Streamlined Approvals
The Ministry of Natural Resources is streamlining its approvals processes to help Ontarians access these services faster and more efficiently, while continuing to protect and sustainably manage Ontario's natural resources.
Learn more about how this relates to the Endangered Species Act.
To meet the requirements for an overall benefit permit, you will need to show the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) that you have considered reasonable alternatives to your activity.
Alternative approaches to your activity can include (but are not limited to):
- Changing the location of the activity
- Using alternative methods, equipment or technical designs
- Changing the timing of the activity to avoid times when the species is there or is most sensitive to disturbance
- Changing the geographic scale, duration and/or frequency of the potential adverse effects
- Adding or changing approaches and timing of site restoration or rehabilitation after the activity is done
Alternatives that you considered but did not think were reasonable because of biological, technical, social or economic limitations should also be identified as part of this process.
When considering reasonable alternatives to your activity, you must consider at least one alternative that would completely avoid any adverse effects on species at risk. More
Finally, you will need to explain to MNR why the approach you have chosen is the best alternative. Deciding which alternative is the best involves consideration of the best approach to minimize adverse effects on species at risk or their habitat, but can also involve consideration of technical, social or economic factors.
