Estimates Briefing Book 2015-2016

Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change
ISSN 2369-2316
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Part I: 2015-16 Published Plan

Ministry Overview

The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change protects and improves the quality of the environment and leads Ontario’s actions on climate change leading to healthier communities, ecological protection and economic prosperity for present and future generations. The tools the ministry uses to accomplish this include:

  • Using best available science and research to develop and deliver policies, legislation, regulations, standards, programs and services.
  • Enforcing compliance with environmental laws.
  • Working with partner ministries, other governments, Aboriginal groups and organizations, industry, stakeholders and the public.
  • Monitoring and reporting to track environmental progress.

Ministry Contribution to Priorities and Results

The ministry is instrumental in supporting the government’s priority outcome of being a leader on environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. We are the lead ministry responsible for coordinating the province’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, address the risks and opportunities associated with climate change, and are working with other jurisdictions through partnerships, agreements and continued collaboration to position Ontario as a leader in the fight against climate change.

Our programs also support the government’s priority of a supportive and dynamic business environment (e.g. Modernization of Approvals, Open For Business), modernized infrastructure and transportation networks (e.g. transit environmental assessments), and a healthier population (e.g. asthma).

Ministry Programs and Activities

The ministry protects Ontario’s water, land and air by developing and implementing legislation, policies and programs that provide a healthy environment for a strong Ontario. It also works with other ministries, levels of government and stakeholders to reduce the emissions that lead to climate change, and develop communities and an economy resilient against the effects of a changing climate.

Combating Climate Change and Protecting Ontario’s Air

The ministry continues to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change and protect the air we breathe. Upcoming action on climate change includes:

  • Ontario will be releasing a new forward-looking climate change strategy and action plan later in 2015. The strategy and action plan will include several short and long-term actions to enable Ontario to meet its 2020 target.
  • The province announced in April 2015 that it will impose a hard ceiling on greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors of the economy through a cap and trade program. Cap and trade effectively reduces the amount of greenhouse gas pollution in our atmosphere by setting a limit on emissions, rewarding innovative companies, providing certainty for industries, and creating more opportunities for investment in Ontario.
  • The cap will be reduced gradually over time to ensure Ontario meets its 2050 target.
  • Undertaking cap and trade will also help Ontario’s cleantech sector position itself to take advantage of the growing worldwide market for advance clean technology ,
  • The ministry will consult industry and other stakeholders to help design the best program for Ontario.
  • Ontario intends to link its cap and trade system with existing Quebec-California carbon markets.
  • Engaging the public and stakeholders in a province-wide consultation on climate change that saw a total of 1,500 people attend 15 in-person sessions, more than 300 ideas and 31,000 votes submitted through a new online consultation tool and more than 420 comments on a climate change discussion paper posted on Ontario’s environmental registry. The #ONclimate hashtag was used 4,700 times during the consultation period.
  • Hosting the Climate Summit of the Americas in Toronto in July 2015, an event that will build momentum towards global climate change action.
  • Expanding the use of more environmentally friendly transportation fuels through measures such as Ontario’s Greener Diesel regulation to reduce emissions, improve air quality and address climate change.
  • Developing a scientific understanding of the effects of climate change in the Hudson Bay Lowlands.
  • Implementing Climate Ready: Ontario’s Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan; a total of 37 actions across 12 ministries to help Ontario adapt to and minimize the impacts of climate change including:
    • Creating resilient communities with improved planning and infrastructure in areas such as transit Growth Plan – ensuring sustainable, healthier transit friendly communities
    • Greenbelt – protecting green space – healthy ecosystems
    • Infrastructure/Building Code – creating more resilient communities and infrastructure, energy conservation/efficiency
  • Improving air quality in Ontario:
    • In June 2015, Ontario will launch the new air quality health index to help people understand what the quality of the air means to their health just like the UV index keeps them from the harmful effects of too much sun. The new index ranks air quality from 1 to 10 – the lower the number, the lower the risk.
    • Operating a network of 40 ambient air monitoring stations across the province to supply the public with real-time air pollutant data.
    • Reducing emissions of smog precursors (nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and volatile organic compounds) and air pollutants in Ontario.
    • Reducing vehicle emissions of smog-causing pollutants through Drive Clean.
    • Regulating emissions of air pollutants from industrial facilities.
    • Developing and implementing comprehensive technical standards for industrial sectors that are challenged in meeting air quality standards.
    • Implementing air zone management in Ontario as agreed by the Council of Canadian Environment Ministers.
    • Working with neighbouring provinces, the federal government, Canadian and U.S. government to seek reductions in trans-boundary impacts of U.S. emissions of smog causing pollutants.

Pollinator Health

In March 2015 the ministry posted a proposed regulation on the Environmental Registry for public comment. If approved, it would take effect July 1, 2015. The intent of the proposed regulation is to reduce the number of acres planted with neonicotinoid insecticide treated corn and soybean seeds by 80 percent by 2017. It is also an important first step in developing a broader, multi-ministry pollinator health action plan that will examine key stressors that can affect pollinator health, including pesticide exposure, loss of habitat and nutrition, climate change, and disease, pests and genetics.

Protecting Ontario’s Water

The ministry is working to make Ontario the North American leader in water protection and innovation and to sustain Ontario’s water resources for future generations. We continue to protect our water resources by:

  • Implementing Ontario’s Great Lakes Strategy, including:
    • Helping communities protect their corner of the Great Lakes through the Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund.
    • Implementing the 8th Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health, 2014 (COA) including developing targets and actions for nutrients.
    • Implementing Ontario’s commitment to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement.
  • Reintroduced a strengthened Great Lakes Protection Act on February 18, 2015 which has new tools to protect beaches, wetlands and other coastal areas of the Great Lakes and the waterways that flow into them.
  • Working with partners in Canada and the United States through the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement to establish nutrient targets and actions.
  • Keeping Ontario’s drinking water among the best protected and highest quality in the world through our safety net framework – a comprehensive approach to protecting drinking water from source to tap.
  • Consulting on updates to the drinking water standards for arsenic, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, and vinyl chloride as well as adopting new standards for chlorate, chlorite, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid [MCPA], and haloacetic acids [HAAs].
  • Finalizing all 22 source protection plans developed by local committees to address potential risks to their sources of drinking water.
  • Informing the public about the quality of Ontario’s drinking water through the Chief Drinking Water Inspector’s Annual Report and the Minister’s Annual Report on Drinking Water.
  • Implementing the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan.
  • Implementing the Water Opportunities Act to encourage the wise use of water by developing and consulting with stakeholders on potential water conservation plans by public agencies such as municipalities, schools and hospitals.

Waste Reduction, Resource Recovery and Land Quality

The ministry continues to take action to ensure that Ontario has an effective waste management and brownfields regulatory framework by:

  • Introducing new resource recovery and waste reduction legislation that is centered on producer responsibility.
  • The proposed legislation would be an integral part of a waste reduction and resource recovery framework.
  • The proposed Waste Reduction and Resource Recovery Strategy would outline:
    • Priority on the 3Rs – focusing on reducing and reusing, and strong measures to promote recycling
    • Road map for implementing the new legislation
    • Tools for increasing diversion in the IC&I sectors
    • Path forward for increasing diversion of organic waste
    • Opportunities to increase diversion of hazardous wastes
  • Requiring the safe management and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes.
  • Moving towards a full cost recovery model by phasing in increases to existing user fees, including hazardous waste fees, in line with recommendations from the Commission on the Reform of Ontario Public Service.
  • Improving environmental recycling standards to ensure appropriate management of end-of-life vehicles.
  • Implementing legislative and regulatory requirements for brownfields to ensure the proper clean-up and redevelopment of brownfield sites.
  • Updating the approvals process for brownfields, making changes that streamline the process but continue to ensure that human health and the environment are fully protected.
  • Conducting a review of the need for policy associated with the movement and management of excess and potentially contaminated soil from brownfields and other development sites.
  • Collaborating with other ministries to integrate environmental planning direction into land use planning policies such as the Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan, Greenbelt Plan, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and Niagara Escarpment Plan.

Open For Business/Modernization of Approvals

The ministry continues to transform its environmental approvals process by:

  • Building on its new leading edge, risk-based approvals approach which protects the environment and human health while meeting service standards through process improvements, electronic service delivery and strategic application of resources.
  • Evaluating opportunities to extend the new framework to other ministry permit, license and approval programs, while maintaining strong environmental protection.
  • Contributing to the government’s goal to reduce compliance costs by $100 M by 2017 via burden reduction initiatives, as required by the Better Business Climate Act 2014.
  • Continuing to review renewable energy approvals to ensure human health and the environment are protected while Ontario increases renewable energy capacity to create green jobs, reduce greenhouse gas pollution, and improve air quality.

