Permits

Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

The Trent–Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal National Historic Sites of Canada are managed to provide a wide range of benefits to Canadians. As with all resources administered by Parks Canada, the cultural and natural resources are managed to protect and present the legacy that they represent. Natural landscapes and habitats compliment the cultural resources and contribute to the environmental quality of the Canals.

All work on, under and over the bed and waters of the lakes and rivers of the Trent–Severn Waterway requires a permit from Parks Canada. This includes (but is not limited to), the installation, repair, replacement, relocation and removal of:

  • docks
  • boathouses
  • boatports
  • swim rafts
  • boatlifts
  • launch ramps
  • dock abutments
  • inland wetslips
  • marine railways

 

Other work requiring a permit includes: shoreline stabilization and activities such as dredging and the removal of aquatic vegetation.

The use and operation of Historic Canals are managed in accordance with the Historic Canals Regulations. The Policies for In-water and Shoreline Works and Related Activities are enforceable under the authority of the Historic Canals Regulations pursuant to the Department of Transport Act. The intent is that landowners, in planning and designing for in-water and shoreline work, will contribute to ensuring the site’s overall commemorative integrity and the protection of cultural resources; and that their project has the lowest possible impact on the environment and will not interfere with navigation and public safety.


Frequently asked permit questions

Why are permits important?

Obtaining the proper permits for your project ensures that your project complies with Parks Canada’s plans, policies and guidelines. This will eliminate or minimize possible effects on the navigation, public safety, commemorative integrity, and natural and cultural heritage of the Trent-Severn Waterway.

To reach a permitting officer, please email on-tsw-vnts.permits-permis@pc.gc.ca.

What is Parks Canada's role?

The Parks Canada Agency has ownership and jurisdiction over the bed of the Trent-Severn Waterway and its lakes and rivers to the original upper controlled water elevation. As such, Parks Canada has jurisdiction over, and issues permits for, all in-water and shoreline works built in, on or over the bed of the canal.

How does Parks Canada’s permitting process relate to permits that may be required from a Conservation Authority or Municipality?

Parks Canada’s permitting jurisdiction includes the bed and shoreline of the lakes and rivers of the Trent-Severn Waterway. Applicants are encouraged to contact their municipality and local conservation authority to determine if additional authorizations are required for their proposed projects. Parks Canada works with partner agencies, such as conservation authorities and municipalities, to meet the needs of shoreline property owners while ensuring the ecological, cultural and recreational values of the Trent-Severn Waterway are sustained for the benefit of current and future generations.

What constitutes an 'In-Water or Shoreline Work'?

From docks to boatports, the Policies for In-Water and Shoreline Works and Related Activities provide clear direction for the construction of in-water and shoreline works and related activities normally associated with the development and use of waterfront properties for residential purposes adjacent to the Trent–Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal National Historic Sites of Canada. The Policies are enforceable under the authority of the Historic Canals Regulations pursuant to the Department of Transport Act. Failure to comply may result in fines and/or restore orders and removal of unauthorized works.

I just want to install a dock and stabilize my shoreline – Do I need a permit? How much does it cost? Who do I pay?

ANY activity listed in the Policies for In-Water and Shoreline Works and Related Activities, including but not limited to docks, boatports / boathouses, boat lifts, floating rafts, shoreline stabilization, dredging and repairs to existing structures all require the application and approval of an In-Water and Shoreline Work Permit.

Application Fees:
Private/Residential - $57.00
Existing Commercial Operation- $114.00
New Commercial Operation - $285.00

Shoreline Work Permit applications can be completed and submitted via email to on-tsw-vnts.permits-permis@pc.gc.ca.

Do I need a permit to repair my existing dock/boathouse/shoreline stabilization, etc.?

Yes, all work on, over or under the bed and waters of the Trent-Severn Waterway requires a permit from Parks Canada. This applies to new work as well as the repair, replacement, removal and relocation of existing structures.

Do I need a permit for a temporary seasonal dock?

Yes, all structures on, over or under the bed and waters of the Trent-Severn Waterway require a permit from Parks Canada. This includes seasonal or temporary structures.

Can I remove the weeds from the water?

The removal of submerged aquatic vegetation is permitted by Parks Canada. A permit application must be submitted and reviewed. Like other work over the lake or river bed, Parks Canada staff will complete a thorough review to determine if the activity can be permitted. The removal of emergent aquatic vegetation (e.g. cattail, bulrush, pickerel weed, pond lily, etc.) is not permitted.

Once received, how long is the permit valid?

Permits are valid for one year from the date of issuance. Within this year, there may be periods of time during which the work cannot be completed due to fish spawning. These fish timing windows allow adults to spawn successfully in the aquatic environment without the undue stress from shoreline development and in-water work.

To learn more about fish spawning in your project area, please contact a permitting officer by email at on-tsw-vnts.permits-permis@pc.gc.ca.

I have a Parks Canada permit but it expired. Do I have to apply again?

If the proposed work and existing conditions remain the same, an extension may be issued. The application fee is required.

An extension can be obtained by contacting a permitting officer by email at on-tsw-vnts.permits-permis@pc.gc.ca.

