A work permit is a document issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources under authority of Section 14 of the Public Lands Act, to authorize specific activities and works on public lands and shore lands.
Public lands means any lands under the control and management of the Ministry of Natural Resources (often referred to as “Crown lands”), including the beds of most lakes and rivers in Ontario.
Shore lands are defined as lands covered or seasonally inundated by the water of a lake, river, stream or pond and may include either patented (i.e. private) or public lands.
A work permit is required to provide for effective stewardship of public lands and to ensure that specific activities undertaken on shore lands have regard for the environment, other users and neighbouring landowners.
