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Shoreline Road Allowances

Georgian Bluffs is home to incredible shorelines along Georgian Bay and several inland lakes. These shorelines are essential to the environment and provide habitats for wildlife, as well as recreational spaces for residents and visitors. Almost 1,000 residential properties border these shorelines.

Shoreline road allowances are strips of land, typically 66 feet wide, running inland from the high-water mark along lakes and navigable waterways. These were originally set aside in the 1800s to ensure public access to the shoreline and for transporting goods. Over time, these lands have evolved to serve environmental, public access, and recreational purposes. Today, Georgian Bluffs manages these allowances as part of its municipal responsibilities.

Shorelines and Property Ownership

If your property is next to a shoreline road allowance, it's important to know what activities are allowed. The rules depend on whether the allowance is publicly owned by the Township or privately owned.

Public shoreline road allowances remain public land and are managed by the Township. If you live adjacent to a public shoreline allowance, certain activities require a permit from the Township to ensure environmental protection and proper land management. These activities include:

  • Vegetation Removal: Cutting down trees or clearing plants.
  • Building or Modifying Structures: Adding steps, docks, boathouses, or patios.
  • Landscaping: Moving soil, rocks, or other materials.
  • Shore Well Replacement: Replacing or installing new shore wells.

Permits required:

  • From the Township of Georgian Bluffs: For any changes on public shoreline allowances.
  • From the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority: For activities affecting natural resources, watercourses, or erosion control.
  • From the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) or Department of Fisheries and Oceans: For changes that impact the water, such as dock installations or adding/removing materials like rocks or sand.

Failure to obtain the necessary permits can result in penalties or orders to restore the area.

If the shoreline road allowance has been transferred to private ownership, you generally have full control of the land, but you must still follow environmental regulations. Some activities may require permits from:

  • The Conservation Authority: For any work that affects natural resources or watercourses.
  • Provincial or Federal Agencies: If the work involves altering the shoreline or water.

If you're unsure whether the shoreline road allowance next to your property is public or private, you can check property records through the Land Titles or Land Registry systems, or consult with a real estate expert or surveyor.

History of Shoreline Road Allowances

Shoreline road allowances were established by the Crown Survey in the 1800s. They were laid out to provide a continuous strip of public land along the shores of lakes and waterways. The purpose has evolved over time, from public transportation routes to lands used for environmental conservation and public access.

Over the years, some of these shoreline allowances have been sold or transferred to private property owners. However, Georgian Bluffs retains ownership of significant sections of shoreline allowances, particularly where no transfer of ownership has occurred.

From the 1990s until 2024, the Township was involved in a legal land claim with the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation (Saugeen Ojibway Nation). This claim focused on the promises made in Treaty 72 and whether they had been fulfilled. In 2024, the courts ruled that municipal lands are not part of this ongoing claim, and Georgian Bluffs is no longer involved in the legal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not at this time. The Township is reviewing ownership of shoreline allowances and will develop policies before deciding if any land can be sold.

Public access is available at designated parks (Sarawak, Sutacriti, Centennial, and Cedar Hill). In other areas, access may be restricted, especially if the land is privately owned.

Yes, shoreline allowances exist around inland lakes like Francis Lake and Bass Lake. Check your property records to confirm.

Yes, a permit is usually required, especially for activities like landscaping, removing vegetation, or building structures. Contact the Conservation Authority and the Township for more information.

Contact Us

Township of Georgian Bluffs
177964 Grey Road 18,
Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N5

Send Email to Georgian Bluffs
Phone: 519-376-2729
Fax: 519-372-1620

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