FAQs on the Regulations
What does land use planning in National Parks look like?
In very limited areas, such as national park communities, controlled development is permitted according to strict guidelines in order to enhance recreational, residential and visitor services. Parks Canada regulates construction and renovation projects through the issuance of land use planning permits. Under the proposed National Parks of Canada Land Use Planning Regulations, no development can occur in a Parks Canada administered place without first obtaining a permit or authorization from Parks Canada.
In other words, if an individual or an organization wants to construct, or redevelop anything – from the renovation of a backcountry lodge in Banff, to a new electrical line in Jasper, redeveloping a golf clubhouse in Cape Breton, or constructing a backyard deck for a cottage in Riding Mountain – they must have Parks Canada’s approval before beginning work on their project.
The Land Use Planning Program seeks to ensure that Parks Canada will only issue a permit for a project if it meets the legislative, regulatory and policy restrictions that have been established to ensure that Parks Canada administered places are protected for present and future generations.
What is the scope of the Land Use Planning Program?
The Land Use Planning Program’s aim is to establish a standardized decision-making framework and modernize delivery of land use planning services. The intent is to strike a balance between national consistency and local flexibility while maintaining a rigorous review process.
New National Parks of Canada Land Use Planning Regulations are proposed to repeal and replace the existing 1960s era suite of regulations, including fees embedded within them. A new fee schedule will be introduced and added to Parks Canada’s Master List of Fees. The Land Use Planning Program will continue to refine the Interpretive Guidelines (the plain language supporting policy) and develop new support tools and local policies to help implement the new framework.
Below is a table that outlines the scope of the Land Use Planning Program’s initiatives.
Adoption of the Land Use Planning Program | Adoption of the Land Use Planning Program |
| - Alter the limits to development established in the Canada National Parks Act, Ski Area Guidelines, and other land use policies. |
- Enforcement tools to ensure compliance with Parks Canada's decisions. | - Modify land use, height, density, or other zoning-like provisions in Parks Canada administered places. |
- An updated fee schedule with potential service standards. | - Modify the contents of management plans, community plans, or other secondary plans. |
- Standardized tools and templates to ensure the process is implemented consistently across the country. | - Alter the contents of Realty agreements between 3rd parties and Parks Canada. |
Where will the Land Use Planning Program apply?
The proposed regulations apply to works and activities on all lands located within the designated boundaries of the National Parks of Canada and National Park reserves, including lands that are leased, licenced, or owned. It applies to all projects on these lands, whether they are initiated by the public or any other person or organization.
The proposed National Parks of Canada Land Use Planning Regulations do not apply in the Town of Banff.
In the long term, the principles underpinning the Land Use Planning Program may apply to other Parks Canada administered places such as National Historic Sites and National Marine Conservation Areas.
What types of projects will the Regulations and Interpretive Guidelines apply to?
Under the existing permit process, permits are required for the construction, renovation, addition to, or alteration of a building or infrastructure, and landscaping activities.
The proposed Land Use Planning Program will continue to require permits for these works with broadened capability to enable local exceptions for minor and routine works. Additional requirements for land use planning approvals related to subdivisions, change of use and minor variances are also being developed.
Parks Canada will ensure permit types and associated processes reflect the varying scope and complexities of proposed works in National Parks.
Which regulations are proposed to be repealed?
The National Parks of Canada Land Use Planning Regulations are proposed to replace the existing Building Regulations (1968), Cottages Regulations (1979), Signs Regulations (1956) & Town of Jasper Zoning Regulations (1968) under the Canada National Parks Act. Additional implementation tools, including the Interpretive Guidelines and local policies will support the land use planning permitting and review process.
What is the Canada Gazette and how will comments be used?
The Canada Gazette is the Government of Canada’s official online newspaper. Its role is to ensure all Canadians have access to learn about and contribute to the official activities of the Government of Canada. To learn more, please consult their About the Canada Gazette page.
Your feedback on the Canada Gazette will help ensure the Regulations have captured concerns gathered through consultations so far. All comments will be reviewed, and any necessary changes will be made to the Regulations. Comments addressed on the Regulations will also help inform the Interpretive Guidelines, other local policies, and implementation tools.