Effective Monitoring, Compliance and Enforcement

The ministry’s research, monitoring, inspection, investigations and enforcement activities are integral to achieving Ontario’s environmental goals. Actions include:

  • Effective Monitoring
    • Conducting monitoring programs to understand the impacts of human activities on our environment.
    • Identifying emerging environmental concerns and tracking progress on solving problems.
    • Analyzing and testing water, air and soil samples in the ministry’s laboratories.
    • Establishing baseline data to support the development of a long-term environmental monitoring program in the Far North.
    • Undertaking studies on pollinator health and pesticide exposure with OMAFRA, and examining science from other organizations.
  • Compliance and Enforcement
    • Incorporating the principles of a modern regulator into compliance-based activities, and working with other compliance-based ministries to protect the environment and human health.
    • Carrying out inspections based on risk using a variety of compliance tools, to protect the environment and human health from regulatory non-compliance and incidents and spills, and to address complaints.
    • Inspecting municipal residential drinking water systems on an annual basis, and labs licensed to carry out drinking water testing a minimum of twice a year.
    • Conducting risk-based non-hazardous and hazardous waste program inspections and compliance activities to uncover new concerns and address non-compliance issues.
    • Supporting local community environmental projects with funds collected through environmental penalties.
    • Working with industry, stakeholders, and the public to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Reducing Toxics in the Environment

The ministry is taking action to reduce Ontarians’ exposure to toxic substances by:

  • Requiring and supporting Ontario manufacturing and mineral processing facilities to look for opportunities to reduce their use, creation and discharge of toxic substances.
  • Requiring regular reporting by facilities on toxic substances.
  • Informing Ontarians on toxic substances and toxics reduction actions taken by facilities.
  • Enforcing the ban on the sale and use of cosmetic pesticides.
  • Enabling the development and sale of green alternatives such as biopesticides and lower risk pesticides that have low toxicity to humans, minimal impact to the environment and that act in a non-toxic way in controlling intended pests.

Ministry Administration

Ministry administration enables the ministry to deliver its core business and achieve its vision.

Ministry administration provides management leadership and strategic advice including financial management, controllership, human resource management, legal counsel, communications, audit services, French language services and administrative services in support of all business areas.

It also includes the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry and addressing requests under the Freedom of Information Act, both of which enable citizen participation in government decisions, and provides information to the public on environmental initiatives.

Greening Internal Operations

The ministry continues to look for ways to reduce its environmental footprint and encourage its partners, stakeholders and suppliers to adopt environmentally sustainable practices.

The ministry monitors and reduces its carbon footprint by:

  • Promoting energy and water conservation and energy efficiency.
  • Developing and supporting government-wide greening and sustainability initiatives, including carbon reduction projects.
  • Engaging staff at the MOECC and the OPS in greening through environmental events and employee recognition programs.
  • Tracking the ministry’s greenhouse gas emissions over time.
  • Purchasing green electricity (since 2008) and green natural gas (since 2013) dramatically reducing the ministry’s carbon footprint. This yielded a reduction of about 4,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) in 2013.

Table 1: Ministry Planned Expenditures 2015-16

Expenditure TypeExpenditure Amount
MOECC Operating$326,413,214
MOECC Capital$5,023,000
MOECC Total$331,436,214
OCWA Operating$168,781,100
OCWA Capital$3,047,900
Consolidated Total$503,265,2014

Highlights of 2014-15 Achievements

  • Ontario surpassed its previously established greenhouse gas reduction target for 2014 of six per cent below 1990 emission levels.
  • Re-introduced the Ending Coal for Cleaner Air Act. Phasing out through coal-fired electricity generation was the single largest climate change initiative undertaken in North America.
  • In February 2015, the ministry initiated consultations on a new climate change strategy with the posting of the province’s Climate Change Discussion Paper on Ontario’s Environment Registry.
  • Ontario’s greener diesel rules, among the strictest in North America, went into effect April 1, 2014 and continue to be phased in.
  • As of the 2013-14 Chief Drinking Water Inspector’s Report, 99.83 per cent of the more than 527,000 drinking water test results from municipal residential drinking water systems met Ontario’s rigorous, health-based standards.
  • All 22 source protection plans have been submitted to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change for approval and as of March 31, 2015, 15 of these plans have been approved by the Minister. The remaining plans are on track for approval by the end of 2015.
  • A new Canada Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health (COA) was signed in December 2014. Ontario successfully delivered year 2 of the 5 year COA/Great Lakes Strategy work plan including more than 200 Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Natural resources and Forestry and Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs projects that support Ontario’s commitments in the Great Lakes Strategy and the 2014 COA.
  • Building on past achievements, on January 1st, 2015, Ontario fully implemented the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement through regulatory and legislative amendments primarily related to managing transfers of water between Great Lakes watersheds, allowing the Agreement itself to be brought into full force.
  • The Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund supported grass roots groups by awarding $4.5 million in grants to 221 community-based projects since 2012-13.The ministry’s new two-path approach to environmental approvals, introducing a registry for standard, low risk, well-understood business activities, has saved businesses an estimated $15 million since it was implemented in 2011.
  • In 2014 the Ontario Community Environment Fund awarded 12 environmental protection projects in 11 affected communities based on funds available in 2013.

Refer to the Appendix for details of the ministry’s achievements in fiscal year 2014-15.

Ministry Organization Chart

This is a text version of an organizational chart for the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change as of June 2015. The chart shows the following hierarchical structure with the top level assigned to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

  • Minister Environment and Climate Change - Honourable Glen R. Murray
    • Group of 6 government entities
      • Ontario Clean Water Agency
      • Walkerton Clean Water Centre
      • Advisory Council on Drinking Water Quality & Testing Standards
      • Ontario Pesticides Advisory Committee
      • Lake Simcoe Coordinating Committee
      • Lake Simcoe Science Committee
    • Deputy Minister – P. Evans
    • Group of 4 positions
      • Communications Branch – K. Routledge
      • Legal Services Branch – H. Perun
      • Land and Resources Cluster – J. DiMarco
      • Audit Cluster – R. Masse
    • Group of 6 positions
      • Drinking Water Management Division – ADM / Chief Drinking Water Inspector – S. Lo
        • Drinking Water Programs Branch – O. Salamon
        • Safe Drinking Water Branch – P. Mieweglowski
        • Source Protection Program Branch – L. Mark
      • Operations Division – ADM – N. Matthews
        • Environmental Approvals Access and Service Integration Branch – S. Paul
        • Central Region – D. Goyette
        • Environmental Approvals Branch – K. Hedley
        • Eastern Region – H. Kew
        • Northern Environmental Initiative – M. Hennessy
        • Northern Region – J. Taylor
        • Operations Integration / Spills Action Centre – M. Raeburn-Gibson
        • Southwestern Region – L. Orphan
        • Investigations and Enforcement Branch – D. Earl
        • West Central Region – M. New
        • Sector Compliance Branch – G. Sones
      • Corporate Management Division – ADM – H. Taylor
        • <
        • Business and Fiscal Planning – K. Perry
        • Information Management and Access Branch – C. Belo
        • Strategic Human Resources Branch- J. LeGris
        • Transition Office – B. Taylor
        • French Language Services – L. Gagnon
      • Environmental Sciences and Standards Division – ADM – T. Al-Zabet
        • Environmental Monitoring and Reporting – I. Smith
        • Laboratory Services Branch – J. Odumeru
        • Standards Development Branch – S. Klose
      • Climate Change and Environmental Policy Division – ADM – R. Fleming
        • Ontario Climate Change Directorate – J. Vidan
        • Air Policy and Climate Change Branch – K. Clark
        • Air Policy Instruments and Program Design – H. Pearson
        • Environmental Intergovernmental Affairs Branch – B. Nixon
        • Strategic Policy Branch – K. O’Neill
        • Resource Recovery Policy Branch – W. Ren
        • Land and Water Policy Branch – B. Nixon
      • Environmental Programs Division – ADM – J. Whitestone
        • Aboriginal Affairs Branch – J.L. Malloy
        • Environmental Innovations Branch – T. Kaszas
        • Program Planning and Implementation Branch – G. Napier
        • Modernization of Approvals Branch – D. Dumais
        • Compliance Modernization Project – S. Skinner
        • Program Management Branch – J. Hurdman

Download printer-friendly organizational chart (JPG).

Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABCs)

 Estimates 2015-16Actuals 2014-15Actuals 2013-14
Advisory Council on Drinking Water Quality and Testing Standards$193,000$188,183$197,327
Lake Simcoe Science & Coordinating Committees$12,000$9,323$9,770
Ontario Pesticides Advisory Committee$121,241$113,936$122,186
Total Agencies, Boards & Committees (ABCs)$326,241$311,442$329,283

Note: Detailed financial information for Ontario Clean Water Agency and Walkerton Clean Water Centre is provided in their business plans.

