Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks Streamlines Access to Environmental Property Information
About the Art
Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture was inspired by nature and how modern living could harmonize with our home’s surroundings. His innovative designs considered the environment they nestled into. Instead of forcing themselves into the landscape, Wright’s homes utilize their surroundings for environmentally friendly home “technology” like cool ventilation from cross breezes in warmer months, consideration of natural resources like water and trees, and natural light. Painted in an artistic style iconic to Ontario, this piece pays homage to this approach to ecology-minded living.
Digital painting by Aedán Crooke of Surface Impression. No AI was used in the creation of these original artworks.
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks’ (MECP) Environmental Property Information (EPI) program is a new digital service providing streamlined access to the ministry’s environmental property records.
Historically, the ministry received an average of 9,000 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests annually where 95 per cent were related to obtaining property records. It’s clear that there is a significant public interest in detailed information about the environmental conditions of properties, including soil conditions, natural water supply and spills.
To improve access and transparency, the ministry launched the EPI program in 2022. This program enables users to submit search requests online, and within five business days, receive a response about what types of records are available. Users can track the status of their requests, receive updates, and view and download the results. If an EPI user wants to obtain any of the identified records, their request is transferred to the FOI process. Since the launch of EPI, the ministry has processed nearly 4,000 record search requests through the platform, with 99 per cent completed within five business days and an average turnaround time of three days — a substantial service improvement for the public searching for environmental property information.
This initiative shows that public bodies can modernize and streamline how they meet their openness and transparency obligations. With the EPI program, the ministry has enhanced its ability to provide timely and accurate information about the environmental conditions of Ontario properties. The streamlined access to information helps Ontarians who are planning to sell or develop property to learn about and address potential barriers to land development or resale.
Learn more about the Environmental Property Information program. Listen to Commissioner Kosseim’s interview with Andrea Roberts from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks. (begins at 25:18)
