2025-Sep-26
Regulations Amending the VORR Are Now Law
On August 13, Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations: SOR/2025-158 was published to the Canada Gazette, Part II, making the amendments officially law. These changes provide local authorities with a faster and more efficient process to manage and respond to issues like excessive speed, shoreline erosion, and safety concerns on their waterways.
The updated regulations address longstanding concerns from municipalities about the lengthy process, while also advancing Transport Canada’s goals to empower local governments and Indigenous communities with a greater role in waterway management. These amendments will simplify the regulatory process, reduce red tape, and speed up approvals for local boating restrictions. With these updates, local authorities that submit complete applications after the end of a boating season will be better positioned to have restrictions in place before the next one begins, enhancing safety for all waterway users.
Key Benefits:
Faster Implementation of Restrictions – reduce the current 2-4 year process for implementing vessel operation restrictions on local waterways
- Empowering Local Authorities – give municipalities and local stakeholders more decision-making power and a clearer role in managing safety, environmental, and public-interest issues on their waterways
- Clearer Rules – eliminate misinterpretations around electric engine power limits and ensure consistent enforcement
- Streamline the Application Process – removing redundant steps (like mandatory alternative measures for one season and preliminary assessments) and updating references in legislation
- Enhance enforcement – simplify the designation of enforcement officers by shifting authority from Governor in Council to the Minister of Transport
- Ensure transparency and consistency – make the application process and requirements clearer and more predictable through revisions to the Local Authorities’ Guide and a standardized application form
What’s Changed
- Restructuring Regulations – repeal eight schedules and move them to a Transport Canada publication (TP 15587E) which allows the Minister of Transport to update restrictions without going through the lengthy federal amendment process
- Clarifying Engine Power Restrictions – amending subsection 2(3) so it’s clear that all power-driven vessels are prohibited, while electric motors are only allowed under a 7.5 kW limit
- Modernizing Section 4 – removing outdated and unclear requirements and explicitly requiring applications to follow the form and manner specified by the Minister, as set out in the updated Guide
- Updating the Local Authorities’ Guide – providing clearer instructions, standardized application forms, and removing redundant steps
- Enforcement authority changes – repealing section 16 of the VORR and using new powers under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 to designate enforcement officers directly
- Administrative corrections – aligning terminology and updating references and definitions to improve clarity and consistency
The updated regulations will bring significant improvements to Canada’s waterway management, including faster implementation of local restrictions, greater local control, clearer rules, and more efficient enforcement. Ultimately, these changes will result in a more effective, timely, and community-centered approach to addressing navigation and environmental issues on Canadian waterways.
Read the Canada Gazette, Part II publication here.