Reservoir Development Areas
A Reservoir Development Area (RDA) is a zone established by the Water Security Agency (WSA) around seven WSA-owned reservoirs (listed below). These areas were created to mitigate risks to public safety and private property while ensuring safe and efficient reservoir operations. The Water Security Agency Act and Regulations authorize the WSA to regulate developments within an RDA, such as houses, boat launches, marinas, and cottage developments.
You can view the delineated maps by clicking the links in the drop down menu
WSA-owned reservoirs often have multiple functions and must be operated as needed to manage competing interests such as:
• flood control;
• water supply;
• hydro-electric power generation;
• recreational;
• source water protection; and,
• to meet the needs of the ecosystem.
The RDA allows WSA to regulate development to ensure the efficient operation of these structures and to help mitigate risk to public safety, private property, and developments of these reservoirs.
A Development Permit is required for certain activities within a designated RDA (see below). The permit must be obtained BEFORE starting development or construction.
Types of work that require an RDA Permit include, but are not limited to:
- Subdivision of land, including subdivision for purpose of crown land sales;
- Construction of private buildings (houses, shops, and other buildings);
- Construction of public facilities (boat launches, marinas, etc.);
- Recreational developments (resorts, campgrounds, cottage developments, etc.); and
- Gravel pits or other industrial developments.
Activities that do not require a Development Permit:
- The construction of provincial highways or municipal grid roads;
- The construction of facilities to provide utility services (e.g., electricity, gas, water, irrigation intakes) to an approved development;
- Shoreline stabilization, public beaches, temporary docks and boat lifts; and
- Archaeological exploration.
How to Apply
• Send your completed application form and supporting information by email (preferred), mail, fax, or in-person.
• Please note our email server is limited to 25 MB per email. You could send multiple emails or use a file transfer service (e.g. WeTransfer) if your information exceeds the limit.
Common Requirements:
Minimum:
- Application: submission of a completed application form.
- Plans: detailed engineered and/or site plan of the proposed project including the location and any works associated with it.
- Municipal Approval: a copy of written consent for the proposed development from the municipality within which the development is located.
- Land control: a copy of the document that secures land control (i.e., easement, lease, or signed purchase agreement) for parcels affected that are not owned outright by the applicant(s).
Other:
- Engineering, Geotechnical or Architectural Assistance: professional or technical assistance is often required to ensure the proper and adequate plan, design, construction and operation of the proposed development.
WSA may refer your application to other WSA programs or other provincial agencies to determine if other approvals are required.
Contacts
RDA@wsask.ca
Water Security Agency
402 Royal Bank Tower 1101 – 101st St.
North Battleford SK S9A 0Z5
Ph: 1.866.727.5420
Fax: 306.446.7461
An Experienced Team
We love our Saskatchewan waterways, and we also know a lot about them. If you need help finding information or determining if your shoreline or water-related project needs a permit, we can help! Use the contact form or give us a call to get started.