OFA provided comments on ERO # 025-0730 as the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks seeks input on proposed amendments to Ontario Water Resources Act, R.S.O. 1990.

OFA supports the proposed changes to streamline the renewal of expired Permits to Take Water (PTTW) under certain conditions, as it would reduce administrative burdens for farmers. We agree with the criteria requiring that the water source, purpose, and quantity remain unchanged, and recommend that original permit conditions carry over to new permit holders.

OFA also suggests extending the application window for agricultural PTTWs from one to three years and requests renewed dialogue with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to address delays in permit processing and explore ways to avoid resubmitting documentation.