Water Aerodromes
Location: Township of Armour and Kenora (Ontario)
Issue/Source: Development of new water aerodromes and issues with surrounding municipalities / TRAN
Date: March 2024
Suggested Responses
- In Canada, the establishment of new aerodromes, including water aerodromes, does not require the approval of the Minister of Transport.
- Although Transport Canada (TC) does not approve the establishment of water aerodromes, aerodrome operators must comply with applicable regulatory requirements. With respect to the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), these are limited to the installation of a wind direction indicator in certain cases. If the water aerodrome is registered, the operator must submit to the minister information with regards to the location, use and operation.
- Floatplanes must also comply with the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, as well as the Collisions Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act.
If Pressed
- In the case of Black Sturgeon Lake, we are currently reviewing the prohibition application submitted to the Minister by the Black Sturgeon Lake Property Owners Association.
- In the case of the water aerodromes located at Three Mile Lake and Kenora, TC has determined that they meet Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) requirements.
- TC has also determined that the dock would not interfere with navigation under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act.
- The parties are encouraged to discuss the issues surrounding the establishment of water aerodromes and to find solutions that satisfy everyone.
Background Information
- Transport Canada (TC) has been asked to intervene in two recently registered water aerodrome developments (located on Three Mile Lake in the Township of Armour and Black Sturgeon Lake in Kenora, Ontario).
- Municipalities and citizens near both aerodromes are concerned by the lack of consultation (the development of water aerodromes in Canada does not require consultation with local stakeholders); the land use and environmental impacts (e.g., construction of docks/buildings without regard to the local bylaws or environmental regulations); noise; and the safety of other water body users.
- As a result of concerns, the Township of Armour initiated a petition in the House of Commons (e-4364) for which a government response is forthcoming, issued a resolution calling for regulatory changes to the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), and has written to the Transport Canada Director General of Civil Aviation.
- For both water aerodromes, TC has reviewed both applications and found the sites safe and in compliance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).
- The Canadian Navigable Waters Act which applies to all navigable waters in Canada, requires approval for any works that may affect navigation on navigable waters in Canada. In the case of Three Mile Lake, TC has determined that the docks did not interfere with navigation under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act.
- On January 10, 2024, the Minister received a correspondence from the Black Sturgeon Lake Property Owners Association, asking the Minister to issue an Order under Section 4.32 of the Aeronautics Act to prohibit the expansion of, and limit the operation of, the water aerodrome located on Black Sturgeon Lake. TC is currently reviewing the application and will be providing a recommendation.