully protective of the environment. By eliminating duplicative requirements and streamlining the environmental assessment process, we are reducing delays on projects that matter most to Ontario communities.
The Ministry of Transportation has already completed an individual Environmental Assessment for the project and has an understanding of the potential impacts of the project.
Last summer, we introduced a proposal for a new regulation that would eliminate duplicative requirements from the Environmental Assessment process while ensuring environmental protection remains a priority. The proposal notice was posted on our Environmental Registry for 45 days and all comments were considered before a decision was made.
This new regulation comes into force on filing and eliminates duplicative requirements from the Environmental Assessment process while ensuring environmental protection remains a priority.
The regulation will still require the Ministry of Transportation to complete environmental studies and consultation during each phase of the streamlined assessment process, as well as obtain environmental permits and approvals.
The government is supportive of projects that demonstrate they can be built and operated in a way that works for communities and is fully protective of the environment. By eliminating duplicative requirements and streamlining the environmental assessment process, we are reducing delays on projects that matter most to Ontario communities.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
The regulation will help support the maintenance and implementation of critical roadway infrastructure in Ontario and provide for:
• appropriate consultation and
• the protection of the environment remaining a priority
There are no direct compliance costs or new administrative burdens associated with the proposed regulation. There are also other applicable provincial and federal approvals and permits that would still be required and consultation on the project will continue, as necessary.
By eliminating duplication and streamlining processes, we are shortening timelines, reducing delays, and focusing the province's resources on projects that matter most to Ontario communities.
Through these sensible, practical changes, we are bringing Ontario's environmental assessment program into the 21st century.
• appropriate consultation and
• the protection of the environment remaining a priority
There are no direct compliance costs or new administrative burdens associated with the proposed regulation. There are also other applicable provincial and federal approvals and permits that would still be required and consultation on the project will continue, as necessary.
By eliminating duplication and streamlining processes, we are shortening timelines, reducing delays, and focusing the province's resources on projects that matter most to Ontario communities.
Through these sensible, practical changes, we are bringing Ontario's environmental assessment program into the 21st century.
Further Information:
Link to Environmental Registry
Proposal Number:
20-MECP014
Posting Date:
July 8, 2020
Summary of Proposal:
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is proposing a regulation to exempt select Ministry of Transportation projects from the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act, subject to conditions for environmental protection: the Bradford Bypass and several Ministry of Transportation Provincial Transportation Facilities class environmental assessments projects.
Contact Address:
Royal Assent Date:
October 7, 2021
Decision:
Approved