Electric Motor Power Limit for Restricted Waters

Summary#

The Canada Gazette published a proposed change called Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations on March 7, 2020. If adopted, the proposal would set a maximum electric motor power of 7.5 kW for certain restricted waters and correct many location coordinates in the schedules; this is a proposal, not yet law, and comments were invited within 30 days of publication.

What it does#

• Adds a new limit so that vessels driven by electrical motors cannot have an aggregate maximum power greater than 7.5 kW in waters already listed in Schedule 3 (waters where power-driven vessels are restricted).
• Updates signage rules to allow a new symbol (a propeller with an electrical plug) and to display the “MAX kW” power limit on signs for those waters.
• Corrects or updates geographic coordinates and location references for a number of listed waters across provinces:
  • 2 bodies of water in Saskatchewan
  • 10 bodies of water in Ontario
  • 31 bodies of water in Quebec
  • 3 bodies of water in British Columbia
• States that, if made final, the amendments would come into force on the day they are registered.

Who's affected#

• Recreational boaters who use electric motors — especially those with higher-power motors. The new limit applies only on waters already restricted by Schedule 3.
• Local enforcement agencies and authorities that post or rely on signage for restricted areas.
• People who use or manage specific listed lakes, rivers and channels where coordinates are corrected (mostly in SK, ON, QC, BC).
• The proposal says small businesses would not incur new costs; the notice does not identify other industries being directly affected.

Why it matters#

• Electric motors have become more powerful. The change aims to prevent electric-powered boats from doing activities (like towing) that the rules already ban for gas-powered boats in some places. Setting 7.5 kW keeps limits for electric motors in line with existing horsepower limits.
• Clearer coordinates and updated signs should make it easier for boaters to know where restrictions apply and help enforcement avoid confusion. That can improve safety and reduce disputes about where rules apply.
• The change is administrative and safety-focused; the government’s analysis says it would have minimal economic impact. Remember: this was a proposed regulation in March 2020, and it was not yet law at that time.