EA Legislation

 

Ontario Environmental Assessment Act:

The purpose of the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act is to provide for the:

• Protection;
• Conservation; and,
• Wise management of Ontario's environment.

To achieve this, the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act ensures that environmental problems or opportunities are considered and their effects are planned for, before development or building takes place. The Ontario Environmental Assessment Act requires that York Region, complete an Individual EA that complies with the requirements of the Act by:

• Accurately describing the undertaking;
• Considering 'alternatives to the undertaking';
• Considering alternative methods for the undertaking;
• Consulting with the public;
• Detailing impacts and mitigation; and,
• Documenting all of the above for public review.

To view the Act, please visit the Government of Ontario’s web site at: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90e18_e.htm
 

Canadian Environmental Assessment Act:

In addition to the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act  subjects some projects to a federal EA process. The federal process is conducted either as a Screening or a Comprehensive Study – the majority of projects that require a federal EA to be completed are undertaken as a Screening-level study. A Screening under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act must include:

• Description of the project;
• Description of the existing environment;
• The environmental effects of the project including cumulative effects, and the effects of possible accidents or malfunctions;
• The significance of environmental effects;
• Technically and economically feasible measures that would reduce or eliminate any significant adverse environmental effects of the project;
• Comments from the public that are received in accordance with the Act and the regulations; and,
• Any other matters relevant to the screening that the responsible authority may require to be considered.

For more information, please go to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Website at www.ceaa.gc.ca .