Environmental Assessment Improvements

Class Environmental Assessments

EA Process for Electricity Sector

Provincial/Federal EA Coordination

Contact List for Aboriginal Information and Resources

Environmental Assessment in Ontario

Environmental Assessment or EA is a decision-making process used to promote good environmental planning by assessing the potential effects and benefits of certain activities on the environment. In Ontario, this process is defined and finds its authority in the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA). The purpose of the EAA is to provide for the protection, conservation, and wise management of Ontario's environment.

To achieve this, the EAA ensures that environmental problems or opportunities and alternatives are considered and their effects are planned for before development or building takes place. There are five program areas under Ontario's EA Program:

• Environmental Assessments (individual EAs) including EA Terms of Reference
• Class EAs
• Electricity Regulation (O. Reg 116)
• Designations
• Declarations

For more information on environmental assessment follow the General Information link. To view information on current projects under review and project decisions follow the links under EA Project Updates.