Statute/Institution

Recommended width (m) of riparian reserve

Water Act (2002)

Minimum 6 m and maximum 30 m from edge of the river

EMCA (1999)

Minimum 6 m and maximum 30 m from edge of the river

Agriculture Act

6 - 10 m; sometimes ad hoc

Physical Planning Act

Minimum 2 m in height and maximum 30 m horizontal from edge of the river

Survey Act

Minimum 30 m for tidal rivers only. No mention of other smaller rivers. Measurement from high water mark

Local Government Act

Ad hoc to a planner’s discretion: 3 m, 6 m; in some instances it is taken as equal to the width of the river or twice the width of the river

City Council by-laws

Maximum of 30 m from high water mark