The Public Owns The River

     The bed of the St. Lawrence River is a valuable piece of real estate and it is not for sale.  Every year the river is a playground and highway for thousands of people.  Some are local.  Some are tourists.  And still there's commercial traffic from all parts of the world.

     With very few exceptions, the land beneath Ontario's lakes and rivers, including the St. Lawrence, belongs to all the people of Ontario.  Their agency for managing this land for everyone's benefits is the Ministry of Natural Resources.  Therefore, any occupation of a part of public waterway must be authorized by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Who Can Build On The River?

     People who own or lease land up to the water's edge, and are living on that land, are usually allowed to build a dock or boathouse on the bed of the waterway bordering their property.  This approval is given when the dock or boathouse does not interfere with important fish or wildlife habitat, or navigation.  Some shallow areas of Ontario's lakes and rivers deserve and need protection as important habitat for wildlife and young fish.

When To Seek Authorization

     Before you begin to build a dock, boathouse, retaining wall or cottage, you should contact the Ministry of Natural Resources.  And, before you do any filling, dredging, or digging along the shoreline, you should contact the Ministry of Natural resources.

     The proposed use of the shoreline must also correspond with municipal bylaws concerning zoning or building.  Some other government agencies have regulations to follow as well.  For instance, the Raisin Region Conservation Authority has regulations governing the placement of fill in the St. Lawrence River.

     Docks and boathouses that were built without the approval of the Ministry of Natural Resources will soon be inspected. This inspection will cover other improvements along the shoreline as well.  These inspections will ensure that all requirements and regulations are being met by all persons occupying part of the public waterway.  Unauthorized occupations that do not correspond to regulations may be removed at the owner's expense.

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