My permit needs to be amended. Do I have to apply again?

An amendment to the permit can be requested. A new project plan including all details of the proposed work as well as the application fee is required.

An amendment can be made by contacting a permitting officer by email at on-tsw-vnts.permits-permis@pc.gc.ca.

Why is an impact assessment also required?

Parks Canada is mandated to protect natural and cultural resources in National Historic Sites. Impact assessments identify concerns and measures to mitigate adverse effects on these resources. Most development and construction projects in National Historic Sites impact people or the environment and are required by law to undergo an impact assessment.

Why does my permit application require an assessment under the Species at Risk Act?

Under the Species at Risk Act, the Parks Canada Agency is responsible for the protection and recovery of listed Species at Risk found in its federal administered places, including the National Historic Canals. Your application has to be reviewed to determine whether it is likely to result in effects to listed Species at Risk, any part of their critical habitat or the residences of their individuals in a manner which is prohibited under Sections 32, 33 and subsection 58(1) of the Species at Risk Act.

I sold my property before I completed the permitted work. Can the new owners use my permit?

The new owners are required to submit their own permit application. Since the work was permitted once, it is likely to be permitted again.

I am interested in buying a house on the Trent-Severn Waterway. Can I put in a dock? Is the existing dock permitted?

A complete permit application is required to determine if a dock (or other in-water or shoreline structure) can be placed over the bed fronting a property. When the new owner proposes to repair/replace/remove the structures, they may need to be altered or removed to meet Parks Canada’s Policies for In-water and Shoreline Works and Related Activities.

How much of the lake/river bed do I own?

The bed of the Trent-Severn Waterway is administered by Parks Canada. A title search of your property would need to be completed to determine the extent of your ownership.

I understand my boathouse is grandfathered. I was told I can replace it with a boathouse of the same dimensions. Is that true?

No in-water structures are “grandfathered” or exempt from adhering to Parks Canada’s Policies for In-water and Shoreline Works and Related Activities. In some cases, unauthorized or non-conforming structures may be permitted to be repaired. If a structure is removed, the new structure must meet Parks Canada’s Policies.

My contractor said a permit is not necessary. Is that true?

No, all work on, over or under the bed and waters of the Trent-Severn Waterway requires a permit from Parks Canada.

To apply for a permit, please use our online permit application.

Can you recommend a contractor to stabilize my shoreline? To install a dock?

Parks Canada staff are unable to recommend contractors.

Do I need a permit for an upland boathouse?

An upland boathouse is considered to be located above the “high water mark”. A dry upland boathouse does not need a Parks Canada permit; however, in-water and shoreline structures associated with upland boathouses do require a permit. These include marine railways, shoreline stabilization and docks. An upland wetslip boathouse (where a wetslip is excavated into the private property) requires a Parks Canada permit for the creation of the wetslip as well as any portion of the boathouse that extends over the bed.

How long does it take to receive a permit?

The time to receive a permit depends on many factors. These factors include volume of applications, complexity of the project and site, urgency of work, and the need for additional consultation with experts. Protecting the cultural and natural heritage of the Trent-Severn Waterway is a priority. It is advisable to apply several months prior to the anticipated start date.

A tree along my shoreline has fallen into the water. Will Parks Canada remove it?

Landowners are responsible for the removal of trees that fall from their private property into the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Where can I get a copy of my deed and registered plan?

Documents such as deeds and registered plans can be obtained by contacting the Ontario Land Registry Office near your property. Many documents are available online.

I need a long dock to accommodate my boats. What is the maximum length of a dock?

The maximum length of a dock is 32 feet. In some cases, an extension may be granted due to site conditions.

How many docks can I have?

Road access properties are permitted one dock. Water access only properties are permitted two docks.

Can I use treated wood for a dock or retaining wall?

Treated wood will not be allowed where it has contact with the water. Treated wood that meets provincial and federal guidelines will be allowed provided the wood is pre-treated and dry. Creosote preservative and wood treated with creosote will not be approved.

Boats travel past my waterfront property too quickly. Do I need permission to install a no wake or speed sign?

For information on applying for a sign or change to an existing one, please contact the Ontario Region Office of Boating Safety at 1-800-267-6687 or obs-ontario-bsn@tc.gc.ca. More on the Regulations can be found at the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations.

Can I remove the logs and rocks from the lake bottom?

Logs and rocks constitute important fish habitat. In some case, with an approved permit, the structures can be relocated to an area of equal depth fronting the property.

Do I need a permit to repair my existing dock/boathouse/shoreline stabilization, etc.?

As per Policy 3.14, regular maintenance and repair that does not alter an existing structure or involve an addition will be allowed without a permit. All other major structural repairs and renovations such as repairs to beams, joists, stringers, cribs and piles will require a permit, and where possible, have a net positive impact on the environment. All activities including maintenance procedures shall be controlled to prevent the entry of deleterious substances into the water.

Do I need a permit for a temporary seasonal dock?

As per Policy 3.21, where a permit has previously been issued for structures such as floating docks that are removed annually they may be replaced in the same location during the fish spawning period as long as there is no disturbance of the bed.

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