No. H 117/09
For release - August 20, 2009
NEW RULES BENEFIT WATERWAYS IN QUEBEC, ONTARIO AND BRITISH COLUMBIA
OTTAWA — Canada's Transport Minister John Baird today announced amendments to the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations. The changes improve safety and protect the environment by restricting vessel navigation on select waterways in Canada's three most populous provinces.
"These regulatory changes are the result of grassroots consultation and cooperation," said Baird. "The new measures will improve navigation safety and help the environment right away as they take effect immediately on waterways in Quebec, Ontario and 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 respective areas. The objective is to improve navigation safety, reduce conflicts between waterway users and protect the environment from potential damage caused by navigation activities.
The specific areas impacted are:
- Lac Nairne, Lac Bleu, and Lac Saint-François-Xavier in Quebec;
- Kempenfelt Bay, Lake Simcoe, in Ontario; and
- The Columbia Wetlands in southeastern British Columbia.
The Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations provide a mechanism for local authorities to apply to the federal government to place restrictions on the operation of a vessel or class of vessels to specified waters. These can help determine the mode of propulsion used, maximum engine power or speed allowed and acceptable recreational towing activities (e.g., water-skiing).
The amendments were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on August 19, 2009.
For further information, please consult the pre-publication in Part I of the Canada Gazette at www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2008/2008-06-28/html/reg3-eng.html.
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