It will be illegal to moor a floating house overnight on an Ontario lake, effective July 1, under new rules announced by the Doug Ford government on Friday.
The presence of these houseboats, often built from shipping containers, has drawn the ire of many shack owners and local officials, who describe them as abominable.
In a press release, the government states that the regulations are the result of consultations, in particular with the residents of the chalets, the communities and the First Nations.
The goal, the province said, is to protect the environment and wildlife, and to limit the “risks of pollution from waste, sewage and spills” associated with these floating shelters.
“We are taking steps to protect our waterways, maintain access to public lands, ensure user access for recreational purposes, and reduce potential pollution of lakes and rivers. »
— A quote from Graydon Smith, Secretary of State for Natural Resources and Forestry (press release)
The new state regulations only apply to structures used primarily for residential purposes on public waterways, not private marinas.