Legislation Administered by the Ministry

  • Adams Mine Lake Act, 2004
  • Capital Investment Plan Act, 1993 (Part IV re: Ontario Clean Water Agency only)
  • Clean Water Act, 2006
  • Consolidated Hearings Act
  • Environmental Assessment Act
  • Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993
  • Environmental Protection Act
  • Lake Simcoe Protection Act, 2008
  • Ministry of the Environment Act
  • Municipal Water and Sewage Transfer Act, 1997
  • Nutrient Management Act, 2002 (together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs)
  • Ontario Water Resources Act
  • Pesticides Act
  • Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002
  • Toxics Reduction Act, 2009
  • Waste Diversion Act, 2002
  • Water Opportunities Act, 2010 (except for Part II)

Detailed Financial Information

Table 2: Combined Operating and Capital Summary by Vote

Votes/ProgramsEstimates 2015-16Change from Estimates 2014-15Change from Estimates 2014-15Estimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Operating Expense      
Ministry Administration$22,682,400($150,000)(0.7%)$22,832,400$22,832,400$22,035,944
Environmental Planning and Analysis$51,475,500($1,750,000)(3.3%)$53,225,500$53,096,600$57,489,494
Environmental Science and Information$61,929,300$509,2000.8%$61,420,100$65,397,100$64,061,308
Environmental Protection$190,260,000($1,408,100)(0.7%)$191,668,100$181,361,900$178,011,223
Less: Special Warrantsn/a($87,114,000)(100.0%)$87,114,000n/an/a
Total Operating Expense to be Voted$326,347,200$84,315,10034.8%$242,032,100$322,688,000$321,597,969
Special Warrantsn/a($87,114,000)(100.0%)$87,114,000n/an/a
Statutory Appropriations$66,014n/an/a$66,014$72,420$68,716
Ministry Total Operating Expense$326,413,214($2,798,900)(0.9%)$329,212,114$322,760,420$321,666,685
Consolidation & Other Adjustments - Ontario Clean Water Agency$168,781,100$16,610,70010.9%$152,170,400$157,524,200$151,697,891
Total Including Consolidation & Other Adjustments$495,194,314$13,811,8002.9%$481,382,514$480,284,620$473,364,576
Capital Expense      
Environmental Protection$1,608,000($110,000)(6.4%)$1,718,000$2,145,800$3,969,995
Less: Special Warrantsn/a($363,500)(100.0%)$363,500n/an/a
Total Capital Expense to be Voted$1,608,000$253,50018.7%$1,354,500$2,145,800$3,969,995
Special Warrantsn/a($363,500)(100.0%)$363,500n/an/a
Statutory Appropriations$3,415,000$186,7005.8%$3,228,300$245,600$32,284
Ministry Total Capital Expense$5,023,000$76,7001.6%$4,946,300$2,391,400$4,002,279
Consolidation & Other Adjustments - Ontario Clean Water Agency$3,047,900($868,600)(22.2%)$3,916,500$2,931,800$3,096,000
Total Including Consolidation & Other Adjustments$8,070,900($791,900)(8.9%)$8,862,800$5,323,200$7,098,279
Capital Assets      
Environmental Protection$4,570,000$2,703,000144.8%$1,867,000$5,890,900$18,919,366
Less: Special Warrantsn/a($933,500)(100.0%)$933,500n/an/a
Total Capital Assets to be Voted$4,570,000$3,636,500389.6%$933,500$5,890,900$18,919,366
Special Warrantsn/a($933,500)(100.0%)$933,500n/an/a
Ministry Total Capital Assets$4,570,000$2,703,000144.8%$1,867,000$5,890,900$18,919,366
Ministry Total Operating and Capital Including Consolidation and Other Adjustments (not including Assets)$503,265,214$13,019,9002.7%$490,245,314$485,607,820$480,462,855

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

Key Performance Measures and Achievements

Performance MeasuresTarget2011-12 Achievement2012-13 Achievement2013-14 Status/Achievement2014-15 Status/Achievement
Reduction in Ontario-based Sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions that contributes to acid rain.62% reduction from 1990 levels by 2015200 kilotonnes emitted in 2009 SO2 emission levels are 82% below 1990 levels 1. Target met 8 years ahead of schedule.261 kilotonnes emitted in 2011 SO2 emission levels are 77% below 1990 levels 1.
 
253 kilotonnes emitted in 2012; SO2 emission levels are 78% below 1990 levels 1.268 kilotonnes emitted in 2013; SO2 emission levels are 76% below 1990 levels 1 (preliminary results).
Reduction in Ontario-based Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.45% reduction from 1990 levels by 2015396 kilotonnes emitted in 2009 NOx emission levels are 46% below 1990 levels 1.382 kilotonnes emitted in 2011 NOx emission levels are 48% below 1990 levels 1.353 kilotonnes emitted in 2012; NOx emission levels are 52% below 1990 levels 1.335 kilotonnes emitted in 2013; NOx emission levels are 54% below 1990 levels 1 (preliminary results).
Reduction in Ontario-based Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions.45% reduction from 1990 levels by 2015447 kilotonnes emitted in 2009 VOC emission levels are 55% below 1990 levels 1.427 kilotonnes emitted in 2011 VOC emission levels are 57% below 1990 levels 1.405 kilotonnes emitted in 2012 VOC emission levels are 59% below 1990 levels 1.396 kilotonnes emitted in 2013 VOC emission levels are 60% below 1990 levels 1 (preliminary results).
Electricity sector compliance with O.Reg 397/01. (Emissions Trading)100% Compliance100% compliance.
In 2012, the reported total NOx emissions from PEMA facilities in Ontario are 12.0 kt which are 69% below the 39 kt Ozone Annex commitment.
100% compliance.
In 2012, the reported total NOx emissions from PEMA facilities in Ontario are 12.0 kt which are 69% below the 39 kt Ozone Annex commitment.
100% compliance.
In 2013, the reported total NOx emissions from PEMA facilities in Ontario are 9.8 kt which are 75% below the 39 kt Ozone Annex commitment.
100% compliance.
In 2014, the reported total NOx emissions from PEMA facilities in Ontario are 3.9 kt which are 90% below the 39 kt Ozone Annex commitment.
Develop protective air quality standards to reduce industrial toxic emissions.Development of new and updated air standards for 70 substances identified as high priority in 1999.Standards for 61 (of the 70) high priority substances have been completed. The ministry continues to consider 7 remaining high priority substances, and is tracking the progress of the federal government’s review of the 2 additional substances.The ministry continues to consider 7 remaining high priority substances, and is tracking the progress of the federal government’s review of the 2 additional substances.The ministry continues to consider 7 remaining high priority substances, and is tracking the progress of the federal government’s review of the 2 additional substances.The ministry has reviewed the science underpinnning the draft SO2 Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards, which will inform a proposed update to the Ontario SO2 air standards. SO2 and the 7 remaining substances remain priorities for regulatory update.
Industry compliance with regulation capping smog-causing emissions (reductions of NOx and SO2 emissions from 30 specified large emitters).100% Compliance- Facilities report their annual NOx and (or SO2) emissions and retire sufficient allowances/credit by March 31 each year for the previous compliance year.100% compliance for the 2011 compliance year.100% compliance for the 2012 compliance year.100% compliance for the 2013 compliance year.100% compliance for the 2014 compliance year.
Economy-wide Greenhouse Emissions Reductions6% below 1990 levels by 2014; 15% below 1990 by 20202010 GHG emissions are 2% below 1990 levels 22011 GHG emissions are 4.1% below 1990 levels 22012 GHG emissions are 6.1% below 1990 levels 22013 GHG emissions are 6.2% below 1990 levels 2
Percentage of treated drinking water tests for E. coli by municipal residential drinking water systems that meet Ontario drinking water quality standards.>99.0 % annually99.98%99.98%99.98%99.99%

1 Based upon federal/provincial emission estimates, which may be revised as the ministry continues to work with Environment Canada to refine the emissions estimates.

2 Based on National Inventory Report 1990-2013, Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks in Canada, prepared by Environment Canada. Results revised for all years due to methodological change in 2015 NIR.

* 1990 baseline emission levels were revised and reflected in 2013-14 status and ongoing.

Performance MeasuresTarget2011-12 Achievement2012-13 Achievement2013-14 Status/Achievement2014-15 Status/Achievement
Percentage of municipal residential drinking water and distribution systems that are inspected (planned inspections).100% annually100%100%100%100%
Percentage of planned inspections of laboratories.100% annually100%100%100%100%
Percentage of source protection priority components completed, including local committees established, terms of reference for source protection plans, watershed assessments, and source protection plans submitted for ministry approval. No 2011-12 target.2012-13 milestone achieved - 100% of the Source Protection Plans have been submitted to the Minister for review and approval.86.4% of source protection plans (19 of 22) were reviewed and comments provided to the Source Protection Committees for consideration/revisions. Two plans were approved by the Minister.100% of source protection plans were reviewed and comments provided to the Source Protection Committees for consideration/revisions.
Implementation of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan (LSPP).100% achievements of policy commitmentsKey 2011 commitments have been met. Many are ongoing multi-year commitments required under the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan.

Key achievements:
  • Hosted the first biennial Lake Simcoe Science Forum
  • Established in-stream flow target for the Maskinonge River.
  • Established Fish Community Objectives for the lake.
  • Created a phosphorus budget tool to guide new development in the watershed.
The 2012 commitments are on track. Many are ongoing multi-year commitments required under the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan.

