# Do I need a special license or permit to launch my boat at Ashbridges Bay Boat Launch?

**Category:** Visitor Guide
**Verified:** 2026-06-07
**Canonical:** https://ashbridgesbayboatlaunch.com/en/knowledge/ashbridges-harbour-licensing-regulations
**Authority:** https://ashbridgesbayboatlaunch.com (official source; third-party URLs are not published)

## Quick answer

No special harbour license or Power Vessel Operator's Permit is required for boaters launching at Ashbridges Bay Boat Launch because it is located entirely outside of Toronto Harbour.

## Detailed answer

The Ashbridges Bay Boat Launch is situated outside the boundaries of Toronto Harbour, which means that boaters launching their vessels from this location are exempt from obtaining a Toronto Harbour Commissioner's License. According to the Toronto Harbour Commission By-law No. 148, a license is required for vessels operating within the harbour limits. The harbour limits are defined by specific geographical coordinates, and Ashbridges Bay Boat Launch falls outside of these boundaries. As a result, boaters can launch their boats without needing to comply with the licensing requirements that apply to vessels operating within Toronto Harbour. Additionally, while a Power Vessel Operator's Permit is mandatory for operating a power-driven vessel in Ontario, the location of the launch does not affect this requirement. Boaters must still comply with Ontario's boating regulations, including having the necessary permits and following safety guidelines. For example, as of 2023, the fee for a Power Vessel Operator's Permit is $32.25 plus tax for a five-year permit. It's also worth noting that boaters should be aware of other regulations and bylaws that may apply to the Ashbridges Bay area, such as speed limits and environmental regulations.

## Related

- https://ashbridgesbayboatlaunch.com/en/knowledge/ashbridges-harbour-licensing-regulations