Title
Boating Restriction Information
Proposed Motion(s)
That the Governance and Priorities Committee receive the report on Boating Restrictions as information.
Body
Administration Recommendation(s)
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
To provide information regarding the process for imposing a boating restriction on a water body.
Summary
The federal government has the legislative authority and jurisdiction regarding boating restrictions. Transport Canada Marine Safety's Office of Boating Safety (OBS) is the federal department which oversee this process. Boating restrictions are usually made for a specific water body (or parts thereof); and are implemented to address safety concerns. Currently, there are a number of lakes within Parkland County that already have various boating restrictions placed on them (Attachment - Admin. Boating Restrictions Report).
If boating issues exist the OBS strongly encourages stakeholders to pursue other non-regulatory solutions such as signage, public awareness or a code of conduct for water body users prior to seeking a boating restriction. These non regulatory options tend to be more expedient and less costly.
If a non regulatory solution can not be found then pursuing a boating restriction may be warranted. An application for a boating restriction can only be made by a level of government and must include:
- Clear identification of the problem
- Identification of all known contributing causes to the problem
- Identification of non regulatory alternatives that were examined or attempted
- An outline and documentation of public consultation carried out
- Documentation as to why a regulation is the only alternative
- Documentation of impact assessments and cost benefit analyses based on the decision to regulate
- Ensure the nominated water body has been accurately identified in terms easily understood by stakeholders
- ensure suitable methods are in place to allow compliance with regulations
- identification that enforcement is practical and that this responsibility is accepted by an appropriate enforcement authority
An extensive Public Engagement process with all impacted stakeholders is a key requirement of the application; specific details and requirements can be found in the Attachment - "Local Authorities Guide to Boating Restriction Regulations".
Timeline for establishing a boating restriction is difficult to determine. Essentially once an application is received and has been approved by the federal government it can take up to a year for that restriction to come into effect. This does not include time for development of the application including the public engagement activity, or the time required by the federal government for review and decision.
If a restriction is approved the level of government that applied for it is responsible for public notification of the restriction.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications (As Required)
Strategic Plan - Quality of Life - Goal #2 - Parkland County will maintain and enhance community safety.
Financial Impact:
Cost: N/A
Source of Funding: N/A
Other (As Required)
None.