Key achievements:
  • Amended all 15 sewage treatment plant approvals to ensure compliance with phosphorus limits set in the Phosphorus Reduction Strategy.
  • Established a Lake Simcoe Climate Change Adaptation Community of Practice with partners.
  • Developed water budgets for three more subwatersheds, and another seven Subwatershed Plans.
The 2013 commitments are on track. The ministry has noted encouraging signs of improvement in the long term health of the lake:
  • Phosphorus concentrations in spring are decreasing, signaling progress to reduce algae.
  • The lake’s deep water oxygen levels are improving, contributing to better habitats for cold water fish.
Key achievements:
  • Direct abatement with vegetable wash water processors in the Holland Marsh resulted in a significant reduction in phosphorus.
  • Since 2010, more than 1,500 stewardship projects supported landowners to improve environmental conditions around the lake.
  • Hosted the second biennial Science Forum to share how our collaborative monitoring and research activities are helping to protect and restore the lake. **
The 2014 commitments are on track. Many are ongoing multi-year commitments required under the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. Additional improvements in the long term health of the lake have been noted:
  • Spring phosphorus concentrations are decreasing in the lake, and the lake’s deep water oxygen levels are increasing.
  • Observed increase in the natural reproduction of coldwater fish such as lake trout, lake whitefish and cisco.
  • The proportion of naturally reproduced lake trout and lake whitefish caught by anglers rose from less than 20 per cent in the mid-2000s to more than 50 per cent in the winter of 2014.
Key achievements:
  • Subwatershed Plans have now been developed for 14 subwatersheds in the Lake Simcoe watershed and are being implemented.
  • Tier 2 Water Budgets have now been completed for all subwatersheds, for a complete groundwater model representation for the entire Basin
  • Completed a shoreline restoration pilot project (with MNRF and Brock Township) at Beaverton North Beach
  • Promoted ways to reduce chlorides through road salt management with municipal and private stakeholders
Number or Area (in hectares) of Brownfield sites assessed and demonstrated to meet applicable standards (through filing Records of Site Condition (RSCs) on the Environmental Site Registry since October 2004).Ongoing3,411 sites (RSCs filed on the Environmental Site Registry since October 2004).3,701 sites (RSCs filed on the Environmental Site Registry since October 2004).4,076 sites (RSCs filed on the Environmental Site Registry since October 2004).4,371 sites (RSCs filed on the Environmental Site Registry since October 2004).

** The Plan and associated actions incorporate an adaptive management approach whereby policies and management evolve and improve over time based on new science and implementation experience.

Part II: 2015-16 Detailed Financials

Ministry Summary Information

The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change is responsible for protecting Ontario’s air, water and land and for coordinating actions across government to address climate change, by developing and implementing legislation, policies and programs in support of its vision of a healthy environment for a strong Ontario.

Table A1: Total Operating and Capital Summary by Vote

Votes/ProgramsEstimates 2015-16Change from Estimates 2014-15Change from Estimates 2014-15Estimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Operating Expense      
Ministry Administration$22,682,400($150,000)(0.7%)$22,832,400$22,832,400$22,035,944
Environmental Planning and Analysis$51,475,500($1,750,000)(3.3%)$53,225,500$53,096,600$57,489,494
Environmental Science and Information$61,929,300$509,2000.8%$61,420,100$65,397,100$64,061,308
Environmental Protection$190,260,000($1,408,100)(0.7%)$191,668,100$181,361,900$178,011,223
Less: Special Warrantsn/a($87,114,000)(100.0%)$87,114,000n/an/a
Total Operating Expense to be Voted$326,347,200$84,315,10034.8%$242,032,100$322,688,000$321,597,969
Special Warrantsn/a($87,114,000)(100.0%)$87,114,000n/an/a
Statutory Appropriations$66,014n/an/a$66,014$72,420$68,716
Ministry Total Operating Expense$326,413,214($2,798,900)(0.9%)$329,212,114$322,760,420$321,666,685
Consolidation & Other Adjustments - Ontario Clean Water Agency$168,781,100$16,610,70010.9%$152,170,400$157,524,200$151,697,891
Total Including Consolidation & Other Adjustments$495,194,314$13,811,8002.9%$481,382,514$480,284,620$473,364,576
Capital Expense      
Environmental Protection$1,608,000($110,000)(6.4%)$1,718,000$2,145,800$3,969,995
Less: Special Warrantsn/a($363,500)(100.0%)$363,500n/an/a
Total Capital Expense to be Voted$1,608,000$253,50018.7%$1,354,500$2,145,800$3,969,995
Special Warrantsn/a($363,500)(100.0%)$363,500n/an/a
Statutory Appropriations$3,415,000$186,7005.8%$3,228,300$245,600$32,284
Ministry Total Capital Expense$5,023,000$76,7001.6%$4,946,300$2,391,400$4,002,279
Consolidation & Other Adjustments - Ontario Clean Water Agency$3,047,900($868,600)(22.2%)$3,916,500$2,931,800$3,096,000
Total Including Consolidation & Other Adjustments$8,070,900($791,900)(8.9%)$8,862,800$5,323,200$7,098,279
Capital Assets      
Environmental Protection$4,570,000$2,703,000144.8%$1,867,000$5,890,900$18,919,366
Less: Special Warrantsn/a($933,500)(100.0%)$933,500n/an/a
Total Capital Assets to be Voted$4,570,000$3,636,500389.6%$933,500$5,890,900$18,919,366
Special Warrantsn/a($933,500)(100.0%)$933,500n/an/a
Ministry Total Capital Assets$4,570,000$2,703,000144.8%$1,867,000$5,890,900$18,919,366
Ministry Total Operating and Capital Including Consolidation and Other Adjustments (not including Assets)$503,265,214$13,019,9002.7%$490,245,314$485,607,820$480,462,855

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

Table A2: Operating Summary by Vote and Standard Account

Standard Account *Vote 1101
Ministry Administration
Vote 1109
Environmental Planning and Analysis
Vote 1110
Environmental Science and Information
Vote 1111
Environmental Protection
Total MinistryTotal Ministry**
Operating Expense      
Salaries and Wages$13,931,200$31,173,900$36,366,600$101,150,300$182,622,00055.9%
Employee Benefits$2,013,400$4,497,800$5,299,600$14,729,000$26,539,8008.1%
Transportation and Communications$407,600$1,733,100$2,355,100$1,795,900$6,291,7001.9%
Services$5,751,700$12,084,800$12,754,100$45,867,700$76,458,30023.4%
Supplies and Equipment$612,500$1,885,900$2,896,900$2,337,300$7,732,6002.4%
Transfer Paymentsn/a$100,000$2,257,000$24,629,800$26,986,8008.3%
Other Transactionsn/an/an/an/an/an/a
Less: Recoveries$34,000n/an/a$250,000$284,000n/a
Total Voted Operating Expense$22,682,400$51,475,500$61,929,300$190,260,000$326,347,200100.0%
Minister’s Salary, the Executive Council Act47,841n/an/an/a$47,841n/a
Parliamentary Assistant’s Salary, the Executive Council Act$16,173n/an/an/a$16,173n/a
Bad Debt Expense, the Financial Administration Act$1,000n/an/a$1,000$2,000n/a
Total Statutory Appropriations$65,014n/an/a$1,000$66,014n/a
Total Operating Expense$22,747,414$51,475,500$61,929,300$190,261,000$326,413,214100.0%
Percent of Total Ministry7.0%15.8%19.0%58.3%100.0%n/a

* Including Statutory Appropriations
** Percentage of ministry total excludes Recoveries

2015-16 Estimates - Ministry Budget by Program (Operating and Capital) ($ Millions)

A pie chart of the total Ministry budget by program (operating and capital) divided as such: Statutory Appropriations, $3.5 million, 1.1%; Ministry Administration, $22.7 million, 6.8%; Environmental Planning & Analysis, $51.5 million, 15.5%; Environmental Science & Information, $61.9 million, 18.7%; and Environmental Protection, $191.9 million, 57.9%. The sum of all parts total a ministry budget of $331.4 million (excluding assets). Total may not add due to rounding.

2015-16 Estimates - Ministry Budget by Standard Account (Operating and Capital) ($ Millions)

A pie chart of the total Ministry budget by standard account (operating and capital) divided as such: Statutory Appropriations, $3.5 million, 1.1%; Capital, $1.6 million, 0.5%; Salaries and Wages, $182.6 million, 55.1%; Benefits, $26.5 million, 8.0%; ODOE, $90.4 million, 27.3%; and Transfer Payments, $26.7 million, 8.1%. The sum of all parts total a ministry budget of $331.4 million (excluding assets). Total may not add due to rounding.

Table A3: Capital Summary by Vote and Standard Account

Standard Account *Vote 1111
Environmental Protection
Total MinistryTotal Ministry**
Capital Expense   
Services$177,000$177,0003.5%
Other Transactions$4,846,000$4,846,00096.5%
Total$5,023,000$5,023,000100.0%
Percent of Total Ministry100.0%100.0%n/a
Capital Assets   
Machinery and Equipment$1,570,000$1,570,00034.4%
Business Application Software$3,000,000$3,000,00065.6%
Less: Recoveriesn/an/an/a
Total$4,570,000$4,570,000100.0%
Percent of Total Ministry100.0%100.0%n/a

* Including Statutory Appropriations
** Percentage of ministry total excludes Recoveries

Table A4: Reconciliation to Previously Published Data

Operating ExpenseEstimates 2014-15Actual 2013-14
Total Operating Expense Previously Published *$329,212,114$327,118,085
Government Reorganization:  
Transfer of functions from other Ministriesn/an/a
Transfer of functions to other Ministriesn/a($5,451,400)
Restated Total Operating Expense$329,212,114$321,666,685

* Total Operating Expense includes Statutory Appropriations, Special Warrants and total operating expense to be voted.

