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Pursuant to section 20 of the National Capital Act, the Governor in Council may make regulations to protect NCC property, as well as to preserve order and prevent accidents on NCC property. The following regulations apply on NCC property.


Traffic and property regulations

The NCC owns and manages roads, hundreds of kilometres of pathways and 47,000 hectares of land in the National Capital Region. The National Capital Commission Traffic and Property Regulations include rules governing the following:

  • vehicle traffic on NCC roads
  • the use of the NCC recreational pathways
  • the protection of NCC property

Leamy Lake Navigation Channel regulations

The Leamy Lake Navigation Channel connects the Gatineau River and Leamy Lake. The Leamy Lake Navigation Channel Regulations include rules governing entry into the channel, as well as prohibitions and obligations related to its use. An overview of the regulations is available in the Leamy Lake Navigation Channel Brochure.


Animal regulations

The National Capital Commission Animal Regulations outline where domestic animals, including dogs, are allowed on NCC lands, as well as the rules that their owners must follow on these lands. The regulations contain exemptions for people accompanied by service dogs.

Where it relates to dogs and other pets (except hoofed animals), NCC lands are grouped into three types: no dogs or pets, on-leash, and off-leash.

No Dogs or Pets

Dogs and other pets are not allowed at the following NCC sites:

  • environmentally sensitive areas
  • some Gatineau Park trails
  • beaches and surrounding areas
  • within three metres of any shoreline on NCC land
  • some Greenbelt trails
  • the Rideau Canal Skateway
  • campgrounds
  • food concession areas and outdoor restaurants
  • picnic areas
  • play-structure areas
  • cross-country ski trails
  • areas where organized events are being held

Exceptions are made for service dogs.

On-Leash

Leashed dogs and other pets are welcome on most NCC lands, including urban parks, recreational pathways, parkway corridor lands, most Gatineau Park trails and most Greenbelt trails.

In these areas, your pet must be restrained with a leash or harness held firmly by a person or attached securely to something the animal cannot move. The length of the leash or harness cannot exceed two metres. Skiing, in-line skating or riding a bike when in charge of a pet is not permitted.

The two-pet-max regulation
You may not bring more than two pets at a time on NCC land. 

Off-Leash

Dogs and other pets are allowed to run free in designated off-leash areas on NCC lands. Off-leash areas are located within the following NCC properties:

  • Bruce Pit
  • Conroy Pit
  • Hampton Park
  • Pine Hill
  • Rockcliffe–Hillsdale
  • Stanley Avenue Park

An off-leash dog or pet must be under control at all times. A pet that is under control will follow a voice command or hand signal from the person in charge of it.

The two-pet-max regulation
You may not bring more than two pets at a time on NCC land.

Rules

The animal regulations also require that you do the following:

  • pick up after your pet
  • keep your pet away from fountains and shorelines (pets are not allowed to be within three metres of any shoreline on NCC land)
  • prevent your pet from damaging property
  • take measures to ensure that your pet does not bite, attack, chase or injure any person or animal
  • not leave your pet unattended in a vehicle when the weather is very hot or very cold

Animal regulation fines

Fines for disobeying the regulations range from $100 to $500. For more information, see the complete list of offences under the regulations and the associated set fines.


Site-specific rules and code of conduct

Gatineau Park

It is the responsibility of Park visitors to know and follow the rules and guidelines pertaining to Gatineau Park, and to act prudently.

To find out about useful information for your outing, visit the Safety in Gatineau Park webpage and check the web page for your activity.

The National Capital Greenbelt

Rules and a code of conduct when visiting the Greenbelt are intended to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy this conservation area, now and for generations to come. To find out about useful information for your outing, visit the web page for your activity.

To find out about useful information for your outing, visit the Safety in the Greenbelt webpage and check the web page for your activity.

Capital Pathway

The increase in popularity of active transportation and outdoor recreational activities has led to a sharp increase in the number of people sharing the Capital Pathway network. Pedestrians, runners, cyclists, in-line skaters and people with mobility impairments who share the pathway should follow these rules to help keep the pathways safe and fun for everyone. Share the Path.

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