The County of Haliburton has many beautiful lakes and rivers that contrib caute environmentally, economically, and socially to the County. These lakes offer countless recreational opportunities, including swimming, boating, and fishing, which supports a thriving tourism industry and a wonderful home for many residents. Criticial to the health of these lakes are the wide range of aquatic species, plants, and animals that live in and near our lakes.
The County's Shoreline Preservation By-laws seek to strike a balance between the rights of shoreline property owners to use and enjoy their property, while preservating the natural environment, lake health and natural aesthetics. They are designed to regulate situations where a property owner (or their representative) plans to make significant changes to the grade or topography of their property that could increase the flow of surface water onto neighboring lands or bodies of water. It also applies when there is a proposal for the substantial removal of trees and/or vegetation. In these cases, property owners must apply for and obtain permit approval before proceeding with such major projects or activities within the shoreline buffer area.
Note that the County's Shoreline Preservation By-Law applies only in Minden Hills, Algonquin Highlands and Highlands East. Dysart et al. relies on the County's Shoreline Tree Preservation By-Law which only targets tree cutting.
Unfortunately, the County's by-law limits shoreline alterations to 20 m despite their 2018 Staff Report advocating for a 30 m "ribbon of life" around the lake. If you don't think 20 m is enough, make sure you contact your local councillor and make your feelings known.
Would you like to read more about the benefits of natural shorelines? You can read the CHA's info sheet here.
Useful Links
- More information about the County's Shoreline Preservation By-Law can be found on this webpage, including what shoreline work needs a permit and FAQs.
- The text of Shoreline Preservation By-Law 4169 can be found here.
- More information about the County's Shoreline Tree Preservation By-Law, which only applies in Dysart et al., can be found on this webpage.
- The text of Shoreline Tree Preservation By-Law 3505 can be found here.
- Do you have a concern about someone on your lake altering the shoreline in contradiction of the by-law? You can file a complaint here. for Algonquin Highlands, Minden Hills or Highlands East, or here for Dysart et al.