1101 - Ministry Administration

Vote: 1101
Vote: Ministry Administration

Description: This vote includes overall ministry business management support, including related strategic leadership and advice to support the achievement of government and ministry priorities.

The Items for Ministry Administration Vote is:

  • Ministry Administration

Operating

Vote/ProgramEstimates 2015-16Change from 2014-15 EstimatesChange from 2014-15 EstimatesEstimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Operating Expense      
Ministry Administration$22,682,400($150,000)(0.7%)$22,832,400$22,832,400$22,035,944
Total Including Special Warrants$22,682,400($150,000)(0.7%)$22,832,400$22,832,400$22,035,944
Less: Special Warrantsn/a($8,141,800)(100.0%)$8,141,800n/an/a
Total Operating Expense to be Voted$22,682,400$7,991,80054.4%$14,690,600$22,832,400$22,035,944
Special Warrantsn/a($8,141,800)(100.0%)$8,141,800n/an/a
S Minister’s Salary, the Executive Council Act$47,841n/an/a$47,841$47,841$49,301
S Parliamentary Assistant’s Salary, the Executive Council Act$16,173n/an/a$16,173$16,173$16,667
S Bad Debt Expense, the Financial Administration Act$1,000n/an/a$1,000n/an/a
Total Statutory Appropriations$65,014n/an/a$65,014$64,014$65,968
Total Operating Expense$22,747,414($150,000)(0.7%)$22,897,414$22,896,414$22,101,912

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

Vote/Item: 1101-01
Vote: Ministry Administration
Item: Ministry Administration
Type: Operating Expense

Description:

  • Ministry Administration provides management leadership and strategic advice including results-based planning, financial management, controllership, human resource management, legal counsel, communications, audit services, French language services, and administrative services in support of all business areas.
  • Ministry Administration enables the ministry to deliver its core business and achieve its vision.

Operating Expense

Standard AccountEstimates 2015-16Change from 2014-15 EstimatesChange from 2014-15 EstimatesEstimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Salaries and Wages$13,931,200n/an/a$13,931,200$13,088,300$13,363,424
Employee Benefits$2,013,400n/an/a$2,013,400$1,924,000$1,939,424
Transportation and Communication$407,600n/an/a$407,600$407,600$364,972
Services$5,751,700($150,000)(2.5%)$5,901,700$6,834,000$6,116,912
Supplies and Equipment$612,500n/an/a$612,500$612,500$285,212
Less: Recoveries$34,000n/an/a$34,000$34,000$34,000
Total$22,682,400($150,000)(0.7%)$22,832,400$22,832,400$22,035,944

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

Explanation for Change from 2014-15 EstimatesAmount
Maturation of One-Time Investments to Reduce Accommodations Footprint($150,000)
Total Change($150,000)

1109 - Environmental Planning & Analysis

Vote: 1109
Vote: Environmental Planning & Analysis

Description: This Vote is responsible for the planning and analysis required for the development, implementation and integration of the policy, program design and program delivery functions of the ministry to support the achievement of government and ministry priorities.

The Items for the Environmental Planning and Analysis Vote are:

  • Environmental Planning and Analysis
  • Program Design and Implementation Planning

Operating

Vote/ProgramEstimates 2015-16Change from 2014-15 EstimatesChange from 2014-15 EstimatesEstimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Operating Expense      
Environmental Planning and Analysis$27,487,100n/an/a$27,487,100$26,798,400$26,739,214
Program Design and Implementation$23,988,400($1,750,000)(6.8%)$25,738,400$26,298,200$30,750,280
Total Including Special Warrants$51,475,500($1,750,000)(3.3%)$53,225,500$53,096,600$57,489,494
Less: Special Warrantsn/a($17,616,900)(100.0%)$17,616,900n/an/a
Total Operating Expense to be Voted$51,475,500$15,866,90044.6%$35,608,600$53,096,600$57,489,494
Special Warrantsn/a($17,616,900)(100.0%)$17,616,900n/an/a
Total Operating Expense$51,475,500($1,750,000)(3.3%)$53,225,500$53,096,600$57,489,494

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

2015-16 Estimates - Environmental Planning and Analysis Budget by Item ($ Millions)

A pie chart of the environmental planning and analysis total budget by item divided as such: Program Design and Implementation Planning, $24.0 million, 46.6%; and Environmental Planning and Analysis, $27.5 million, 53.4%. The sum of all parts total a budget of $51.5 million. Total may not add due to rounding.

Vote/Item: 1109-01
Vote: Environmental Planning and Analysis
Item: Environmental Planning and Analysis
Type: Operating Expense

Description:

  • Integrates the corporate planning and policy functions including working with government and external stakeholders to support the government’s environmental agenda.
  • Heads the government’s efforts in developing and implementing measures on climate change in support of the government’s Climate Change Action Plan and Climate Ready Plan, its plan for adaptation.
  • Leads the development of the province’s Cap & Trade program, working with key partner ministries, key emitting sectors, and technical experts.
  • Conducts strategic policy and program delivery research and analysis to identify emerging issues and solutions to address environmental challenges and to achieve positive environmental outcomes.

Operating Expense

Standard AccountEstimates 2015-16Change from 2014-15 EstimatesChange from 2014-15 EstimatesEstimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Salaries and Wages$15,673,500n/an/a$15,673,500$13,572,200$13,320,215
EmployeeBenefits$2,262,100n/an/a$2,262,100$1,995,100$2,026,924
Transportation and Communication$531,800n/an/a$531,800$531,800$311,550
Services$8,334,600n/an/a$8,334,600$10,014,200$8,393,091
Supplies and Equipment$685,100n/an/a$685,100$685,100$2,687,434
Total$27,487,100n/an/a$27,487,100$26,798,400$26,739,214

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

Vote/Item: 1109-02
Vote: Environmental Planning and Analysis
Item: Program Design and Implementation Planning
Type: Operating Expense

Description

  • Designs and develops innovative environmental programs which integrate policy, science, compliance and enforcement elements to address environmental challenges and to achieve positive environmental outcomes.
  • Provides leadership and oversight of the development and delivery of streamlined government-to-business services while maintaining high standards of environmental protection.
  • Supports ministry efforts and Aboriginal consultation and engagement.

Operating Expense

Standard AccountEstimates 2015-16Change from 2014-15 EstimatesChange from 2014-15 EstimatesEstimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Salaries and Wages$15,500,400n/an/a$15,500,400$15,155,900$14,994,648
Employee Benefits$2,235,700n/an/a$2,235,700$2,227,900$2,249,197
Transportation and Communication$1,201,300n/an/a$1,201,300$834,700$237,728
Services$3,750,200n/an/a$3,750,200$4,310,000$2,414,830
Supplies and Equipment$1,200,800n/an/a$1,200,800$1,200,800$685,875
Transfer Payments      
Grants Supporting Dialogue, Engagement & Collaboration$100,000n/an/a$100,000$100,000$95,000
Grants Supporting the Collection and Management of Household Hazardous Wastesn/a($1,750,000)(100.0%)$1,750,000$992,100$4,680,464
Grants Supporting Environmental Partnerships and Actionn/an/a n/a1,476,7005,392,538
Total$23,988,400($1,750,000)(6.8%)$25,738,400$26,298,100$30,750,280

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

Explanation for Change from 2014-15 EstimatesAmount
Transition of the Municipal Hazardous and Special Waste Program to an Extended Producer Responsibility Framework($1,750,000)
Total Change($1,750,000)

1110 - Environmental Science and Information

Vote/Item: 1110
Vote: Environmental Science and Information

Description: This Vote is responsible for monitoring the state of Ontario’s environment through scientific field studies and laboratory and technological development and analysis; developing environmental standards, guidelines and innovative environmental practices; and regular and transparent reporting to the public and stakeholders.

The Item for the Environmental Science and Information Vote is:

  • Environmental Science and Information

Operating

Vote/ProgramEstimates 2015-16Change from 2014-15 EstimatesChange from 2014-15 EstimatesEstimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Operating Expense      
Environmental Science and Information$61,929,300$509,2000.8%$61,420,100$65,397,100$64,061,308
Total Including Special Warrants$61,929,300$509,2000.8%$61,420,100$65,397,100$64,061,308
Less: Special Warrantsn/a($15,969,200)(100.0%)$15,969,200n/an/a
Total Operating Expense to be Voted$61,929,300$16,478,40036.3%$45,450,900$65,397,100$64,061,308
Special Warrantsn/a($15,969,200)(100.0%)$15,969,200n/an/a
Total Operating Expense$61,929,300$509,2000.83%$61,420,100$65,397,100$64,061,308

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

Vote/Item: 1110-01
Vote: Environmental Science And Information
Item: Environmental Science And Information
Type: Operating Expense

Description:

  • Delivery of the ministry’s science, technology, and analytical programs to support the ministry’s leadership role in environmental management and protection.
  • Identification and monitoring of environmental conditions that contribute to our understanding of the state of Ontario’s environment to provide scientific evidence that supports decision-making and information sharing.
  • Develops environmental standards and guidelines to protect human, environmental and ecosystem health.
  • Provides leadership and program delivery for information management and information technology in support of achievement of government and ministry priorities.
  • Supports information sharing with the public to enhance citizen participation in government decision making, fulfill consultation duties and to ensure accountability and transparency regarding ministry programs and decision-making.

