The Government of Canada is making the regulatory process for navigable waters easier and more efficient in response to requests made by local communities. More specifically, the process for asking the federal government to restrict the use of boats on lakes and rivers is being streamlined for all orders of government.

The announcement was made by National Revenue Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, who was accompanied by the Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge and Parliamentary Secretary Élisabeth Brière.

“I’m very proud that our government is responding favourably to the call from municipalities who, in collaboration with community organizations, are committed to doing what’s necessary to protect our waterways,” said Minister Bibeau. “Our lakes and rivers are important ecological and economic assets for our regions, and we are committed to safeguarding them.”

Minister Bibeau announced that the Minister of Transport now has the authority to issue interim orders, and that municipalities and Indigenous communities can avail themselves of this power. This new ministerial authority stems from a legislative amendment that received royal assent on June 22, 2023. This authority is in place to facilitate the process, pending the longer-term revision of the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR).

The Minister also announced the launch of two consultations, one to modernize the process established in the VORR, and the other to better mark long-term anchored vessels, such as floating accommodations. Through these consultations, Transport Canada is seeking input from provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, cities, municipalities and the public to find solutions that will enable them to play a greater role in managing and regulating their waterways. More information is available online on the Let’s Talk Transportation website.