The Evolving ECA Process in Ontario: What Developers Need to Know
“The new Consolidated Linear Infrastructure (CLI-ECA) approach is reshaping how stormwater and sewer systems are approved across Ontario. But what does that mean for your next project?”
Understanding the Shift: From Traditional ECAs to CLI-ECA
For decades, developers and municipalities in Ontario have relied on the Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) process to regulate municipal storm and sanitary infrastructure. Under the traditional system, each project or subdivision required its own ECA, submitted individually to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).
While effective in ensuring environmental protection, this system often created duplicated approvals, delays, and administrative inefficiencies — particularly in fast-growing regions like Milton, Halton, and Peel.
The new Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approval (CLI-ECA) model aims to modernize and streamline the process. Instead of every developer applying for a separate approval, municipalities can now obtain a single, system-wide ECA that covers linear stormwater and wastewater infrastructure within their jurisdiction.
👉 (You can find the official MECP overview of the program here).
Who Holds the Approval Now?
Under the CLI-ECA, the municipality — not the developer — typically becomes the approval holder.
This means:
Developers construct storm and sanitary works under the municipality’s existing ECA authority.
Once built and certified, the infrastructure is assumed by the municipality without the need for a separate, project-specific ECA.
Developers must still ensure all design, construction, and environmental requirements meet the municipality’s operating conditions and the MECP’s CLI-ECA terms.
This shift reduces redundancy but increases the coordination burden between consultants, developers, and municipal engineering departments.
Documentation and Design Requirements
Although the approval path is simplified, documentation expectations remain high. Developers must now:
Provide detailed stormwater and sanitary design reports prepared by a licensed professional engineer.
Submit as-constructed drawings, inspection records, and certification letters confirming the works were completed per approved design.
Maintain clear traceability from design through to assumption — municipalities require complete documentation for each phase to remain compliant with their overarching ECA.
In other words, while the permit structure has changed, the due diligence hasn’t.
Impact on Construction Sequencing and Assumption
The CLI-ECA model directly influences how developers plan and execute infrastructure work:
Pre-Servicing Agreements may now reference the municipality’s existing ECA conditions.
Construction scheduling must account for the municipality’s review timelines and record-keeping.
Assumption and turnover require more collaboration — developers can’t assume automatic approval after construction; the municipality must verify compliance with its ECA obligations.
For larger subdivisions or multi-phase developments, this means front-end coordination is critical to avoid costly delays during assumption.
BLP’s Experience Across Milton, Halton, and Peel
At BLP Ltd., we’ve seen the CLI-ECA system evolve firsthand. Our team has successfully navigated projects in Milton, Halton, and Peel Region, helping clients coordinate with municipal engineering staff, conservation authorities, and MECP representatives.
We understand the nuances — from preparing stormwater management reports and as-built submissions to aligning developer documentation with each municipality’s CLI-ECA framework. Our approach is simple: streamline the process, minimize delays, and ensure compliance from concept to assumption.
Final Thoughts
The CLI-ECA model represents a positive evolution in Ontario’s infrastructure approval system — but only for those who adapt early. Success now depends on proactive planning, clear documentation, and collaboration with municipal authorities.
Navigating the regulatory maze shouldn’t delay your project — BLP keeps your approvals on track.
