Port Dover Restricted Beach Area/Buoys

Norfolk County is seeking your feedback on a possible change to the boating restriction area at Port Dover Beach. Your input will help guide decisions about the designation and placement of buoys.

The review is in response to residents' requests to review the designated boating restriction area at Port Dover beach. The designated area falls under the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulation (VORR) of Canada Shipping.

Currently, this area has a Schedule 1 restriction, and staff are investigating redesigning it to a Schedule 2 restriction. This would allow non-motorized vessels such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards in the area, while continuing to prohibit motorized and electrically powered watercraft.

• A Schedule 1 restriction is “Waters on Which All Vessels are Prohibited," meaning no vessels.
• A Schedule 2 restriction is “Waters on which Power-driven Vessels and Vessels Driven by Electrical Propulsion are Prohibited.”

Feedback received will help inform next steps and support any future application to Transport Canada regarding changes to the VORR designation.

Maps

Map 1 – present location of buoys

Map 2 – example of expanded (width) area of location of buoys

Map 3 – example of further expanded (length & width) area of location of buoys

Map 4 – example of further reduced (width) area of location of buoys

Share your feedback

Norfolk County is seeking public input on the potential redesignation of the restricted beach area.

Attend an in-person engagement event

• May 5, 2025, from 4 to 7:00 p.m.
  Port Dover Community Centre - Hall A
  801 St. George St, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N0

Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and provide feedback on the proposed changes.

Complete an online survey by May 20, 2025

Complete the Port Dover Restricted Beach Area/Buoys Survey online or at any Norfolk County Public Library branch, or the County Administration Building in Simcoe or Delhi.