What is the Work Permit Application Process?
The following step by step process describes how a work permit application form needs to be completed and submitted for review by the Ministry.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact other agencies and comply with all existing laws and regulatory requirements. Applicants need to be aware that approvals may also be required from other agencies as well, such as municipal building permits, conservation authority permits and Department of Fisheries and Oceans approvals related to fisheries habitat. Approval from one agency does not guarantee approval from another agency.
Work permit application forms are available from Service Ontario Government Information Centres and from this web site.
Step 1: Complete the “Application for Work Permit – Part 1”
- obtain an Application for Work Permit
- complete application ensuring all information is provided; and
- sign and date the application.
Step 2: Complete Part 2, 3, 4 or 5 of the “Application for Work Permit”
- select the appropriate part(s) of the Application (e.g. Part 3 – Application to Do Work on Shore lands);
- complete applicable portions; and
- attach an accurate and detailed site plan or sketch of the proposed work (see attached sample site plan).
Step 3: Submit Complete Application (Part 1, other applicable Parts and site plan)
- the application can be submitted in person or in writing to a Service Ontario Government Information Centre or submitted in writing to a local Ministry of Natural Resources office;
- to assist in the timely review of the work permit application – applications should be submitted well in advance of the planned start date of the project;
- the application must be detailed enough to ensure that Ministry staff can readily determine what activity is proposed and how it will be undertaken;
- incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.
Step 4: MNR Review
- Ministry staff will carefully review the application consistent with its responsibilities under the Public Lands Act, Environmental Assessment Act and other relevant statutes and regulations;
- Ministry staff may visit the site to assess the proposed project site;
- in some situations, the application may be referred to such other agencies as a local conservation authority or the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, where the proposed works may affect fish habitat.
Step 5: Work Permit Issuance or Refusal
- a work permit may be issued in writing with conditions (e.g. timing restrictions to protect fish spawning, sediment control); or
- an applicant may be advised in writing of the Ministry’s “intent to refuse” to issue a work permit. Applicants have the right to appeal an intent to refuse a work permit to a Ministry official appointed as an officer under the Public Lands Act.
Step 6: Project Implementation and Monitoring
- once in receipt of the approved work permit, an applicant may undertake the work in adherence with the terms and conditions of the work permit;
- the Ministry may inspect the site during the work or following completion, to ensure compliance with the work permit approval.
A work permit is received, reviewed and issued free of charge by the Ministry. However, working without the required work permit or contravening the conditions of an issued work permit are offences under the Public Lands Act, which may result in fines of up to $10,000.
