The provincial government has bundled a series of legislative and policy changes into one act that proposes to streamline the construction of several key infrastructure projects.

Introduced on October 22, the Ontario Rebuilding and Recovery Act, 2020 includes a suite of changes from the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Long-Term Care and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development and the Ministry of Infrastructure.

The legislation aims to reduce barriers in the planning, design and construction of major infrastructure projects like highway and public transit networks, and support the growth of transit-oriented communities.

"It's absolutely critical to lay this groundwork to ensure infrastructure projects can take off without any further delays," said Premier Doug Ford. “These are projects that will create good jobs across the province, ensure communities are better connected by road and transit, and contribute to a strong economic recovery for every part of our province."

"The current approach to building major infrastructure projects is plagued with red tape and costly delays," added Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney. "Through these proposed measures, we're getting shovels in the ground more quickly on transportation projects that will improve the lives of Ontarians right across the province."

Changes put forward in the act would help to further reduce risk and costs, mitigate unnecessary delays and could encourage competitive bidding associated with transit projects. In addition, the government would work to modernize policies and align processes for consistency to improve public services.

The government is also helping to address zoning, land availability and site plan approval concerns for priority long-term care home development by leveraging support from the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator and by recognizing that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has existing authority to make Minister's Zoning Orders under the Planning Act. This approach is already benefiting communities like Ajax, Mississauga and Toronto.

"Modernizing long-term care in Ontario continues to be a key priority of our government," said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care. "These initiatives will enable us to build homes faster, which will help us develop more capacity to address the waitlist, and provide our loved ones with better places to live and the care and support they need."

Accelerated delivery of these projects would also boost Ontario's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, getting more people back to work more quickly. In order to support this ambitious infrastructure plan, the government intends to increase apprentice registration and training opportunities through major infrastructure projects.

"We are building Ontario's talent pipeline for in-demand trades like construction," said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. "These initiatives will help apprentices find good jobs and employers find the skilled workers they need."

Following introduction, the Ministry of Transportation intends to post a link to the bill on the Environmental Registry of Ontario for a 30-day comment period and, if required, would provide additional opportunities for public engagement.