2026-Mar-31
New Federal Changes Proposed for Species at Risk
photo: Kristof Zyskowski & Yulia Bereshpolova
For decades, Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) was the primary “rulebook” for protecting wildlife on your property, but with the recent passage of Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025 and their new Species Conservation Act (SCA), 2025, the provincial government has fundamentally shifted how species are managed in Ontario, leaving a significant gap in local conservation.
While Ontario claims Bill 5 will “speed up project timelines,” it does so by offloading responsibility for over 100 species—including all migratory birds and aquatic life—to the feds. However, because federal protections often only apply to federal lands, many species on private cottage properties may now be left with zero legal safeguards. Furthermore, the new provincial rules narrow “habitat” to include only specific dwellings like nests or dens, ignoring the broader lands species require to feed and migrate.
Proposed Federal Species At Risk Act Changes
As the province steps back, the federal government is updating its own list under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Scientific assessments have identified several species in our region whose legal status is being updated:
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The Smooth Greensnake: Common in our rock barrens and meadows, this snake is proposed to be added as a protected species
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The Massasauga Rattlesnake: The government proposes merging the two regional groups into one single “Threatened” population to simplify the federal rulebook
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The American Bumble Bee: A new addition to the list, which may lead to new guidelines for pollinator habitat management
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Status Confirmations: Protections remain in place for the Eastern Foxsnake, Whip-poor-will, and Common Nighthawk
Why This Matters to Property Owners
When a species is added to SARA, it can introduce new “check-boxes” for shoreline development, landscaping projects, or environmental assessments. With Ontario limiting much of its protections, the federal SARA is now the primary—and often only—line of defense for many species. Your “on-the-ground” knowledge is vital to ensuring these laws remain practical while effectively protecting the Bay’s biodiversity.
How to Have Your Say
The government is looking for feedback on the potential impacts of these changes. You can comment on whether you see these species on your land and how new protections might affect your use of the property:
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Online Questionnaire: You can fill out the optional federal questionnaire at this link.
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Via Email: Send your thoughts directly to the Canadian Wildlife Service at SARAregistry@ec.gc.ca.
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Via Mail: > Director General, Wildlife Management, Canadian Wildlife Service Environment and Climate Change Canada Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3
Deadline for comments is May 14, 2026.