March 25, 2026

As mentioned in previous newsletters, as part of the Ministry of Water, Lands, and Resource Stewardship’s public engagement on proposed Natural Resource Permitting Improvements, UDI submitted a letter that further expands on the recommendations outlined in our Phase 2 correspondence. 

At this time, it is difficult to assess whether we can support these proposals because further information and discussion is needed. We therefore recommend that there be further dialogue between builders, their Qualified Professionals (QPs), and the Ministry, like the March 13th session, as these proposals move forward. In addition to this, UDI has the following recommendations: 

• While we are supportive of the proposal to allow offsets, further discussion is needed regarding any decisions about the offsetting ratios; 
• Hold early, extensive discussions with builders and QPs on any upcoming guidance that the Ministry is developing to ensure there is clarity and an understanding of the potential impacts on sites; 
• With the proposed enhanced Provincial protections for wetlands, local governments should not be able to mandate additional measures – or take the place of Provincial staff in reviewing applications; 
• The new guidance for the proposed mitigation hierarchy that will be released later this Spring needs to provide clarity on requirements for proponents and QPs; 
• At the same time, the guidance should not lead to extensive areas being frozen from development; otherwise, flexibility will be needed regarding the avoidance step of the mitigation hierarchy – and the grandparenting of sites already purchased will need further consideration; and 
• Consult QPs and their professional bodies before implementing new accountability measures, and develop a roadmap linking enhanced QP training and liability to process improvements. 

Additional information can be found in the UDI letter here.  

January 6, 2026

As part of the Ministry of Water, Lands, and Resource Stewardship’s public engagement on proposed Natural Resource Permitting Improvements, UDI made two letter submissions summarizing industry feedback. Review the submissions below: 

• Phase 1 Correspondence 

• Phase 2 Correspondence 

   

December 2, 2025

The Ministry of Water, Lands, and Resource Stewardship is accepting feedback on the next round of Natural Resource Permitting Improvements. There are 9 additional topics UDI believes would be of most interest to the industry below – click on each title to learn more: 

Low volume water use streamlined authorization process 

• Exploring the development of a new streamlined review process for small quantities of water on streams and aquifers where the withdrawal is not expected to have an impact on other authorized water users, on land or other property, and where there are no other significant environmental or cultural concerns 

Expediting existing use groundwater applications 

• Exploring streamlining the application review and decision process for existing use groundwater applications 

Best management practice for changes in and about a stream 

• Updating existing guidance to address gaps in the application process 

Streamlining routine permitting for changes in and about a stream 

• Exploring allowing applicants to submit one application that may include items such as best management practices, project design, appropriate mitigation measures and environmental monitoring strategies for a single project that can be followed routinely for a set amount of time or that encompasses multiple smaller works across several locations 

Managing all wetland classes 

• Considering whether the management of all wetland classes, including bogs and shallow open waters, should be included in the WSA to ensure consistent management and stewardship 

Applying the mitigation hierarchy for wetland activities 

• Exploring how to better apply the mitigation hierarchy of’ ‘avoid, minimize, restore-onsite, and offset” for activities that may impact wetlands 

Strategic use of offset payments to support wetland conservation 

• Exploring options to apply compensation measures through the strategic use of offset payments to support wetland restoration activities 

Wetland identification and delineation manual 

• Developing a clear, science-based manual for professionals, applicants, and decision-makers to determine when a wetland is present (identification) and to identify its boundaries (delineation) 

Wetland professional accountability 

• Exploring definitions for qualified professionals and assurance statement requirements in applications for work in and around wetlands   

The topics are open for public feedback until December 12. If members have any specific comments on the proposals, please email the UDI Policy Team at policy@udi.org by end of day December 5. 

October 7, 2025

As part of the Province’s review of permitting processes, a series of surveys about proposed changes are open for public comment. An initial 16 topics have been identified for permitting reform related to water management. 

Topics that will be part of this engagement process, closing on October 17 include: 

• Exemption for construction dewatering;
• Exemption for constructing ice roads to access restoration sites;
• Expediting existing use groundwater applications;
• Expanded eligibility for stream restoration;
• Low-volume water use without an authorization;
• Enhancements to the Riparian Area Protection Regulation; 

More information and the surveys can be accessed here.