Ontario Regulation 10/24, enacted on January 26, 2024, establishes a zoning order focused on protecting public health and safety concerning the operation of air ambulance services linked to two major hospitals in Toronto: St. Michael’s Hospital and The Hospital for Sick Children. This regulation addresses the safe operation of heliports at these facilities and provides specific definitions, prohibitions, conditions, and details regarding the order’s commencement and revocation.

Key terms include “air ambulance services,” which is defined according to the Ambulance Act, indicating a focus on air transportation for medical emergencies. Additionally, the regulation references the Hospital for Sick Children Air Ambulance Service Protection Corridor Map and the St. Michael’s Hospital Air Ambulance Service Protection Corridor Map, which identify specific areas in Toronto where limitations on structures are necessary for safe helicopter operations. The term “structure” is broadly defined to include any erected or constructed object, encompassing both permanent and temporary installations such as walls, antennas, and construction equipment.

The primary purpose of this regulation is to ensure public health and safety by safeguarding the operational zones necessary for air ambulance services related to the specified hospitals. This focus on air ambulance services underscores their role in emergency medical care, particularly in urban environments where rapid transport can be life-saving. Section 3 establishes a prohibition against erecting or locating any buildings, structures, or naturally growing objects that penetrate designated obstacle limitation surfaces associated with the heliports of St. Michael’s Hospital and The Hospital for Sick Children. Consequently, any construction or growth must comply with the provided maps, ensuring that air ambulance flight paths remain unobstructed and minimizing risks during landing and takeoff.

Section 4 outlines specific conditions related to land use and the erection of structures, stating that all land uses and structures must adhere to the regulation. Certain exceptions allow for the reconstruction of damaged buildings, provided that their original dimensions and uses remain unchanged. The regulation does not prevent construction that was permitted by existing building permits prior to the regulation’s enforcement. Additionally, the temporary use of cranes and construction equipment is allowed under specific conditions, ensuring compliance with existing city bylaws.

Section 5 mentions that the regulation is subject to revocation, but the specifics of this revocation will take effect only on May 30, 2025, allowing for a transitional period before full implementation. Section 6 confirms that the regulation generally comes into force immediately upon filing.

By defining critical terms and ensuring compliance with specified maps and operational corridors, the regulation aims to protect public health and facilitate effective emergency medical services. This regulatory framework balances air ambulance services in urban healthcare and public safety.

Ontario (10/24) February 10, 2024