Ontario · Amendment

Future-dated amendment notes removed as changes from O. Reg. 123/26 are now in force

OCCUPATION OF PUBLIC LANDS UNDER SECTION 21.1 OF THE ACT — under the Public Lands Act

Recorded date: May 1, 2026
Detected: June 11, 2026. Verify commencement in the official source.

Energy & EnvironmentConstruction & Real EstateMunicipal & Land Use

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted

The regulation governing occupation of public lands has been updated to incorporate changes that were previously flagged as upcoming amendments taking effect in May 2026. Those future-dated notes have been removed and the new rules are now part of the consolidated text. Key practical changes now in effect include: bridges and short-term bridges being governed under a new separate section from culverts and causeways; mobile wind testing equipment and environmental monitoring equipment being explicitly listed as authorized occupations with their own conditions; a new prohibition on occupying lands that are archaeological sites or areas where artifacts or human remains have been found; a requirement to stop work and notify the Ministry if archaeological artifacts or human remains are discovered during an occupation; and notice to vacate can now be delivered by email in addition to posting, personal delivery, or registered mail. Anyone occupying or planning to occupy public lands under this regulation should review the updated conditions applicable to their specific activity.

Who this affects
individuals and businesses occupying public lands · forestry and natural resource operators · wind energy and environmental monitoring equipment operators · waterfront property owners and dock users · anyone constructing or using bridges, culverts or causeways on public lands

Check the official text
O. Reg. 161/17 on the official source ↗ · consolidated version 8 → 0

This page isn't an official version of the law and isn't legal advice. Summaries may omit details. Verify the dates and provisions that apply to you against the official source.

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