Operating Expense

Standard AccountEstimates 2015-16Change from 2014-15 EstimatesChange from 2014-15 EstimatesEstimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Salaries and Wages$36,366,600n/an/a$36,366,600$35,516,900$34,706,252
Employee Benefits$5,299,600n/an/a$5,299,600$5,220,900$5,204,938
Transportation and Communication$2,355,100n/an/a$2,355,100$2,727,600$1,204,767
Services$12,754,100$509,2004.2%$12,244,900$15,721,000$17,890,652
Supplies and Equipment$2,896,900n/an/a$2,896,900$4,629,600$2,788,629
Transfer Payments      
Grants for Action on Climate Change$255,000n/an/a$255,000$806,100$249,500
Grants for Environmental Research Chairs$807,500n/an/a$807,500n/a$800,000
Grants Supporting Science and Technical Research$1,194,500n/an/a$1,194,500$775,000$1,216,570
Total$61,929,300$509,2000.8%$61,420,100$65,397,100$64,061,308

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

Explanation for Change from 2014-15 EstimatesAmount
Environmental Monitoring, Approvals and Compliance Activities Related to Ring of Fire Development$1,162,400
Additional Resources in Support of the Renewable Energy Approvals Program$100,000
Completion of Modernizing Access to Property Information Initiative($750,000)
Organizational Realignment of Funds($3,200)
Total Change$509,200

1111 - Environmental Protection

Vote/Item: 1111
Vote: Environmental Protection

Description: This Vote is responsible for protecting the quality of Ontario’s air, water and land through administration of ministry approvals, environmental assessment, permitting, and licensing programs; conducting investigation and enforcement actions; and capital investments in support of environmental protection.

The Items for the Environmental Protection Vote include:

  • Environmental Approvals
  • Environmental Compliance
  • Environmental Programs
  • Capital
  • Capital Environmental Clean-Up
  • Environmental Remediation
  • Capital Assets

Operating

Vote/ProgramEstimates 2015-16Change from 2014-15 EstimatesChange from 2014-15 EstimatesEstimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Operating Expense      
Environmental Approvals$24,849,800($930,000)(3.6%)$25,779,800$25,350,500$25,829,965
Environmental Compliance$113,787,200$271,9000.2%$113,515,300$104,243,700$107,221,716
Environmental Programs$51,623,000($750,000)(1.4%)$52,373,000$51,767,700$44,959,542
Total Including Special Warrants$190,260,000($1,408,100)(0.7%)$191,668,100$181,361,900$178,011,223
Less: Special Warrantsn/a($45,386,100)(100.0%)$45,386,100n/an/a
Total Operating Expense to be Voted$190,260,000$43,978,00030.1%$146,282,000$181,361,900$178,011,223
Special Warrantsn/a($45,386,100)(100.0%)$45,386,100n/an/a
Bad Debt Expense, the Financial Administration Act1,000n/an/a$1,000$8,406$2,748
Total Statutory Appropriations$1,000n/an/a$1,000$8,406$2,748
Total Operating Expense$190,261,000($1,408,100)(0.7%)$191,669,100$181,370,306$178,013,971

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

Capital

Vote/ProgramEstimates 2015-16Change from 2014-15 EstimatesChange from 2014-15 EstimatesEstimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Capital Expense      
Capital$1,431,000($111,000)(7.2%)$1,542,000$1,929,200$3,713,133
Capital Environmental Clean-up$176,000n/an/a$176,000$216,600$256,862
Environmental Remediation$1,000$1,000n/an/an/an/a
Total Including Special Warrants$1,608,000($110,000)(6.4%)$1,718,000$2,145,800$3,969,995
Less: Special Warrantsn/a($363,500)(100.0%)$363,500n/an/a
Total Capital Expense to be Voted$1,608,000$253,50018.7%$1,354,500$2,145,800.00$3,969,995
Special Warrantsn/a($363,500)(100.0%)$363,500n/an/a
Amortization Expense, the Financial Administration Act$3,415,000$186,7005.8%$3,228,300$245,600$32,284
Total Statutory Appropriations$3,415,000$186,7005.8%$3,228,300$245,600.00$32,284
Ministry Total Capital Expense$5,023,000$76,7001.6%$4,946,300$2,391,400.00$4,002,279
Capital Assets      
Capital Assets$4,570,000$2,703,000144.8%$1,867,000$5,890,900$18,919,366
Less: Special Warrantsn/a($933,500)(100.0%)$933,500n/an/a
Total Capital Assets to be Voted$4,570,000$3,636,500389.6%$933,500$5,890,900$18,919,366
Special Warrantsn/a($933,500)(100.0%)$933,500n/an/a
Total Capital Assets$4,570,000$2,703,000144.78%$1,867,000$5,890,900$18,919,366

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

2015-16 Estimates - Environmental Protection Budget By Item ($ Millions)

A pie chart of the total environment protection budget by item divided as such: Environmental Remediation, $0.0 million, 0.0%; Environmental Protection - Statutory Appropriations, $3.4 million, 1.7%; Environmental Approvals, $24.8 million, 12.7%; Environmental Compliance, $113.8 million, 58.3%; Environmental Programs, $51.6 million, 26.4%; Capital, $1.4 million, 0.7%; and Capital Environmental Clean-Up, $0.2 million, 0.1%. The sum of all parts total a environment protection budget of $195.3 million (excluding capital assets). Operating total: $190.3 million. Capital total: $1.6 million. Amortization: $3.4 million. Total may not add due to rounding.

Vote/Item: 1111-01
Vote: Environmental Protection
Item: Environmental Approvals
Type: Operating Expense

Description:

  • Provides leadership and program delivery for the review of approvals applications; oversight of the environmental assessment process; and regulating, permitting or licensing activities to ensure the environment is protected while supporting economic development.
  • Assessing and reviewing approval applications, ensuring projects adhere to relevant environmental regulations.
  • Regulating activities that may have an adverse impact on the environment.
  • Supporting economic development activities through efficient and effective integration of environmental approval processes and resources.
  • Supporting sound decision-making to ensure that environmental assessments identify benefits and potential impacts to Ontario’s environment.

Operating Expense

Standard AccountEstimates 2015-16Change from 2014-15 EstimatesChange from 2014-15 EstimatesEstimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Salaries and Wages$15,847,500n/an/a$15,847,500$15,780,300$15,743,479
Employee Benefits$2,286,200n/an/a$2,286,200$2,319,700$2,361,523
Transportation and Communication$241,100n/an/a$241,100$202,300$279,740
Services$6,122,200($930,000)(13.2%)$7,052,200$6,767,200$7,385,888
Supplies and Equipment$352,800n/an/a$352,800$281,000$59,335
Total$24,849,800($930,000)(3.6%)$25,779,800$25,350,500$25,829,965

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

Explanation for Change from 2014-15 EstimatesAmount
Environmental Monitoring, Approvals and Compliance Activities Related to Ring of Fire Development$30,000
Maturation of One-Time Investments to Reduce Accommodations Footprint($960,000)
Total Change($930,000)

Vote/Item: 1111-02
Vote: Environmental Protection
Item: Environmental Compliance
Type: Operating Expense

Description:

  • Provides leadership, oversight and program delivery for the ministry inspection, investigation and enforcement activities.
  • Delivery of education and outreach to the public and stakeholders to increase awareness of environmental issues and to improve compliance.
  • Identification and monitoring of contaminated sites that pose significant threats to human health and the environment.
  • Provides province-wide coordination for the management of spills and environmental emergencies; develops and implements ministry internal emergency management, continuity of operations and physical security requirements.
  • Working with other compliance-based ministries to protect the environment and human health.

