Latest news with #MECP
Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
ISC Signs Agreement With Government of Ontario to Deliver New Digital Records System for Property Information
ISC to develop and operate a new digital records system for environmental property information. New digital portal will enable 24/7 self-service access to environmental property records, creating a faster, more efficient service. Following an initial build phase expected to last two years, the contract includes a seven-year operating term, with extension options available at the sole discretion of the Government. REGINA, Saskatchewan, Aug. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Information Services Corporation (TSX: ISC) ('ISC' or the 'Company') has entered into an agreement with Ontario's Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks ('MECP') to deliver a new digital records system. The project is part of MECP's Modernization of Property Information ('MPI') Program, which is focused on improving access to environmental property information across Ontario. 'This project exemplifies how ISC drives digital transformation through scalable and secure solutions that enhance access to essential records and clearly aligns with our expertise in land and property-related registries and solutions,' stated Shawn Peters, President and CEO of ISC. 'We look forward to working with the Government of Ontario to implement a system that improves access to environmental property records, supports faster response times and helps enable land development across the province.' Under an initial nine-year term, with extension options available at the sole discretion of the Government, ISC will develop and operate a digital records system that includes system design, security and privacy frameworks, quality assurance and testing, and ongoing support. The system will digitize and redact millions of legacy property records. This initiative will improve response times for environmental property information requests related to soil, water, and contamination. It will also help facilitate land transactions and support decision making tied to land development across Ontario. 'The Ontario government receives over 9,000 property-related information requests each year to support land transactions worth more than $40 billion,' said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. 'With ISC's support, the move to a secure, self-service portal will be a game-changer for builders — reducing wait times from around 30 days to as little as 3 — and giving the industry the tools it needs to deliver housing faster and keep our economy strong.' ISC will begin implementation in August 2025, with the system anticipated to launch in 2027. The new digital portal will provide 24/7 self-service access to environmental property records. It is expected to enable faster, more efficient service and reduce reliance on the current Freedom of Information process for property-related information. As the chosen partner for MECP, ISC will deliver the solution through its Registry Operations and Technology Solutions business segments. The Company will be responsible for the design, development, and ongoing operations of the new digital records system. See how ISC's three lines of business are growing the registry operations, technology solutions and information services landscape: About ISC Headquartered in Canada, ISC is a leading provider of registry and information management services for public data and records. Throughout our history, we have delivered value to our clients by providing solutions to manage, secure and administer information through our Registry Operations, Services and Technology Solutions segments. ISC is focused on sustaining its core business while pursuing new growth opportunities. The Class A Shares of ISC trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ISC. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws including, without limitation, statements related to the term of the agreement between ISC and MECP, the anticipated implementation and launch timeline of the digital records system, expected benefits to users and stakeholders and the potential impact on land development and environmental property information access across Ontario. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include risks relating to changes in economic, market and business conditions; delays in implementation; cost overruns; changes in government priorities or funding; technological challenges; evolving regulatory requirements; shifts in user demands; termination or modification of the agreement and other risks disclosed from time to time in the filings made by the Company including those detailed in ISC's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024 and ISC's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements and Notes and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2025 copies of which are filed on SEDAR+ at The forward-looking information in this release is based on assumptions that ISC management believes are reasonable as of the date hereof. However, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. Except as required under applicable securities laws, ISC undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances. Investor Contact Jonathan HackshawSenior Director, Investor Relations & Capital MarketsToll Free: 1-855-341-8363 in North America or 1-306-798-1137 [email protected]
Toronto Star
3 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Star
ISC Signs Agreement With Government of Ontario to Deliver New Digital Records System for Property Information
ISC to develop and operate a new digital records system for environmental property information. New digital portal will enable 24/7 self-service access to environmental property records, creating a faster, more efficient service. Following an initial build phase expected to last two years, the contract includes a seven-year operating term, with extension options available at the sole discretion of the Government. REGINA, Saskatchewan, Aug. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Information Services Corporation (TSX: ISC) ('ISC' or the 'Company') has entered into an agreement with Ontario's Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks ('MECP') to deliver a new digital records system. The project is part of MECP's Modernization of Property Information ('MPI') Program, which is focused on improving access to environmental property information across Ontario.
