We wanted to share NOTO’s concerns about the following ERO posting. Operators are encouraged to consider submitting comments before the public consultation closes on September 21, 2026.

To view NOTO’s draft submission, please click here.

If we missed anything, please let us know ahead of the September 21 deadline.

In case you missed it, please see the notice sent out earlier this week below:

Changes to Streamline Natural Resource Permits: Proposing changes to streamline approvals under the Public Lands Act and modernize compliance provisions

After speaking with several members and sources in MNR, NOTO is recommending that we oppose the proposed changes. Our main concerns are outlined below.

Erosion of remote tourism values:

Travel permits are already applied inconsistently for private camps on remote tourism lakes from one region to another and from one district to another. This needs to be corrected and NOTO will pursue this. Within the northwest region, more travel permits are being issued for closed roads that do not align with the properties’ original type of access. This proposal will only increase inconsistencies and potentially cause more conflict on the ground.

There is considerable concern that private camp owners who use roads that now come close to their camps will ask for work permits to build “driveways,” allowing motorized access to lakes that have been protected from this in the past. MNR will be challenged to say no.

Through inconsistent application, this proposal has the potential to negate negotiations and agreements that form part of the Forest Management Planning process; for example, Resource Stewardship Agreements may be ignored.

Implementation and enforcement concerns:

Staff believe that this will be an implementation nightmare.

There are many closed roads with conditions such as “the road cannot be used to access Lake X.” How will these be guarded and enforced? There is not enough manpower in MNR, broadly, and especially in enforcement, to manage closed roads.

Will this reduce red tape?

It is our understanding that the existing permits are not a heavy administrative burden and do not require duty to consult. They are simple and can be issued quickly. Eliminating them will do little to reduce red tape.

While this may reduce paperwork for tourism operators who use closed roads, when we asked members if they had any issues with the current travel permit process, we did not receive any feedback indicating that having to apply for them is problematic.

Overall, we believe this proposal has more potential to negatively impact our sector than to solve the administrative issues it is intended to address, and we do not believe it is good for northern Ontario.

If you are considering submitting your own comments, which I suggest you do, please consider highlighting some of these concerns. Please also share with us anything you feel we may be missing so we can reflect member feedback as clearly as possible.

Happy to hear any of your feedback.

Laurie