Shoreline Docks
Shoreline Dock Licences
Apply for, renew, or manage a shoreline dock licence with Niagara Parks while helping protect the natural beauty of the Niagara River.
Enjoying the Niagara River While Protecting Its Natural Shoreline
The Niagara Parks Commission manages and protects more than 56 kilometres of shoreline along the Canadian side of the Niagara River. Shoreline docks are permitted in certain locations through an annual licensing program that helps balance recreational access to the river with the protection of natural habitats, scenic landscapes, and environmentally sensitive areas.
Parkway residents who wish to install, maintain, renew, repair, upgrade, or replace a shoreline dock must first obtain approval from Niagara Parks through the Shoreline Dock Licence Program.
Am I Eligible for a Shoreline Dock Licence?
You may be eligible for a shoreline dock licence if:
- You reside along the Niagara River Parkway.
- You own a watercraft.
- Your proposed dock location meets the required separation distances from neighbouring docks.
- The location is outside of a restricted shoreline area.
Because every property is unique, eligibility is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you are unsure whether your property qualifies, we encourage you to contact Niagara Parks before submitting an application.
What would you like to do?
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Apply for a New Shoreline Dock Licence
The Shoreline Dock Licence Program allows eligible Niagara River Parkway residents to install and use an approved dock during the annual dock season. The sections below explain what you need before applying, how applications are reviewed, and what happens after you apply. Licence holders must follow the Shoreline Dock Licence Terms and Conditions throughout the season to keep their licence in good standing.
What You Need Before You Apply
Before applying, review the Shoreline Dock Licence Terms and Conditions and confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements. Be prepared to provide complete information about your proposed dock and location, together with any supporting information required through the online application.
Apply Online
Create or log in to your Citywide Account, select Shoreline Docks, and complete the online application. Submit all required information so Niagara Parks can begin its review.
What Niagara Parks Reviews
Niagara Parks reviews each application to determine whether the applicant, proposed location, and dock proposal meet the program requirements, including:- Eligibility requirements
- Environmental considerations
- Shoreline conditions
- Dock spacing requirements
Additional information may be requested during the review process.
What Happens After You Apply
Niagara Parks may contact you if additional information is required. If your application is approved, a Shoreline Dock Licence will be issued after all required documentation has been received and the applicable fees have been paid. Do not install the dock until the licence has been issued.
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Renew an Existing Licence
Shoreline dock licences are issued on an annual basis and expire each year on October 31st. To maintain an existing dock licence, licence holders must submit a renewal request through the Citywide portal, provide any required documentation, and pay the applicable fees.
Continued compliance with the Shoreline Dock Licence Terms and Conditions is required to remain eligible for renewal.
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Repair, Upgrade or Replace a Dock
Planning repairs or improvements to your dock?
Approval from Niagara Parks is required before undertaking repairs, upgrades, replacements, or other alterations to an existing shoreline dock.
Depending on the nature of the proposed work, docks may be required to meet current design and environmental standards, even where the original dock was approved under previous requirements.
If you would like to repair, upgrade, replace, or otherwise modify your dock, please submit a comment through the Citywide Portal to request approval before beginning any work.
Protecting the Niagara River Shoreline
The Niagara River shoreline contains important natural features, wildlife habitat, and environmentally sensitive areas. Shoreline docks can affect shoreline vegetation, aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and the overall character of the Niagara River corridor.
As part of the review process, Niagara Parks evaluates proposed dock locations to help ensure shoreline access is managed responsibly and remains compatible with long-term environmental stewardship objectives.
Shoreline Dock Restricted Areas
Some sections of the Niagara River shoreline are not eligible for shoreline docks due to environmental sensitivity, public safety considerations, navigational concerns, or parkland protection requirements.
Before applying, review the restricted areas to determine whether your property is located within an eligible area.
