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Ontario is committed to protecting the environment by considering the benefits of projects as well as the possible impacts to Ontario's environment.

Under the Environmental Assessment Act, the environmental assessment (EA) program promotes good environmental planning by determining and managing the potential effects of a project prior to implementation.

The EA program ensures that public concerns are heard. EA balances economic, social, cultural and natural environmental needs so that projects benefit Ontario.

Who is subject to Ontario's Environmental Assessment Program?

Proponents such as:

• municipal and provincial governments
• public organizations such as conservation authorities and Metrolinx

The EA program generally does not apply to the private sector. However, sometimes private firms are required by a regulation or may voluntarily go through an EA process.

Public Involvement

Public consultation is mandatory and the public is encouraged to get involved in an EA process.

Overview

1. Environmental Assessments Environmental assessments are prepared for large-scale, complex projects that have the potential for significant environmental effects and require a ministry approval.
2. Streamlined Environmental Assessments Routine projects with predictable and manageable environmental effects that are pre-approved or exempt can follow a streamlined environmental assessment process.
3. Declaration Orders Declaration orders change or remove some or all of the Environmental Assessment Act requirements
4. Designating Regulations and Voluntary Agreements Projects not subject to the Environmental Assessment Act can be made subject to the act through a designation regulation or through voluntary action.

Learn More

• Glossary of EA terms
• Environmental Assessments in Ontario