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.
What would you like to do?
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Install a New Dock
Applying for a shoreline dock licence is a straightforward process.
Step 1: Review the Licence Requirements
Review the Shoreline Dock Licence Terms and Conditions to understand eligibility requirements, licence holder responsibilities, and program requirements.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Create or log in to your PSD Citywide account, select Shoreline Docks, and complete the online application form and provide all required supporting information.
Step 3: Application Review
Niagara Parks reviews all applications to assess:
- Eligibility requirements
- Environmental considerations
- Shoreline conditions
- Docking spacing requirements
- Compliance with licensing standards
Additional information may be requested during the review process.
Step 4: Approval and Licensing
If your application is approved, Niagara Parks will issue a Shoreline Dock Licence once all required documentation has been received and applicable fees have been paid.
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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 PSD 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 are unsure whether approval is required, please contact Niagara Parks before beginning any work.
Before You Apply
You may be eligible for a shoreline dock licence if:
- You permanently 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.
- Your proposal meets Niagara Parks’ environmental and shoreline management requirements.
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.
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.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
- North of Smuggler’s Cove Boat Club | Area of Natural and Scientific Interest
- McFarland Park Area | Area of Natural and Scientific Interest
- Brown’s Point Area | Area of Natural and Scientific Interest
- Deep Hollow Area and south | Area of Natural and Scientific Interest
City of Niagara Falls
- Between Village of Queenston and North Service Road 30 | Dangerous Waters
Town of Fort Erie
- Within 400 metres (1300 ft.) of the Niagara Parks Marina | Marina Area
- Between Phipps Street and Lewis Street | Parkland
- From a point 300 metres south of Wintemute Street to the south-westerly jurisdiction (between house number 520 Lakeshore Road) | Bird Sanctuary and Parkland
- 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) | $290.15 |
| Stairs Fee | $151.67 |
| First time Shoreline Dock Administrative Setup Fee | $580.31 |
| Additional Boats (per boat) | $142.21 |
| 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 authorization for your dock.
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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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