The Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations is urging the province to withdraw a sweeping new bill that it says puts development ahead of environmental protection and local decision-making.
Bill 5 — introduced by the Ford government on April 17 — includes a proposal to repeal the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and replace it with the new Species Conservation Act, 2025. It would also give the province the authority to create “special economic zones” where provincial laws and municipal by-laws could be overridden to fast-track housing, mining or infrastructure permits.
FOCA says the government is justifying the bill as a way to protect Ontario’s economy from U.S. tariffs, but argues that it would instead accelerate development in sensitive areas and weaken species-at-risk protections across the province.
The group says it is still reviewing the full details of the proposed changes, which also include amendments to the Mining Act, but warns the legislation appears designed to reduce oversight and speed up approvals at the expense of habitats and local input.
“We’re very concerned,” FOCA said in a public statement. “This bill prioritizes rapid development over the health of Ontario’s environment.”
FOCA is calling on the public to speak out before the government’s consultation window closes. The Environmental Registry of Ontario is accepting comments until May 17 at 11:59 p.m.
Share your opinion here: Proposed interim changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and a proposal for the Species Conservation Act, 2025 | Environmental Registry of Ontario
“This is a critical moment,” FOCA said. “Everyone who cares about Ontario’s lakes, wildlife and planning rules should tell the province these changes are unacceptable. Bill 5 must be withdrawn.”
The bill is part of the proposed Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
