To be honest, your waterfront property rights are pretty well set in stone. The Province of Ontario owns the land under most waterfront through the Beds of Navigable Waters Act, RSO 1990, c B4. Read the Act.

So who owns beachfront property? Usually the Crown. Even if you think you have a private shore because you own a low water mark, the Province may hold a legal interest in the shore road allowance. That’s the 20 metres between your land and the water.

Your Riparian Rights in Ontario

That said, you do have riparian rights to water that directly abuts (adjoins) your waterfront property. Those rights affect the flow, drainage, access, use, and quality of water from rivers, lakeshores, or any body of water.

You can:

draw underground water to drink or for residential purposes
use navigable waters, even privately owned, to travel from one public waterway to another – as long as you don’t stop midstream and trespass on private land
use non-navigable water, like brooks or streams on your property, any way you want, provided you don’t violate local bylaws or interfere with other landowners’ enjoyment.

Common Canadian real estate law questions for waterfront property sellers.

Who Owns the Land Around a Lake

In fact, the only time a waterfront property is private is when it is surrounded solely by a landowner’s property. For example, if you create a manmade lake or pond, or a natural lake is landlocked by your property. (The Province still owns your natural lake, but reaching it would be trespassing.) Here’s where to find the cheapest waterfront property in Ontario.

Mortgage tips when you look for cottages for sale (Ontario).

So Where Should You Put a Waterfront Property?

Plan to set that waterfront property well back from the shoreline, like 30 metres or more. Popular waterfront haunts like Haliburton County can prohibit waterfront property closer than that. What’s in your county’s shoreline preservation bylaw?

Setbacks protect wildlife habitat and preserve native vegetation by filtering harmful substances before they enter the water. Imagine a coffee filter. Tightly knotted root systems in natural vegetation absorb carbon and phosphorus the same way.

Bonus: fewer algae blooms and your valuable waterfront property is better protected from flooding caused by spring runoff. Stop harmful algal bloom from spoiling your vacation.

Hiring a real estate lawyer

Why You Need a Real Estate Lawyer

Seal waterfront property transactions quickly and conveniently when you use an Axess Law real estate lawyer. Our real estate lawyers charge less than traditional law firms because you get only the legal services you absolutely need.

Our licenced legal team reviews the agreement of purchase and sale for terms and conditions that may need amending. We add essential clauses to protect your financial interests and amend completion dates when your mortgage negotiations run longer than expected. Drafting the agreement of purchase and sale.

We suggest what to include in your legally binding contract so you can cancel if needed by mutual consent. If you’ve signed an offer to purchase you now regret, we explain your buyer’s right to cancel and financial consequences if the seller disagrees. What happens to the deposit if the deal falls through.

Your Axess Law real estate attorney searches title to property for construction liens or financial claims that could block a legal transfer. Add a spouse or family member to title now or later. Make property title transfers (Ontario only).

Discharge existing mortgages and get new mortgage documents witnessed by a professional real estate lawyer. Axess Law liaises with your mortgage lender to ensure mortgage papers are witnessed, signed, and delivered on time. Discharge mortgages.

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Virtual Legal Assistance 7 Days a Week

Video conference online anywhere in Ontario. Use any compatible home computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile device to connect with an Axess Law virtual real estate lawyer. We use secure, confidential video conferencing software to witness your signature, then forward a final copy for your records.

Using a virtual real estate lawyer.

Affordable Real Estate Lawyers, Anywhere You Are

Access lawyers for less in the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, or anywhere in Ontario when you buy, sell, or transfer property. Axess Law’s flat fee real estate lawyers are affordable, and our rates are all inclusive (excluding taxes, disbursements, and third-party charges). Axess Law offers you only the legal services you absolutely need. Your final invoice includes no surprises or hidden charges. Your itemized statement of adjustments is explained when we deliver it, and we answer any questions you have about it.

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Make Phone or Online Appointments Quickly

Legal appointments are just a phone call away. Dial toll-free to 1-877-402-4277 (647-479-0118 in Greater Toronto Area) to book your next lawyer appointment at any of our conveniently located Greater Toronto Area or Ottawa law offices. Our lawyers make day or evening appointments at times that work for you.

No time to call? Our easy web form makes booking online a breeze. Access lawyers by virtual video conference or in person any time you buy, sell, or refinance real estate.

Axess Law has onsite parking and easy transit access.

Click here to learn more about Axess Law’s real estate law services.