Boating Regulations

    Just a quick reminder that another deadline for boat operator competency requirements has passed on September 15, 2002.  This requirement applies to all operators of craft under 4 m in length, including personal watercraft.  This means that if you have or operate a motorized boat under 13 feet you will need to have an operators card.  In addition, all those individuals operating a  motorized boat (regardless of size) who were born after April 1, 1983 already need the pleasure craft operator card.

Here is a link to the Operator Competency Requirements FAQ .

Don't forget to check out The Safe Boating Guide to keep up on current regulations and equipment requirements!

Here is a clarification on Snug Harbour Resort's policy on the Operator Competency Requirements for those of you who wish to rent/operate motorized boats from Snug Harbour Resort.

1.  All operators born after April 1, 1983 must:

    a) have a pleasure craft operator card

    or

    b) must complete a rental-boat safety checklist as issued by Snug Harbour Resort.

2.  Any individual born before April 1, 1983 does NOT need a pleasure craft operator card (until September 15, 2009) because our boats exceed 4 m. (13 feet) in length.

3.  Non-residents must have a pleasure craft operator card:

• If they operate their recreational vessel in Canadian waters for more than 45 consecutive days or,
• If they operate a recreational vessel that is licensed or registered in Canada (including rented or chartered boats).
• The Regulations do not apply to non-residents who operate their recreational vessel in Canadian waters for less than 45 consecutive days. Please note that a proof of residence will be required on board at all times.

3.  Acceptable proof of competency for non-residents:

• A Pleasure Craft Operator Card;
• A completed boat rental safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats); or,
• An operator card or equivalent which meets the requirements of their state or country.

Fishing Season

The 2011 Fishing Season for Desert, Birch and Kingsford Lakes are: 

Fishing Regulations Summary for 2012 (we are in Zone 18)

Pike:   May 12 to December 31

Lake Trout:  May 26 to September 8

Bass:  June 23 to November 30

Please follow the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Fish Ontario link to the online fishing regulations for Ontario.

Fishing Licence Information for Non-Residents

Anyone who lives outside of Canada is considered a non-resident for the purposes of fishing licence regulations. Most non-residents need a fishing licence to fish in Ontario. Specifically:

Non-residents 18 years of age and over must purchase a fishing licence.  

Non-residents under 18 years of age may fish without a licence if accompanied by a adult who has a recreational fishing licence. Any fish caught are part of the catch and possession limit of the adult who holds the licence. As another option, non-residents under 18 years may purchase a licence and any fish caught apply to the catch and possession limits of that licence.

Non-residents 65 years of age or older are not exempt from licencing.

For a complete guide to fishing licences in Ontario please see:  Fast Facts about Ontario Outdoors Cards and Fishing Licences