Apply for Vessel Operation Restrictions

The Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR) provide local authorities with a way to address safety, environmental, and public interest concerns on their local waterways. They allow any level of government in Canada to ask the federal government to restrict the use of pleasure crafts and commercial vessels on local bodies of water.

Transport Canada works alongside local authorities to address waterway safety and environmental concerns by placing restrictions on speed, hours of operation, type of propulsion, and activities.

On this page

Applying for Restrictions

A restriction on navigation requires demonstration that government intervention is justified, and that the VORR is not the only option considered by the local authority.

Before applying for a vessel operation restriction, local authorities must:

To request a restriction on a body of water, local authorities must:

  • complete every section of the Restriction Application Form. You will find instructions on how to complete the form in Appendix 3 of the Local Authorities' Guide.
  • submit requests to the regional Office of Boating Safety by November 15 to be considered and possibly implemented for the next year’s boating season.

Enacting Restrictions

Once a new vessel operation restriction is established, the local authority is responsible for:

  • informing the public about the new restriction
  • assuming all costs related to producing, installing, and maintaining restriction signs
  • enforcing the restriction (as outlined in the application)
Date modified: