The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF)  have recently  posted proposed new regulations under the Public Lands Act to enable certain occupations of public land without the need for permits, leases etc. This includes docks, boat lifts, boat ramps, and (single-storey) boathouses, swim rafts, and other structures/things.  For more information....http://foca.on.ca/municipal-authority-over-boathouses-decision/