It’s really amazing the biodiversity of bountiful Ontario wherein there is an abundance of wild places and wild species – some 30,000 species of plants and animals.
However, this biodiversity – the variety of different habitats, and types of plants, animals, fish, insects – is in danger.
Did you know that:
- Ontario’s Endangered Species Act makes the province a North American leader in the protection and recovery of species at risk and their habitats;
- about 200 different kinds of plants and animals are currently listed as at risk in Ontario including the butternut trees; and
- a “species at risk” is any naturally-occurring plant or animal in danger of extinction or of disappearing from the province. Once classified as “at risk”, they are added to the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List?
For the purpose of facilitating and streamlining government-to-business services so that it is easier and faster for landowners and developers to do work in areas where endangered species live, Ontario is implementing the following measures as part of Ontario’s Open for Business initiative:
- A five-month service guarantee for completed permit applications under the Endangered Species Act, such as applications for land development. This guarantee would give landowners and developers precise timing so they can better plan.
- Eliminating permits for developers and landowners for the removal of up to 10 butternut trees as long as they replant two to 20 butternut trees for each one they remove.
- Accelerating permit timelines with earlier permit posting and providing better access to information online.
- To access information on federal, provincial and municipal programs and services, businesses may now call the new 1-888-745-8888 toll-free line, instead of navigating through 160 different numbers.
- The butternut tree proposal is now posted on the Environmental Registry for comment for 45 days. A policy on the five-month service standard for Endangered Species Act overall benefit permits will be available on the registry in coming weeks.
- The five-month service guarantee would begin once applicants have finalized a complete application package with the ministry.
Please click here to learn how Ontario is protecting species at risk and their habitat.
Ontario, Canada: Newsroom
News Release
Faster, Easier Services For Businesses
April 6, 2011 1:50 PM
McGuinty Government Setting Five-Month Service Guarantee
Ontario is making it easier and faster for landowners and developers to do work in areas where endangered species live.
Accelerating permit timelines with earlier permit posting and providing better access to information online.
- A five-month service guarantee for completed permit applications under the Endangered Species Act, such as applications for land development. This guarantee would give landowners and developers precise timing so they can better plan.
- Eliminating permits for developers and landowners for the removal of up to 10 butternut trees as long as they replant two to 20 butternut trees for each one they remove.
- Accelerating permit timelines with earlier permit posting and providing better access to information online.
The proposed measures are part of Ontario’s Open for Business initiative to create faster, smarter and streamlined government-to-business services, and a more competitive environment for businesses – supporting jobs for Ontario families.
QUOTES
“We need a predictable approach to land development that is clear, fair and timely. These proposed changes are good for businesses while still protecting endangered species.”
– Linda Jeffrey
Minister of Natural Resources
“Home builders respect the Ontario government’s commitment to species protection. The service guarantee demonstrates that the government is committed to making the Endangered Species Act work for Ontario businesses.”
– Bob Finnigan
President, Ontario Home Builders’ Association
QUICK FACTS
- To access information on federal, provincial and municipal programs and services, businesses may now call the new 1-888-745-8888 toll-free line, instead of navigating through 160 different numbers.
- Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, which came into effect in 2008, makes the province a North American leader in the protection and recovery of species at risk and their habitats.
- About 200 different kinds of plants and animals are currently listed as at risk in Ontario.
- The butternut tree proposal is now posted on the Environmental Registry for comment for 45 days. A policy on the five-month service standard for Endangered Species Act overall benefit permits will be available on the registry in coming weeks.
- The five-month service guarantee would begin once applicants have finalized a complete application package with the ministry.
LEARN MORE
Ministry of Natural Resources
ontario.ca/natural-resources