Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act

The Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act requires dam owners to obtain approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for:

  • the construction of new dams
  • certain repairs and alterations to existing dams
  • certain water crossings and channelization works

Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act

Dam construction regulation

Administrative guide

The Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act Administrative Guide outlines the broad requirements of the act, including roles and responsibilities, application of the act and steps in the review and approval process.

Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act administrative guide

Technical bulletins

The Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act technical bulletins detail Ministry requirements for the location, design, construction, operation, decommissioning, removal, maintenance and safety of dams in Ontario.

A Framework for Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act agreements for alterations, improvements and repairs to dams

This framework provides guidance to dam owners, general public and Indigenous communities regarding Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act section 16 agreements.

Best management practices

These guides provide guidance to dam owners to ensure dam safety.

Public safety around dams

Dam safety reviews

How to remove a dam

A landowner’s guide to removing small dams in Ontario

Managing water flows and levels in Ontario

Managing water flows and levels in Ontario