Building a Dock in Muskoka / Parry Sound Ontario
Building a Dock in Muskoka & Parry Sound
Here are a few points to keep in mind before you start building a dock at the cottage. The rules have got a little tougher since a court ruling in the Kawarthas so it’s good to do some homework before you start. It’s always a good idea to check with the local township before construction starts, rules can change!

You can generally do minor repairs ( ie. replacing a rotten board ) without a permit but every municipality has their own rules so check with your local building official to be sure.
Dock projects that generally DO NOT require a work permit:
– Removal of an old dock or boathouse, except where rock filled cribs are to be removed and would be considered dredging
Dock and boathouse projects that DO require a work permit:
– Any docks and/or boathouses where the total footprint of cribs or other supporting structures to be constructed or placed on the bed of the water body exceeds 15 square meters
3. Ministry of Natural Resources approval is now required from anyone wanting to build, replace or expand a dock on or above more than 15 square metres of shoreline (161 square feet). The same new rules also apply for single-storey boathouses.
4. New dock construction can also require, depending on the township, an approved building permit.
5. If the area you want to place the dock is Environmentally Protected or is a fish habitat area restrictions may be in place. Contact the Departrment of Fisheries and Oceans for current guidelines.