Under section 1 of the Act, it is lawful for an owner or operator of a mine, factory, industry or works, or a person contemplating acquiring or operating a mine, factory, industry or works, to make an agreement with the owner or lessee of any land for payment to the owner or lessee of the land of compensation for any damage or injury resulting or likely to result to the land or to its use and enjoyment. Such agreements need to be registered (sect. 3).

This Act concerns the land titles in Ontario, it consists of 172 sections and is divided into eleven parts. Part I contains preliminary provisions, i.e. definitions and administration of the Act. Part II covers organization and administration, provisions are grouped under three titles: application of the Act, officers and authority of officers. Part III is dedicated to the jurisdiction of the court and appealing procedures.

Under section 2 of the Act, when a “development planning area has been established, the Minister shall, (a) cause to be carried out an investigation and survey of the environmental, physical, social and economic conditions affecting the development planning area or any part of it; and (b) cause a proposed development plan for the planning area or part of it to be prepared, within a period of two years or such other period of time as the Minister considers appropriate.” The Act prescribes which have to be the contents of the development plan and provides for its submission and approval.