Ontario plans faster archaeology reviews, with changes starting in 2027

Ontario is proposing changes to speed up archaeological approvals while continuing to protect archaeological resources. The current four-stage process can take up to 64 months. The province says the proposed changes would reduce average approval timelines by 80% and expand sector capacity by 45%.

What would change

• Streamline assessments, update standards and reduce administrative steps for low-risk projects.
• Exempt some small-scale residential projects from the approval process.
• Use risk-based inspections and enforcement, and remove some licensing requirements while recognizing qualified professionals from other jurisdictions.
• Replace outdated systems and add archaeological information and services to Ontario’s Centralized Digital Permitting Service.

The first phase is planned for early 2027, including enhanced compliance tools, access to the digital service and the residential exemptions. Ontario says it will continue consulting Indigenous communities and sector partners as it develops the changes.