Drummond / North Elmsley

Waterfront Property

When doing work in or near a public waterway, you may need approval before starting your project.

  • Municipalities are responsible for planning applications and building permits.
  • Parks Canada comments on planning applications and issues in-water and shoreline work permits to protect the Rideau Canal National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CA) provide comments on planning applications with respect to watershed natural heritage, natural hazards, water quality and water quantity and they regulate
    development proposals that may affect flooding, erosion, wetlands and alterations to shorelines and watercourses.
  • The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is responsible for managing Ontario’s Crown land in a way that balances social, economic and environmental interests. MNR applies the Public Lands Act and Endangered Species Act in its review of shoreline activities and provides natural heritage value advice with regards to Planning Act applications.

Common Projects at a Glance

Project TypeCAMNRParks CanadaMunicipalityTransport Canada
ON the Rideau Canal National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site *
Planning Act Application — (severance, zoning amendment, minor variance etc.)
Clarification of Potential Crown Ownership
Adjacent Upland Development
Shoreline Stabilization/Alteration
Dock
Boathouse
Aquatic Plant Harvesting
Dredging
Floating Raft/Mooring Buoy
OFF the Rideau Canal National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site **
Planning Act Application —(severance, zoning amendment, minor variance etc.)
Adjacent Upland Development
Shoreline Stabilization/Alteration
Dock
Boathouse
Aquatic Plant Harvesting
Dredging
Floating Raft/Mooring Buoy

* ON the Rideau Canal National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site refers to waterbodies on the Rideau waterway administered by Parks Canada (see map)
** OFF the Rideau Canal National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site refers to all other waterbodies (streams and lakes) in the Rideau River and Cataraqui River watersheds that are not on the Rideau waterway (see map)

Additional Information about Working Near Water

Federal Fisheries Act:
Sport fishing is renowned and river tourism provides hundreds of jobs directly and indirectly. Diverse and healthy fish populations indicate a healthy river ecosystem. For more information about the Fisheries Act and fisheries protection, please visit the Department of Fisheries and Ocean (DFO) website at www.dfo- mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/index-eng.html. DFO may also be contacted directly by phone at 1-855-852-8320 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Fish Timing Windows:
No in-water or near-water works are allowed during certain times of the year. These fish timing windows allow adults to spawn successfully in the aquatic environment without the undue stress from shoreline development and in-water work.

  • Warm water fish communities (e.g. bass) — March 15 to June 30
  • Mixed fish communities (e.g. bass and lake trout) — October 1 to June 30
  • Cold water fish communities (e.g. lake trout) — October 1 to May 31

The 25% Policy:
Shoreline development of all kinds (dock, boat lift, upland deck and platform, etc.) should not cumulatively disturb more than 25% of the length of your shoreline to a maximum of 15 metres. This requirement is incorporated in Conservation Authority and Parks Canada approval policies. It makes sense. The shoreline is the most vulnerable part of the entire river ecosystem so disturbs it as little as necessary to achieve reasonable access to the water.

Waterfront property info

Who to Call

Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority
613-546-4228
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.crca.ca

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-3571
1-800-267-3504
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www.rvca.ca

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Kemptville:
613-258-8204
Kingston:
613-531-5700
www.mnr.gov.on.ca

Parks Canada
Rideau Canal Office
Smiths Falls
613-283-5170
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www.pc.gc.ca/rideau

Transport Canada
Navigable Waters
Protection Program
National Capital
1-877-842-5606
Ontario Region
519-383-1863
www.tc.gc.ca

Assistance may be available from these agencies for shoreline naturalization and other improvements.