{"version":"2.6","id":"ashbridges-toronto-harbour-licensing-permits","question":"Do I need an extra Toronto Harbour permit in addition to my Ontario PCOC when launching from Ashbridges Bay into Lake Ontario?","answer":"Yes, you need a Toronto Port Authority Power Vessel Permit in addition to your PCOC to operate within the Toronto Harbour, but not once you are in Lake Ontario's open waters.","answer_detail":"When launching a power vessel from the Ashbridges Bay Boat Launch, boaters must understand the distinct jurisdictional boundaries separating the Toronto Harbour from Lake Ontario proper. The Ontario Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is a federal requirement mandated by Transport Canada for operating any motorized recreational vessel anywhere in Canada, including the open waters of Lake Ontario. However, the Toronto Harbour is federally governed by PortsToronto under the Canada Marine Act. To legally operate a power-driven vessel within the designated Toronto Harbour boundaries—which includes the waterways immediately outside Ashbridges Bay leading into the inner harbour—you must obtain a Toronto Port Authority Power Vessel Permit. As of 2024, the annual fee for this permit is $33.00 CAD. Once you navigate your vessel beyond the harbour entrance and into the open waters of Lake Ontario, the PortsToronto permit is no longer required, and your standard PCOC suffices for legal operation. If you plan to transit through the harbour to reach the lake, you must display both your PCOC and the valid Toronto Harbour decal on your vessel. Failure to possess the $33.00 CAD permit while operating inside the harbour limits can result in fines starting at $250.00 CAD. Always verify current regulations with PortsToronto before launching, as fees and boundary definitions are subject to periodic updates.","related_ids":["ashbridges-toronto-harbour-licensing-permits"],"last_verified":"2026-06-29","authority":"https://ashbridgesbayboatlaunch.com","url":"https://ashbridgesbayboatlaunch.com/en/knowledge/ashbridges-toronto-harbour-licensing-permits","markdown_url":"https://ashbridgesbayboatlaunch.com/api/knowledge/ashbridges-toronto-harbour-licensing-permits?format=md&lang=en"}