Ontario – Conservation Authorities Act
On March 19, 2025, the new Ontario government was sworn in. At that time, it was announced that responsibility for the Conservation Authorities Act would shift from the Ministry of Natural Resources to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. No specific changes to the administration of the Act was announced at that time, although the government’s subsequent April 15, 2025 Throne Speech made a commitment to,
…further streamline the province’s environmental assessment process and bring common-sense conservation principles to the role of Conservation Authorities … requirements.
Ontario’s 36 local conservation authorities often play important permitting and approval roles related to dams and water management in Ontario.
A copy of the Throne Speech is available at Protect Ontario | Ontario Newsroom
A copy of the Conservation Authorities Act is available at https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90c27
Ontario – Proposed Amendments to Mining Act and Endangered Species Act
On April 17, 2025, the new Ontario government introduced the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act 2025. In addition to a number of other proposed legislative amendments, significant amendments are proposed to Ontario’s Mining Act and Endangered Species Act – both of which play major roles in dam construction, maintenance and operating approvals in the Province.
Consultation information on the two proposals are available at:
Details on the proposed legislation is available at https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-44/session-1/bill-5
Canada– DFO Policy for Applying Measures to Offset Harmful Impacts to Fish and Fish Habitat
In March 2025, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans released its Policy for Applying Measures to Offset Harmful Impacts to Fish and Fish Habitat following public and stakeholder consultation and Indigenous engagement.
Federal Fisheries Act approvals and authorizations are key considerations of many dams being constructed, operated or decommissioned across Canada.
A copy of the policy is available at https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/reviews-revues/policies-politiques-eng.html