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Niagara-on-the-Lake
1. North of Smuggler’s Cove Boat Club | Area of Natural and Scientific Interest
2. McFarland Park Area | Area of Natural and Scientific Interest
3. Brown’s Point Area | Area of Natural and Scientific Interest
4. Deep Hollow Area and south | Area of Natural and Scientific Interest
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City of Niagara Falls
1. Between Village of Queenston and North Service Road 30 | Dangerous Waters
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Town of Fort Erie
1. Within 400 metres (1300 ft.) of the Niagara Parks Marina | Marina Area
2. Between Phipps Street and Lewis Street | Parkland
3. From a point 300 metres south of Wintemute Street to the south-westerly jurisdiction (between house number 520 Lakeshore Road) | Bird Sanctuary and Parkland
4. Gonder’s Flats
Fees
Shoreline dock licence fees are established by The Niagara Parks Commission annually and are subject to change. Current fees include:
| Item | Fees |
| Shoreline Dock Licence Fee (includes 2 boats) | $300.00 |
| Stairs Fee | $155.00 |
| First time Shoreline Dock Administrative Setup Fee | $580.31 |
| Additional Boats (per boat) | $150.00 |
| Commercial or Municipal Shoreline Docks | As determined by Commission |
Please review the current fee schedule before submitting your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need a licence every year?
Yes. Shoreline dock licences are annual licences and expire on October 31 each year. Renewal is required to maintain a valid shoreline dock licence.
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Can I install a dock without approval?
No. A Shoreline Dock Licence must be obtained before a shoreline dock is installed.
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Can I repair or replace my dock without approval?
No. Niagara Parks approval is required before undertaking repairs, upgrades, replacements, or other alterations to an existing dock.
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Why are some shoreline areas restricted?
Certain areas contain environmentally sensitive features, public safety concerns, or other conditions that make shoreline docks unsuitable or incompatible with shoreline management objectives.
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What if I am unsure whether my property is eligible?
Contact Niagara Parks before submitting an application. Staff can help determine whether your property and proposed dock location may meet the program requirements.
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Can I maintain the shoreline vegetation around my dock and stairs?
Niagara Parks maintains the shoreline. If you require trimming or pruning to safely access your dock, please reach out to Niagara Parks.
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When is the dock season?
The dock season begins 10 days after removal of the ice boom and ends on October 31st each year. Removal of the ice boom varies each year. A notice is sent to existing licence holders every year when the ice boom has been removed.
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When can I install my shoreline dock?
You may install your shoreline dock after your licence has been issued by Niagara Parks and 10 days after the ice boom has been removed.
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Can I store items on the shoreline?
No. Items cannot be stored on the shoreline at any time during the dock season or the off-season.
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Can I share my dock with a neighbour?
Yes. Niagara Parks encourages dock sharing so more people can access the Niagara River for boating and recreation. If you are sharing your dock with your neighbour, please add this to your application in Citywide.
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How many boats can I have?
You may register a maximum of 5 boats. The licence fee includes up to 2 boats. Additional fees apply for each extra boat.
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If I move, can I transfer my licence to the new owner?
No. Your licence ends when you move and cannot be transferred. The new owner must apply for a shoreline dock licence, but Niagara Parks maintains a wait list and a licence is not guaranteed.
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Why do I need to provide insurance every year?
Annual proof of insurance confirms your coverage is current and protects you, Niagara Parks and the public if an incident occurs.
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What documents do I need to submit with my new dock application?
New dock applications typically require dock specifications, a dock layout map, engineered drawings (where applicable), and proof of $2 million liability insurance naming Niagara Parks as an additional insured. If the dock will be shared, each neighbour must also provide proof of their own insurance coverage. Additional documentation may be required depending on the proposed dock and site conditions.
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What can I have on or near my dock?
Please keep the area clear. Boat lifts, permanent decks, fences, gates, flags, ornaments and personal items are not allowed. Only Niagara Parks-approved signs may be posted, and nothing may be left on the dock overnight.
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Are there rules for using and maintaining my dock?
Yes. Docks are for personal use only. Please do not park on Niagara Parks property unless in a designated parking area, and do not use machinery in the water or disturb the riverbed when installing or removing your dock.
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If I am on the waitlist, do I need to reapply every year?
No. There is no need to reapply every year. Staff will contact you once a space becomes available.
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