OMWA IMPORTANT BULLETIN re: Changes to Ontario’s Permit-by-Rule Framework
Dear Valued OMWA Member,
The following is an important message from our colleagues at CELA re: the recent notices on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO.)
The government of Ontario has recently posted four notices on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO), which propose to:
- expand and change the permit-by-rule framework (to enable more proponents to self-register, rather than seeking an environmental authorization, before commencing certain activities)
- expand and bring more activities (such as construction site dewatering activities, residential foundation drains, stormwater management works, and waste management) into the existing permit-by-rule framework.
The deadline for all of these proposals is October 30, 2023.
We encourage you to attend the webinars being presented by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). It is important that the province knows people are paying attention and are concerned about the proposed changes.
All of the ERO notice links, as well as links to the various webinar registration pages, are below.
ERO Notices
- Exploring changes to streamline the permit-by-rule framework, ERO number 019-6951 https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-6951
- Streamlining permissions for water takings for construction site dewatering activities and foundation drains, ERO number 019-6853 https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-6853
- Streamlining environmental permissions for waste management systems under the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry, ERO number 019-6963 https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-6963
- Streamlining environmental permissions for stormwater management under the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry, ERO number 019-6928 https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-6928
Webinars hosted by MECP:
- Environmental Permission Modernization (overview of the four proposals)
- 2 sessions offered, September 19 and 20
- Streamlining permissions for water taking activities and stormwater management
- 3 sessions, September 21, September 27 and October 3
- Waste Transportation Systems
- 4 sessions, with DIFFERENT content/focus, October 12, 18, 19, 26 (10am to 12pm)
Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
The OMWA had a successful and insightful meeting with the Hon. David Piccini of the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
We look forward to our continued working relationship with @DavidPiccini MECP on issues surrounding water, wastewater, and stormwater (Water3).
Canada celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day
Today, June 21, 2023, Canada celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day. It was first celebrated in 1996 and this is a day to recognize and celebrate the cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples from across Canada.
OMWA Executive Director, Ed Houghton reflects on an important person in his life who embraced and contributed to his Indigenous heritage.
“On this important day, like every day, I will keep Geewadin Elliot of Neyaashiinigmiing in my mind and more importantly in my heart. Geewadin tragically started his journey to the spirit world much too early in his life on April 4, 2023. In this life, Geewadin was many things, Police Officer, Band Member and most recently the Manager, Indigenous Relations at Aecon Group but more importantly he was a natural born leader and he celebrated every aspect of his Indigenous Heritage and where possible followed the teachings of his hero, his late father, Arthur (Butch) Elliot.
I spent September 30th, 2022 Truth & Reconciliation Day with Geewadin learning and understanding the ways of our heritage. Geewadin wrote in a social media post the following:
Spent September 30 with my new found Uncle, my Dad’s bundle and powagan. We prayed together for healing and understanding on top of a bluff at Neyaashiinigmiing, my home. I don’t normally share ceremony on social media platforms like LinkedIn but this is not a normal day. Over the years I have shared my personal story with those who would benefit from it. If you know what it’s like to have a blanket for a door of sheets for window drapes then you most likely feel the real pain of today.
Grief killed many children forced into assimilation. The families that waited for them to return home, died from Grief. I hope everyone can understand why it matters to always include and speak the truth when reconciliation language is used. Indigenous people will lead the way but we cannot achieve reconciliation without including TRUTH!
On this day, June 21st, Summer Solstice, Geewadin I will remember what you taught me and will continue to embrace our Indigenous People.”
Special Announcement-New President
Special Announcement
