Who removes a fence the City says is on its land in Ottawa?

The City of Ottawa Fence By-law (No. 2003-462, s.14) says no fence may be placed on City property, including any public highway or road allowance, and s.25 says no one may erect, own or maintain a fence that does not comply. What the City does about a particular fence is a question for By-law Services.

In one Ottawa case reported in 2024, the City removed a fence it said was on its road allowance and billed the owners for the cost of removal. That is one reported case, not a rule about what happens every time.

The City's guide says the road allowance can be wider than you think. geoOttawa shows approximate property lines, but those lines are not survey-accurate. If you are in a dispute about whether a fence is on City land or your land, an Ontario Land Surveyor, under the Surveyors Act and the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors, is the only person who can certify the boundary. A fence installer cannot do that.

If you are replacing a fence that may be close to the road allowance, ask the installer to confirm where they plan to set the posts relative to your property line, and consider getting a survey pin located before any work starts. Check your deed or title documents for easements as well, and do not block one.

Before you agree to any fence work near a street, ask the installer in writing exactly where the fence line will sit relative to your surveyed property boundary.