Waterfront Properties: Do You Really Own Your Shoreline?

Waterfront properties can be some of the most beautiful and valuable real estate in Ontario. Whether enjoying the view while sipping your coffee, taking your boat out on the water, or taking a dip off the dock, there are so many reasons why waterfront ownership is desirable for so many.

With all the positives associated with waterfront ownership, it may come as a surprise to learn that there could be legal risks related to your land bordering a body of water.

The Myth of Shoreline Ownership

There’s a lot of confusion when it comes to waterfront properties. Many owners assume they own the land rights to the shoreline, or even part of the water itself. While that can be true in some cases, it’s not the same story for every property.

Not all types of waterfront properties are the same. Just because your property is called “waterfront” doesn’t mean you actually own the water or even the shore. There are several different ownership setups you might have, and each one comes with its own set of rules.

Types of Shoreline Ownership in Ontario

• Crown or Municipal Land: In many cases, there is a strip of land between your lot and the water that you don’t own at all. These strips are often referred to as Crown Land or Municipal shoreline allowances, and they are designated for public access. In some areas, they’re also managed by conservation authorities, making the regulations around them strict and non-negotiable.
• Water Lots: There are situations, however, where your property does extend to the water’s edge or even into the lake or river itself. This type of property gives you more control over what happens on that part of the land.
• Ambulatory (Moving) Boundaries: Under special circumstances, the boundary line can move when the shoreline itself shifts either through erosion, flooding, or natural buildup of soil. Specific legal documents will determine whether your boundary moves with the water or stays fixed.

Waterfront properties can be complicated but knowing which type of shoreline ownership applies to your property is key to understanding your rights and responsibilities. A survey plan is often the clearest way to see whether your land truly goes to the water or if there’s public land in between.

Why It Matters

It would be easy to assume that owning a “waterfront” property would mean you can do whatever you like with the land along the shore, but that assumption could get you into trouble. Imagine spending thousands of dollars on a new dock, boat house, bunk house, etc., only to later find out that the shoreline is crown or municipal land. This could prove to be even more troublesome if the land is environmentally protected. In these cases, you could be fined, ordered to remove what you’ve built, and restore the land to its natural state.

For these reasons, it is important to know exactly where your property ends and what type of shoreline you’re dealing with. Surveys aren’t just paperwork; they’re legal documents that clearly show whether your land reaches the water or if there’s a strip of public land in between.

Where Protect Your Boundaries Can Help

“Not all ‘waterfront’ lots extend to the shoreline or include private water access. Obtaining a copy of your legal land survey is the first step in confirming your boundaries and knowing whether the shoreline is truly yours. At ProtectYourBoundaries.ca, you can quickly access your survey plan and other resources that give you peace of mind and help you truly understand your property.