Land Use Permits

Entrance Permit

Residential property owners seeking to construct a new driveway access, or modify an existing driveway, are required to have an entrance (driveway) permit. The permit is subject to conditions established by Niagara Parks at the time of issue. Please note the following requirements before submitting a permit application:

• certificate of liability insurance coverage in the amount of $5 million dollars and naming The Niagara Parks Commission as an additional insured
• construction drawings, site maps and/or site layout
• route map for any heavy vehicles and oversized loads travelling on the Niagara Parkway
• fee payment and security deposit
• complete restoration of site and Niagara Parks lands at the sole cost of the owner

Construction Access

Homeowners or contractors planning to construct a new home or planning a renovation or demolition on lands that border the Niagara River Parkway or other roadways under the jurisdiction of Niagara Parks may require a construction access permit from Niagara Parks. A security deposit will be required as a guarantee against any damages to Niagara Parks lands. Construction staging areas may be requested if temporary occupation of Niagara Parks lands is required for the construction project. The permit is subject to conditions established by Niagara Parks at the time of issue. Please note the following requirements before submitting a permit application:

• certificate of general liability insurance coverage in the amount of $5 million dollars and naming The Niagara Parks Commission as an additional insured
• construction drawings, site maps and/or site layout
• lot grading and drainage plan, if applicable
• Traffic control/protection plan, if applicable
• route map showing haul route for any heavy vehicles/oversized loads travelling on Niagara Parks roadways weighing in excess of 5,000 kgs

Bait Permit

A bait permit is required for catching baitfish intended for commercial sale. Applicants must provide proof of a valid Commercial Bait Licence from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Please note the following requirements before submitting a permit application:

• certificate of liability insurance coverage in the amount of $5 million dollars and naming The Niagara Parks Commission as an additional insured
• location map
• fee payment

Sign Permit

A sign permit is required for anyone wishing to erect a permanent or temporary sign, including sandwich boards, realty signs or other advertising devices, within 400 metres of Niagara Parks lands. Applicants must adhere to guidelines pertaining to setbacks, size and design outlined in the Niagara Parks Visual Identity Policy. Please note the following requirements before submitting a permit application:

• location map
• sign specifications including design, material, size, height, any illumination
• annual sign permits are issued to permit holders for their permanent signage upon payment of fees as established by Niagara Parks

Fruit Stand Permit

A fruit stand permit is required for anyone wishing to erect a fruit stand adjacent Niagara Parks lands. Fruit stands are only permitted to applicants with property adjacent to Niagara Parks lands outside of the following urban boundary:

• All properties adjacent Niagara Parks lands, south of the Welland River, Niagara Falls to Bowen Road in Fort Erie
• All properties adjacent Niagara Parks lands between York Road (Regional Road 81), Queenston and John Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Please note the following requirements before submitting a permit application:

• location map
• fee payment
• a sign permit is required for any permanent or temporary signage in connection with the fruit stand

Heavy or Oversized Load Permit

A heavy vehicle permit is required when the Niagara Parkway is the only means of transporting a heavy load from origin to destination. The Niagara Parkway is to be utilized only for the shortest distance possible between these points. Any vehicle that has a gross weight exceeding 5,000 kilograms, or a vehicle or combination of vehicles that transmits to the ground a weight in excess of 5,000 kilograms are only permitted with written permission by Niagara Parks. Please note the following requirements before submitting a permit application:

• certificate of liability insurance coverage in the amount of $5 million dollars and naming The Niagara Parks Commission as an additional insured
• route map for any heavy vehicles/oversized loads travelling on the Niagara Parkway
• truck and load information, including contents and/or material
• for trucks with loads considered hazardous, an environmental action plan and TDG Certificate are required
• fee payment and security deposit

Shorewell and Waterline Permit

In areas where there is no municipal water service and it is determined that a cistern or well is not suitable for the site, adjacent homeowners may apply for a shorewell and waterline permit. Owners of farmlands requiring waterlines for irrigation or for other purposes will also be required to obtain a permit for the installation and ongoing maintenance of the waterline. All applicants are required to adhere to Niagara Parks’ specifications and guidelines related to the installation of shorewells and waterlines. Please note the following requirements before submitting a permit application:

For existing shorewell and waterline permits:

• certificate of liability insurance coverage in the amount of $5 million dollars and naming The Niagara Parks Commission as an additional insured
• construction drawings
• location map
• fee payment and security deposit
• licence agreement
• complete restoration of site and Niagara Parks lands at the sole cost of the owner

In additional to the requirements above, new shoreline and waterline permits also require a reference plan registered on title to lands; stage 1-2 (minimum) archaeological assessment; possible marine archaeological assessment; environmental impact study; and a tracer wire to be installed

Consent and Access Agreement (Utility Permit)

Utility companies wishing to install utility infrastructure and equipment on or across Niagara Parks lands require a consent and access agreement, also known as a utility permit. Applicants must also provide proof of any associated land use permits. Please note the following requirements before submitting a permit application:

• certificate of liability insurance coverage in the amount of $5 million dollars and naming The Niagara Parks Commission as an additional insured
• existing Master Consent and Access Agreement, if already established
• fee payment and security deposit
• route map for any heavy vehicles/oversized loads travelling on the Parkway
• construction drawings

Other Permit Types

For other permit types, including but not limited to construction or general access permits, applicants are advised to contact Niagara Parks for more information. All contractors are required to adhere to Niagara Parks’ Contractor Safety Guidelines.

Applicants wishing to apply for a shoreline dock license or would like to renew an existing one should visit our Shoreline Docks page for more information.