Natural Shorelines
What can I do along the shoreline?
Development and site alteration is not permitted within 30 metres (98.4 ft.) of a lake, watercourse, river, or other waterbodies and watercourses.
For example, constructing structures, removing or placing soil or rocks, and the removal of vegetation is not permitted within 30 metres (98.4 ft.) of a lake, river, creek, or other waterbodies or watercourses.
There are exemptions within 30 metres of a waterbody or watercourse:
- One (1) dock, one (1) boathouse, and/or (1) boat launch is permitted, subject to it meeting all other requirements of the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw.
- Up to 25% or 23 metres (75 ft.), whichever is lesser, of natural vegetation along the shoreline frontage is permitted to be removed or altered
- Pruning necessary to maintain the health of vegetation and trees
- Removal of diseased or dangerous trees, with review by the Bylaw Enforcement Officer
- Removal of noxious weeds or invasive plants
You can read the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw to see zoning bylaw requirements.
Why is protecting shorelines important?
Protecting shorelines is important to:
- protect the quality of water within our lakes, creeks and rivers
- protect and enhance fish and aquatic habitat
- mitigate and prevent erosion and soil instability
The Province of Ontario has recognized the need to protect shorelines. For example, in the Natural Heritage Reference Manual, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) provides policies to restrict development and site alteration within 30 metres of waterbodies and watercourses.
The County of Hastings Official Plan contains numerous policies for the protection of natural shorelines by restricting development within 30 metres of waterbodies and watercourses.
Under Ontario's Planning Act, the Municipality amended the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw to conform with these policies.
Protecting Shorelines
Below are resources that help explain the benefits of having a natural shoreline:
Natural Shoreline | Love Your Lake
Benefits of a Natural Shoreline | Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
Resources – Natural Edge | Watersheds Canada
Shoreline Owner’s Guide | FOCA
The Science Behind the Vegetated Shoreline – Why the Ribbon of Life Matters | Watersheds Canada
Below are resources that will help improve, restore or maintain a natural vegetative buffer to have a natural shorelines:
Environmental Net Gain | Watersheds Canada
How to Naturalize your Shoreline | Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
How it works – Natural Edge | Watersheds Canada
Planting Native | Bancroft Area Stewardship Council
Shoreline Owner’s Guide | FOCA
Watch "How Can We Care for Our Lakes?" from Watersheds Canada to learn the impact of development on freshwater resources and how we can manage factors such as stormwater runoff and natural buffers to protect and improve shoreline health.
