Bulletins

SMITHS FALLS, ONTARIO – May 8, 2024 – Parks Canada is advising the public that a Notice of Mooring Restrictions came into effect on May 1, 2024, related to the mooring of floating accommodations on the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.

The notice will allow Parks Canada to exercise greater management control over floating accommodations. These new measures are in line with recent changes to the Province of Ontario’s regulations. These measures have been put in place following a period of public consultation.

Under the notice, vessels may moor without Parks Canada authorization if they fall under the exemptions set out in the restrictions. Many mooring situations remain the same and will not require special authorization, including the current regime for mooring at Ontario Waterway lockstations. Shoreline owners may continue to moor their vessels adjacent to their properties without the requirement for a mooring permit. Mooring of vessels at licenced marinas will also not require a permit.

The Notice of Mooring Restriction, along with a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions, is readily available on the Rideau Canal National Historic Site website at the following link. We have designed this resource to assist boaters in understanding the new regulations and determining if they meet the exceptions.