CBC
10-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Heat, lack of oxygen likely caused fish to die in a west-end Toronto pond: province
Social Sharing Provincial officials have deemed the sudden die-off of hundreds of fish in Toronto's Topham Pond as a naturally occurring event due to high temperatures and a lack of oxygen in the water. It comes after park management and residents last week discovered the pond in Eglinton Flats park teeming with the remains of several small and large fish. While the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is waiting to see water quality results, it agreed with the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) that the fish likely died from a lack of oxygen and changing temperatures. "Similar incidents have previously occurred elsewhere within TRCA's jurisdiction, particularly in shallow ponds, and are often associated with low oxygen levels or changes in water temperature," read a TRCA statement. It added that water quality samples had been collected and that the TRCA would continue to identify the exact factors behind the fish die-off. WATCH | CBC's Mercedes Gaztambide explains what happened at Topham Pond: Fish are suddenly dying off at this Toronto pond 1 day ago Duration 2:03 You may have seen photos and videos on social media of a Toronto pond teeming with dead fish. As CBC's Mercedes Gaztambide explains, the reason why is still a mystery. In a statement, the MECP said its own test results found no indications of a chemical spill in the area that killed off the fish. It said it had supervised the city this week during a clean-up of the pond's dead fish and had collected additional samples to validate the TRCA's upcoming results. The ministry expects its own results to be available later in July. David Clark with Toronto Urban Fishing Ambassador, which according to its website promotes recreational fishing in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, says he spoke with the MECP to understand what he witnessed at the pond. In an email, Clark said he took pictures of an oil-like substance on the pond's surface, which the ministry said is the result of decaying organic matter in die-off events. He said the ministry also agreed with him that the presence of phragmites, an invasive grass that causes damage to wetlands and beaches in North America, was likely making the situation worse. Clark is recommending officials look at ways to improve pond conditions, for example by removing phragmites that impede water circulation, "as well as floating the idea of a fountain or two to improve pond circulation and oxygenation."
Hamilton Spectator
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Two proposed developments could bring almost 850 units to Fergus
FERGUS — A Kitchener-based developer is hoping to construct almost 850 residential and mixed-use units just past the northern edge of town on Highway 6. According to planning justification reports from Up Consulting, Polocorp Inc. has applied for zoning bylaw amendments and official plan amendments from the County of Wellington and the Township of Centre Wellington to construct a residential development and a mixed-use development at 6581 Highway 6 and 968 St. David St. N. in Fergus. The properties are adjacent lands on the east side of Highway 6. Intended to form a collective community, the report notes that the St. David Street N. development is included in the Fergus Settlement Boundary and the applicant is hoping to include the Highway 6 property to create a complete, mixed-use community. 6581 Highway 6 Currently occupied by a heritage farmhouse, the development proposed for 6581 Highway 6 would see up to 535 units, comprised of 130 single detached dwellings (including an existing heritage farmhouse), 266 street townhouses, 125 medium density dwelling units, up to 14 mixed-use units for commercial or retail and a 2.2-acre park in the centre. Parking for single detached dwellings, street fronting and stacked townhouses would be provided by individual attached garages and surface parking spaces, with on-street parking available on four internal streets. Anticipated to generate 249 new trips in the peak morning time and 310 new trips in the evening peak times, a Traffic Impact Assessment said the additional traffic from the proposed development could worsen issues at the intersection of Highway 6 and Sideroad 18, Highway 6 and Sideroad 19 and St. David Street and Gordon Street. Although the report indicates no new traffic control signals are needed, it recommends a southbound left-turn lane on Highway 6 and that the township and Ministry of Transportation agree on whether to widen Highway 6 in the study area or provide a Highway 6 bypass to reduce through volumes. A noise feasibility study found that future road traffic sound levels are predicted to exceed MECP guidelines at the dwellings closest to the roadways and recommends installing acoustic barriers for those with flanking exposure to Highway 6 and air ventilation systems for those located further away. Noise warning clauses would be required for any dwellings with excessive sound levels. Regarding environmental impacts, an environmental impact study had several recommendations, including tree preservation strategies, erosion and sediment control measures, installing a bat rocketbox and artificial nesting structure for Barn Swallows, restoration and biodiversity enhancements and a tree protection and buffer zone. To mitigate loss of farmland, the report recommends phasing development and keeping any prime agricultural lands in production until the land is needed for development. 