Q: There was an interesting Q&A about fishing access on pg. 26 of the April 2023 issue. Crown ownership of a waterbody and how it can affect access was mentioned. I would like to know how to find out that information. I’ve talked to landowners who claimed they owned the waterbed, but how do we find out for certain?
Randy Lambert, Simcoe
A: Unless specified in the original land grant for the property in question, the bed of any navigable waterway in Ontario belongs to the Crown. Land patents are available at local land registry offices.
Answer by: David Critchlow, Provincial Enforcement Specialist, MNR
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Published in Ontario OUT of DOORS' Fishing Annual 2024
Please check the most recent Ontario hunting and fishing regulations summaries, as rules and regulations can change.
