Shoreline work is some of the most rewarding landscaping we do — and some of the most regulated. If you own a waterfront property in Ontario, there are rules around what you can and can't do within a certain distance of the water, and they vary depending on your municipality and the specific body of water.
The basics of Ontario shoreline regulation
Most work within 30 metres of a shoreline requires a permit through your local Conservation Authority. This includes vegetation removal, grading, and most construction. The rules exist for good reason — shorelines are ecologically sensitive, and poor practices cause erosion, water quality issues, and habitat loss that affect the entire lake.
We work with the permit process on every waterfront project. It adds lead time to a job, but it protects you legally and ensures the work is done right.
What good shoreline landscaping actually looks like
The goal isn't to fight the natural character of the shoreline — it's to work with it. Native plantings are more than an environmental choice; they're practical. Deep-rooted native species stabilize banks, filter runoff, and require almost no maintenance once established. They also look like they belong, which matters.
For dock surrounds and beach areas, we focus on transitions: how the built elements meet the natural ones. A well-designed shoreline feels like it grew there.
When to reach out
If you're planning any work near the water — even just cleaning up an overgrown bank — contact us before you start. We can tell you what requires a permit, what doesn't, and what the best approach is for your specific shoreline.
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