No. H 166/08
For release - July 3, 2008
OTTAWA - Proposed amendments to the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations, which improve safety and protect the environment by restricting vessel navigation, were announced today by the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
"The proposed regulatory amendments are the result of extensive cooperation between Transport Canada, Environment Canada and provincial and municipal governments," said Minister Cannon. "They address local safety and environmental issues in the context of federal regulations, and introduce measures to promote the safe and efficient navigation of vessels in Ontario and Quebec, and to protect the environment in the Columbia Wetlands in southeastern British Columbia."
The Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations are the result of applications by municipalities and other local authorities for federal approval to restrict navigation in their area. The objective is to improve navigation safety, reduce conflicts between waterway users and protect the environment from damage caused by navigation activities.
Under these proposed regulations, the specific areas impacted are:
- The Columbia Wetlands in southeastern British Columbia;
- Lac Nairne, Lac Bleu, Lac Saint-François-Xavier and Lac des Becs-Scie in Quebec; and
- Kempenfelt Bay, Lake Simcoe, in Ontario.
The Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations provide a mechanism for local authorities to apply to Transport Canada to place restrictions on the access of a vessel or class of vessels to specified waters; the mode of propulsion used; maximum engine power or speed; and recreational towing activities (e.g., water-skiing).
The Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on June 28, 2008. A 60-day comment period for these regulations will follow, during which interested parties are encouraged to provide their views to Transport Canada. The new regulations will be published thereafter in the Canada Gazette, Part II.
- 30 -
Contacts:
Karine White
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