968 St. David St. N. Also currently occupied by a heritage farmhouse that's proposed to be maintained, the St. David Street North development is proposing approximately 221-323 units, with 62-88 single detached dwellings, 80-118 street townhouses, 71-102 medium density dwelling units, 8-14 mixed-use units and a centrally-located 1.97 acre park connected to the other development. Parking for single detached dwellings and street fronting townhouse dwellings would be provided via individual garages attached to each unit, while surface parking spaces are proposed for the stacked townhouses. Anticipated to generate 219 new trips in the peak morning hours and 301 new trips in the peak evening times, a traffic impact assessment identified potential capacity issues at the intersections of Highway 6 and Sideroad 19 and St. David Street and Gordon Street, as well as the intersections of Highway 6 and Sideroad 18, and Highway 6 and a future internal road. Several improvements are recommended, including traffic control signals and southbound, eastbound and westbound left-turn lanes at Highway 6 and Sideroad 18 and a southbound left-turn lane at Highway 6 and one of the development's internal streets. Since the site contains significant natural heritage features in the northeast portion, an Environmental Impact Study recommends several actions to minimize or avoid potential negative effects, including a 10-metre buffer and a stormwater management pond adjacent to the wetland. Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
Hamilton Spectator
09-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
866-unit subdivision being proposed for the outskirts of Arthur
ARTHUR – A proposed housing development could bring almost 900 new residential lots to Arthur in the coming years. Developer Tribute/Sorbara Arthur Holdings Inc. has applied for an official plan bylaw amendment to construct 866 housing units on 55.34 hectares at 665 Eliza St. and a vacant lot west of Eliza Street, a rural spot just northeast of the town proper. The applicant is seeking an Official Plan amendment and zoning changes to permit the development to redesignate the subject lands from 'future development' to 'residential'. Currently occupied by a farmstead and cropland with frontage on Eliza Street, the development is proposed to comprise 504 single detached residential units, 114 semi-detached residential lots, 249 street townhouse units, parks, a stormwater management pond, a well and a sanitary pumping station. 'The proposed development will transform agricultural and low-density residential land into a community with housing, parks, and essential infrastructure,' said the planning justification report. According to the report, the development will not include affordable housing units and is instead proposing a range of housing types to ensure 'broader housing options for people in different life stages.' A noise compatibility assessment found existing and future industrial uses to the south and northeast of the development may exceed the MECP noise limits, but is feasible with 'appropriate noise mitigation measures' like forced air ventilation, noise barriers of up to six metres, redesignating the area, and/or warning clauses in property agreements. Proposed to have access to Eliza Street and Macaulay Street, which remains unopened, the report says the existing and future road connections and future internal road network will accommodate the daily anticipated traffic levels of 478 and 646 vehicle trips. A future signal installation at Eliza and Tucker may be considered. Given Arthur's servicing constraints, the development will require a new sewage pumping station and an upgrade to the existing wastewater treatment plant, which the report proposes should be included in the township's final municipal strategy. A new well is proposed at the intersection of Macaulay and Wells Street. While a buffer zone with parks is proposed between the residential units and nearby dust emission sources at Clark Brothers Contracting and Teeswater Concrete Ltd. to alleviate future air quality issues, the proposed development is considered adequately distanced from nearby industrial and agricultural cities to avoid negative impacts on air quality and unpleasant smells. Since Farley Creek crosses the site, 2.62 hectares is proposed to be preserved as a protected natural environmental area. With two elementary schools, a private school and no high school located near the site, local school boards have been asked to identify the existing school capacity. The full report is available here . Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
