Marcus explains Ontario's proposed changes to archaeological approvals for housing and infrastructure. The province projects approval timelines could fall by up to 80 per cent. These are proposed reforms, not changes already in force.

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Broadcast transcript

This is Marcus with The Northern Current. Ontario is proposing changes to archaeological approvals for housing and infrastructure projects. The government says the reforms could cut approval timelines by up to eighty per cent. Plans include exemptions for some small residential projects, digital permitting tools, and stronger compliance measures. The changes are not yet in force. The province says implementation would begin in phases in early twenty twenty-seven, with further consultation involving Indigenous communities and sector partners. Those promised time savings remain government projections.

Source

Government of Ontario newsroom, release 1008163: Ontario Cutting Wait Times for Archaeological Approvals by Up to 80 Per Cent, October 20, 2026, 12:30 p.m. Toronto time.