Operating Expense

Standard AccountEstimates 2015-16Change from 2014-15 EstimatesChange from 2014-15 EstimatesEstimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Salaries and Wages$79,169,900n/an/a$79,169,900$73,638,300$75,617,356
Employee Benefits$11,584,200n/an/a$11,584,200$10,944,200$11,379,122
Transportation and Communication$897,600n/an/a$897,600$897,600$1,866,356
Services$18,116,800$271,9001.5%$17,844,900$17,844,900$17,033,881
Supplies and Equipment$918,700n/an/a$918,700$918,700$1,325,001
Transfer Payments      
Grants for Walkerton Clean Water Centre$3,000,000n/an/a$3,000,000n/an/a
Community Remediation and Restoration$350,000n/an/a$350,000$228,200$171,338
Less: Recoveries$250,000n/an/a$250,000$228,200$171,338
Total$113,787,200$271,9000.2%$113,515,300$104,243,700$107,221,716

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

Explanation for Change from 2014-15 EstimatesAmount
Incremental Increase in Chargebacks from MTO Under Centralized Fleet Program$171,900
Environmental Monitoring, Approvals and Compliance Activities Related to Ring of Fire Development$70,000
Additional Resources in Support of the Water/Wastewater Certification Program$30,000
Total Change$271,900

Vote/Item: 1111-03
Vote: Environmental Protection
Item: Environmental Programs
Type: Operating Expense

Description:

  • Provides program design, management and delivery of Ontario’s Drive Clean program to improve air quality by reducing emissions of harmful smog-causing pollutants through a mandatory vehicle emissions testing program.
  • Helps reduce risk to drinking water by protecting sources of drinking water through locally developed source protection plans, support to Conservation Authorities, and provide funding to small, rural municipalities to support implementation of source protection policies.
  • Provides leadership, oversight and management in the implementation of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan including setting a new standard for watershed protection, identifying best management practices and providing guidance for their adoption.
  • Helps to cooperatively deliver a federal-provincial Great Lakes Program under the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health (COA).

Operating Expense

Standard AccountEstimates 2015-16Change from 2014-15 EstimatesChange from 2014-15 EstimatesEstimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Salaries and Wages$6,132,900n/an/a$6,132,900$4,920,300$5,052,583
Employee Benefits$858,600n/an/a$858,600$723,300$757,887
Transportation and Communication$657,200n/an/a$657,200$449,700$206,481
Services$21,628,700n/an/a$21,628,700$22,923,700$20,414,075
Supplies and Equipment$1,065,800n/an/a$1,065,800$575,100$1,455,755
Transfer Payments      
Grants for Source Protection$21,279,800($750,000)(3.4%)$22,029,800$22,175,600$17,072,761
Total$51,623,000($750,000)(1.4%)$52,373,000$51,767,700$44,959,542

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

Explanation for Change from 2014-15 EstimatesAmount
Return of Resources to Source Protection Program Previously Re-Profiled to Manage other Program Pressures$750,000
Planned Year Over YearChange to Source Protection Municipal Implementation Fund (2013 Budget Initiative)($1,500,000)
Total Change($750,000)

Vote/Item: 1111-04
Vote: Environmental Protection
Item: Capital
Type: Capital Expense

Description:

  • Capital investments to support environmental protection, including scientific analysis and monitoring infrastructure, accommodations, and other projects.

Capital Expense

Standard AccountEstimates 2015-16Change from 2014-15 EstimatesChange from 2014-15 EstimatesEstimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Salaries and Wagesn/an/a n/an/an/a
Employee Benefitsn/an/a n/an/an/a
Transportation and Communicationn/an/a n/an/an/a
Servicesn/an/a n/an/an/a
Supplies and Equipmentn/an/a n/an/an/a
Transfer Paymentsn/an/a n/an/an/a
Grants for Source Protectionn/an/a n/an/a$2,010,000
Other Transactions$1,431,000($111,000)(7.2%)$1,542,000$1,929,200$1,703,133
Total$1,431,000($111,000)(7.2%)$1,542,000$1,929,200$3,713,133

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

Explanation for Change from 2014-15 EstimatesAmount
Reduced Laboratory and Monitoring Equipment Acquisitions($111,000)
Total Change($111,000)

Vote/Item: 1111-05
Vote: Environmental Protection
Item: Capital Environmental Clean-Up Fund
Type: Capital Expense

Description:

  • Capital investments to support long-term maintenance and clean-up of contaminated sites in Ontario where a responsible party cannot be identified.
Standard AccountEstimates 2015-16Change from 2014-15 EstimatesChange from 2014-15 EstimatesEstimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Salaries and Wagesn/an/a n/an/an/a
Employee Benefitsn/an/a n/an/an/a
Transportation and Communicationn/an/a n/an/an/a
Services**$176,000176,000100.0%n/an/an/a
Supplies and Equipmentn/an/a n/an/an/a
Transfer Paymentsn/an/a n/an/an/a
Other Transactionsn/a($176,000)(100.0%)$176,000$216,600$256,862
Total$176,000n/an/a$176,000$216,600$256,862

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

**To reflect a technical change to the standard accounts in the 2015-16 Printed Estimates, based on activities in this Vote/Item.

Vote/Item: 1111-07
Vote: Environmental Protection
Item: Environmental Remediation
Type: Capital Expense

Description:

  • Capital investments to support costs related to potential new contaminated sites as a result of the adoption of a new accounting standard for the recognition of liabilities for contaminated sites for the Province of Ontario.

Capital Expense

Standard AccountEstimates 2015-16Change from 2014-15 EstimatesChange from 2014-15 EstimatesEstimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Salaries and Wagesn/an/a n/an/an/a
Employee Benefitsn/an/a n/an/an/a
Transportation and Communicationn/an/a n/an/an/a
Services$1,000$1,000100.0%n/an/an/a
Supplies and Equipmentn/an/a n/an/an/a
Transfer Paymentsn/an/a n/an/an/a
Other Transactionsn/an/a n/an/an/a
Less: Recoveriesn/an/a n/an/an/a
Total$1,000$1,000100.0%n/an/an/a

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

Explanation for Change from 2014-15 EstimatesAmount
Creation of new item for potential new contaminated sites investments$1,000
Total Change$1,000

Vote/Item: 1111-06
Vote: Environmental Protection
Item: Capital Assets
Type: Capital Assets

Description:

  • Capital investments including land, buildings, equipment, fleet and leasehold improvements.

Capital Asset

Standard AccountEstimates 2015-16Change from 2014-15 EstimatesChange from 2014-15 EstimatesEstimates 2014-15 *Interim Actuals 2014-15 *Actuals 2013-14 *
Landn/an/a n/an/an/a
Buildingsn/an/a n/an/an/a
Transportation Infrastructuren/an/a n/an/an/a
Dams and Engineering Structuresn/an/a n/an/an/a
Machinery and Equipment$1,570,000($297,000)(15.9%)$1,867,000$1,867,000$2,344,829
Information Technology Hardwaren/an/a n/an/an/a
Business Application Software$3,000,000$3,000,000100.0%n/a$4,023,900$15,696,394
Land and Marine Fleetn/an/a n/an/a$878,143
Aircraftn/an/a n/an/an/a
Total$4,570,000$2,703,000144.8%$1,867,000$5,890,900$18,919,366

* Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.

Explanation for Change from 2014-15 EstimatesAmount
Modernization of Hazardous Waste IT System$3,000,000
Reduced Laboratory and Monitoring Equipment Acquisitions($297,000)
Total Change$2,703,000

Appendix: Annual Report 2014-15

2014-15 Achievements

During 2014-15, the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change undertook many initiatives and activities to fight climate change and protect Ontario’s water, land and air to bring about the ministry’s vision: a healthy environment for a strong Ontario.

Combating Climate Change and Protecting Ontario’s Air

Based on current data, Ontario surpassed its previously established target for 2014 of six per cent below 1990 emission levels this past year. We also successfully achieved our goal of ending coal-fired electricity generation by the end of 2014.

In February 2015, the ministry initiated consultations on a new climate change strategy with the posting of the province’s Climate Change Discussion Paper on Ontario’s Environment Registry. At that time, the commitment in the Minister’s mandate letter related to a new long term climate change strategy for Ontario was restated, as was a commitment to move to a carbon pricing regime.

During Ontario’s comprehensive public and stakeholder consultations on climate change, more than 1,500 people attended in-person consultations across the province, and more than 300 ideas and 31,000 votes were submitted through the online consultation tool.

On July 9, 2014, the Government of Ontario re-introduced the Ending Coal for Cleaner Air Act, presently in second reading. If passed, the legislation would mean coal-burning at standalone generation facilities will never happen again. This would help ensure the public health and climate change benefits of ending coal-fired electricity are protected. Phasing out coal-fired electricity generation was the single largest climate change initiative undertaken in North America, reducing greenhouse emissions by up to up to 30 megatonnes annually – equivalent to taking 7 million cars off the road.

Ontario built on existing and developed new partnerships to fight climate change. In November 2014, Ontario and Quebec signed a Memorandum of Understanding on concerted climate change action, while in December, California, Quebec and British Columbia committed to collaborate on mid-term greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Ontario’s greener diesel rules continue to fight climate change and improve air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and smog-causing pollutants in cars, trucks and boats. The rules, among the strictest in North America, went into effect April 1, 2014 and are being phased in over three years. By 2017, Ontario’s greener diesel approach is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 600,000 tonnes a year – equivalent to taking 140,000 cars off the road.

The 2013 Air Quality in Ontario report noted continued improvement in Ontario’s air quality and for the first time in 20 years no smog advisories were issued due to ozone.

New and updated air standards for 68 contaminants have been introduced in the last decade. Of these, all are now in effect except for nine, which come into effect in July 2016.

The ministry also consulted on a proposal to make it easier for large industrial facilities — steel mills, lime operations and cement kilns — to use cleaner alternative fuels to replace coal. By reducing coal use, these facilities could reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 5 to 10 per cent while ensuring Ontario’s strong air quality standards are met.

