Châteauguay to regulate the installation of docks

The City of Châteauguay will modify its regulations surrounding the installation of docks on the Châteauguay River. Once adopted, a permit will be required to install this type of infrastructure.

Translation Amanda Bennett

Municipalities must comply with the provincial government's Régime transitoire de gestion des zones inondables des rives et du littoral (Transitional Floodplain Management Plan for Lakeshores and Riverbanks Plan) which came into effect in March 2022 and regulates possible activities on the banks of waterways.

The City of Châteauguay is taking advantage of these new standards to better define its regulations surrounding the docks. "There wasn't much in this regulation," said Châteauguay Mayor Eric Allard.

By requiring a permit, the city will be able to control, among other things, the type of materials used for construction.

More boats

Since the pandemic, the municipal council has observed an increase in the number of boats on the river during the summer. “We have concerns about riverbank erosion," says Allard. “In some places, the banks are very close to the road.”

Last summer city council also expressed concerns about "illegal marinas", i.e. people who welcome a certain number of boats at their homes without having authorization.

Châteauguay has 300 shoreline property owners on its territory.

A public consultation is scheduled for Tuesday, March 14, at 7 p.m., at the Pavillon de l'île de Châteauguay to explain the draft bylaw concerning the construction, installation and modification of docks.