Final Codes and Standard for Work Near Water
Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 160, Number 4: GOVERNMENT NOTICES
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans finalized four codes of practice and one standard under the Fisheries Act that cover construction, maintenance and repair of docks, bridges, in‑water structures and intermittent drains, plus a standard for in‑water site isolation. The instruments are final as of 2026-01-24 and are available on the Projects near water website; they provide guidance for people and businesses carrying out work near or in water to protect fish and fish habitat.
Summary
Summary#
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says four codes of practice and one standard under the Fisheries Act are final as of January 24, 2026. They cover practical rules for work near water (docks, bridges, in‑water structures and drains) and a standard for isolating in‑water work. The final documents are available on the Projects near water website.
What it does#
- Finalizes these codes of practice:
- Boathouses, docks and moorings: Construction, maintenance and repair
- Bridges: Maintenance and repair
- In‑water structures: Maintenance and repair
- Intermittent drains: Maintenance
- Finalizes this standard:
- In‑water site isolation
- Notes that the details and the steps to finalize these instruments are set out in the Fish and Fish Habitat Protection and Pollution Prevention provisions (section 34.2 of the Fisheries Act).
- Says the final documents are posted on the Projects near water website.
Who's affected#
- People and businesses doing construction, maintenance or repairs near or in water, for example:
- private waterfront owners and marinas
- contractors and engineers who build or repair docks, bridges or in‑water structures
- municipal and utility crews that maintain drains and water infrastructure
- Environmental consultants and permitting staff who advise on or review such work.
- It is not clear from the notice whether any other groups are directly affected beyond those involved with near‑water projects.
Why it matters#
- These documents give the government’s final guidance on how to do common types of work near water without harming fish or fish habitat.
- That helps people plan and carry out projects with clearer expectations about protective measures.
- Municipalities and owners of aging water infrastructure may use the guidance when maintaining or replacing assets.
- The rules may also affect how permits and reviews are handled, since the notice points to the Fisheries Act provisions that govern these codes and standards.
Key topics
Source: Canada Gazette