Ontario’s new on-board diagnostic Drive Clean test more accurately and more quickly identifies emission problems and the repairs needed to fix them. Part of Ontario’s efforts to reduce smog and promote healthier communities, Drive Clean keeps approximately 35,000 tonnes of smog-causing pollutants out of the air every year.

Combating climate change and protecting and enhancing air quality requires cooperation and collaboration by many jurisdictions and organizations. Ontario continues to work on implementing a national Air Quality Management System as proposed by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment.

Protecting Ontario’s Water

The province continues to take strong action to protect Ontario’s drinking water from source to tap. Ontario’s drinking water safety net ensures that the province’s water is among the best protected in the world.

Strong legislation, stringent standards, regular and reliable testing, highly trained operators, transparent public reporting and regular inspections all work together to ensure our drinking water and sources is safe.

The 2013-14 Chief Drinking Water Inspector’s Annual Report confirmed that Ontario drinking water systems continue to provide high quality drinking water. In 2013-14, 99.83 per cent of the more than 527,000 drinking water test results from municipal residential drinking water systems met Ontario’s rigorous, health-based standards. Ontario is proud of its drinking water safety net, which safeguards water from source to tap. One of the safeguards is the source protection program that addresses contamination risks to municipal drinking water sources.

All 22 source protection plans have been submitted to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change for approval and as of March 31, 2015, 15 of these plans have been approved. The remaining plans are on track for approval by the end of 2015, which will protect more than 450 municipal drinking water systems.

The $13.5 million Source Protection Municipal Implementation Fund gave grants to small, rural communities to help pay for start-up costs to do with plan implementation. Grants ranging from $15,000 to $100,000 were provided to 188 small, rural municipalities. In addition, municipalities were eligible for up to $15,000 for collaborating with other municipalities.

Great Lakes

On February 25, 2013, the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change reintroduced proposed strengthened legislation that, if passed, would provide new tools to help restore and protect the Great Lakes so they stay drinkable, swimmable and fishable. The ministry also released Ontario’s Great Lakes Strategy on December 17, 2012 and began implementing actions focused on community engagement, water protection, coastal and beach improvements and innovative economic opportunities.

The Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund supported grass roots groups by awarding $4.5 million in grants to 221 community-based projects since 2012-13. These local projects are helping protect water quality, improve wetlands, beaches and coastal areas, and protecting habitat and species.

A new Canada Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health (COA) was signed in December 2014. Ontario successfully delivered year 2 of the 5 year COA/Great Lakes Strategy work plan including more than 200 Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Natural resources and Forestry and Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs projects that support Ontario’s commitments in the Great Lakes Strategy and the 2014 COA.

The ministry consulted on proposed measures to strengthen the protection of the Great Lakes by regulating water transfers from one Great Lake watershed to another. Following consultation, Ontario fully implemented the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement through legislative and regulatory amendments. This agreement helps ensure a healthy Great Lakes Basin by banning water diversions, regulating the water withdrawals, consumptive uses and transfers of water between Great Lakes watersheds based on common environmental standards; developing and implementing basin-wide water conservation goals, objectives and programs; and improving science and information sharing.

Pollinator Health

In late 2014 the ministry released a discussion paper on pollinator health for comment over 61 days on the Environmental Registry. Consultation sessions were held in December 2014 and January 2015 to seek input from a wide range of interested parties, including farmers, the agribusiness sector, the pesticide industry, academics and First Nations.

In March 2015 the Ministry posted a proposed regulation on the Environmental Registry for public comment. If approved, it would take effect July 1, 2015. The intent of the proposed regulation is to reduce the number of acres planted with neonicotinoid insecticide treated corn and soybean seeds by 80 percent by 2017. It is also an important first step in developing a broader, multi-ministry pollinator health action plan that will examine key stressors that can affect pollinator health, including pesticide exposure, loss of habitat and nutrition, climate change, and disease, pests and genetics

Putting Environmental Penalties to Good Use

The Ontario Community Environment Fund uses penalties collected from environmental violations to fund projects that help improve the environment. In 2014, environmental protection projects were awarded in 11 affected communities. Funded projects (12 projects) included restoring riparian areas, education and awareness and research about water quality and environmental restoration, improving waterway habitats, planting trees, and controlling invasive species.

Minister’s Award for Environmental Excellence

In 2014-15 Ontario honoured nine organizations with the Minister’s Award for Environmental Excellence for demonstrating their strong commitment to environmental excellence by using innovative approaches and new technologies to protect the Great Lakes and the environment.

Enabling Research to Continue in the Experimental Lakes Area

Ontario is keeping the Experimental Lakes Area in northwestern Ontario open by committing up to $2 million a year to cover expenses to allow experiments to proceed while ensuring the environment is protected.

Scientists from around the world conduct important research in the ELA to better understand the many threats to fresh water. Earlier research sounded the alarm on acid rain, algae blooms in fresh waters, and other environmental challenges.

Best in Science

Ontario supported 13 scientific projects through its Best in Science program, aiding research relevant to Ontario’s environmental priorities. Projects range from studying phosphorus management in the Great Lakes, to assessing the impact of pollution exposure on children whose schools have drop-off areas, to finding a new way to test for viruses that cause waterborne illness.

Waste Resource Recovery and Land Quality

Ontarians’ efforts on waste diversion have achieved mixed results. Every year we divert 25 per cent of our waste or approximately three million tonnes of waste out of our landfills and waterways.

The government is developing new legislation for waste reduction and resource recovery. If passed, the proposed legislation will lead to increased waste diversion.

Much of our success is in the residential sector where approximately 47% of household waste is being diverted. However, the recycling rate for the industrial, commercial and institutional (IC&I) sectors is only 11%.

To address the lack of progress in diverting waste in the IC&I sectors, the ministry is identifying key tools to move forward with diversion in the IC&I sectors including reviewing the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) regulations.

In addition, the government has released a draft Waste Reduction Strategy, which would act as a road map for removing the current barriers to increasing diversion, and harnessing the environmental and economic value of waste. The strategy describes Ontario’s vision, desired outcomes, and concrete actions, including the implementation of the proposed legislation (if passed).

The ministry publicly consulted on proposed new environmental standards and other requirements for end-of-life vehicle recycling facilities. The proposed standards would ensure processors remove liquid and hazardous materials such as oil, antifreeze, mercury switches from vehicles and managed them properly.

Contaminated Sites

The cleanup of the abandoned gold mine and industrial complex at the Deloro Mine site in Eastern Ontario is progressing. At the end of 2014-15, over 75% of the hazardous waste to be cleaned up in the industrial and mining area of the site had been excavated and contained. The base layer of the engineered containment cell for the contaminated sediment in the Young’s Creek area was constructed. The goal of the cleanup is to isolate and contain historical waste at the abandoned mine site and keep it out of the Moira River.

Reducing Toxics in the Environment

Information from more than 1,000 facilities about their use, creation and release of toxics was made available on the ministry’s website. Summaries of facility toxics reduction plans are also available on the website. In fact, 40 per cent of facilities are taking voluntary actions to reduce one or more of the toxic substances they use in their production of goods. Under the Toxics Reduction Act, companies must track, quantify and report the amount of toxics they use, create and release and prepare plans to identify and assess opportunities for reducing the use and creation of toxics.

The first and second Minister’s Annual Report on Toxics Reduction were released. An online tool was launched to track and map toxics around the province, toxic reduction actions taken by facilities and to provide more information to Ontarians.

Modernizing Environmental Approvals

The ministry continued to develop and improve its new environmental approvals program, implementing the electronic Environmental Compliance Approval System (eECAS) to modernize service delivery to clients.. Working closely with the regulated community, staff evaluated additional activities and sectors for the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry process.

As of April 2015, more than 3,500 registrations were filed for six eligible activities/sectors, saving businesses an estimated $26.3 million.

Staff worked in other areas to streamline processes to reduce regulatory burdens, clarify rules and regulations, and provide more efficient customer service. Examples include:

  • Implementation of service delivery and regulatory changes that enabled end to end electronic submission, review and approval of the Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) supported by staff and external client training..
  • Public consultations on proposed new environmental standards and other requirements for end-of-life vehicle recycling facilities and short term water taking activities.

Effective Monitoring, Compliance and Enforcement

The ministry employs the tools and practices of a modern regulator to ensure compliance program delivery is prioritized based on risk analyses designed to prevent and mitigate environmental concerns.

Inspection activities included over 8,900 inspections across the province in 2014-15. The ministry’s regional offices conducted over 4,000 proactive and responsive inspections in 2014-15.

Greening Internal Operations

The ministry continues to use green natural gas and green electricity at 135 St. Clair Avenue and 125 Resources Road. Green electricity is produced from low-carbon fuels; green natural gas comes from decaying organic matter in landfills, e.g., orange peels, egg shells or grass clippings. Both buildings meet all their heating, cooling and electrical needs through green energy.

Table 3: Ministry Interim Actual Expenditures 2014-15

 Ministry Interim* Actual Expenditures 2014-15
Operating$322.7604M
Capital$2.3914M
FTE Cap** (as of March 31, 2014) 
Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change2,021.88
Ontario Clean Water Agency658.48

* Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.
** Ontario Public Service Full-Time Equivalent positions.