Bill S-209

SUMMARY

This enactment requires the designated Minister to make regulations to prohibit or restrict the use of personal watercraft on designated waterways.

A local authority may, after general consultation within the community, including consultation with local residents and with law enforcement agencies, adopt a resolution proposing to the Minister that the use of personal watercraft be prohibited on designated waterways or that some or all of the restrictions established by the regulations apply to designated waterways. These designated waterways may be all or specified parts of navigable waterways in the local authority’s area. The Minister may refuse to act on a proposal that would impede navigation.

On receiving the resolution and information regarding the consultation that took place, the Minister must publish a notice of the proposal in the Canada Gazette. The Minister must give all interested parties an opportunity to make representations on the proposal during the 90-day period following publication of the notice.

The restrictions are made applicable to the designated waterways when the Minister adds them by order to the appropriate schedule to the regulations. Schedule I to the regulations will list those waterways on which personal watercraft are prohibited. Schedule II to the regulations will list those waterways on which their use is subject to restrictions.