**Please note that the FAQs listed below are brief and intended to provide quick answers to questions. Please consult the Water’s Edge Covenants and Bylaws to obtain full details and further clarification.**
Q. Can I build a fence around my property?
Fences and hedges that are a simple delineation of the property are not permitted. In addition, fences are not permitted in front of the house, on trail and drainage easements or within 10 metres from the lake. Fences surrounding pools are permitted and required as per the City of Ottawa bylaws.
The spirit of Sunset Lakes, including Water’s Edge, is to have fenceless communities. The community design review guidelines do not allow for any fences to delineate property lines. The fences that have been approved in the Water’s Edge community are ones that cover only a portion of the back yard of the property and were approved in conjunction with plans for a pool or hot tub. It is preferable that your fence stays within the lines of your home whenever possible, so it is not visible from the front of the house. The recommended materials are wrought iron/steel or glass.
It is required to plant vegetation on the exterior of your fence to screen it from view. See the end of the FAQ page for good examples of fence screening.
Q. Am I allowed to use pesticides and fertilizers on my lawn?
A. Organic LOW nitrogen fertilizers are permitted. Using other fertilizers can have a negative impact on the lakes, e.g. can lead to foul smell, toxic algae blooms, harm to fish and aquatic life, and interfere with water quality for swimming.
Water’s Edge also has a “no pesticide” policy so that the quality of our water can be maintained. Here is a list of recommended fertilizers which may be used:
CANAGRO VIGORO Natural Fertilizing 5-4-7
NUTRITE Vitorganic 8-2-0
CIL Mother Earth 100% organic Summer Lawn Food 8-2-0
SO-GREEN Envirosoft 6-2-0
MILGANIT Green & Fairway Fertilizer 6-2-0
Q. How am I responsible for the health of the lake and surrounding creeks and ditches?
A. Our lake, the small lake in Greely Village Park, and the surrounding creeks and ditches are all interconnected. Many homeowners use the lake for a variety of recreational activities including swimming, paddle boarding and fishing. Here are some simple steps to maintain a cleaner, healthier lake:
– Use only organic fertilizers – using other fertilizers can have a negative impact on the lakes, e.g. can lead to foul smell, toxic algae blooms, harm to fish and aquatic life, and interfere with water quality for swimming.
– The cosmetic use of herbicides and pesticides is now banned in Ontario. No herbicides and pesticides should come in contact with our lakes as a consequence.
– Control sedimentation from entering the lakes, e.g. from home building materials.
– Don’t allow any garbage – particularly from home building – to enter the lakes. Pick up any garbage you see around the lakes and ditches.
– Preserve shoreline vegetation. Plants near the shoreline provide a buffer to sedimentation and nutrients entering the lake. Please maintain a strip of vegetation between your property and the lake.
– Remove algae from your shoreline if it forms. Algae can be dried and composted or placed in garden waste bags for City of Ottawa collection.
– Pump out your septic tank every few years.
Q. When do I need to submit a design review?
A. The purpose of a Design Review Application is to ensure changes to Water’s Edge properties maintain their property values and aesthetic appeal in the community. Homeowners are required to submit a design review application when making any changes to their property, which include, but are not limited to, the following: adding a deck, building or erecting a shed, installing a pool or hot tub, gazebo or greenhouse, landscaping changes including cutting down trees, planting of trees, and fencing etc. If you are uncertain whether you need to submit a design review application, please contact the board for assistance.
Q. Where can I obtain a copy of the Design Review Application?
A. The Design Review Application can be found HERE.
Q. When are Homeowner’s Association Fees Due?
A. Annual fees are due by January 1st each year. The total due will be determined at the previous year’s AGM that is held in January or February each year. The dues for 2025 are $263 and will be due by January 1, 2025. This amount is due whether or not you receive any form of reminder. The responsibility is on the home owner to ensure their dues are paid on time.
Q. What happens if I forget to pay my HOA dues on time?
A. It is important that all homeowners submit their dues on time. These funds are how we care for the community and pay for things like water testing for lake, hydro for the aerators, property taxes and lawn services for the common properties, tilling of the volleyball court and beach, etc.
In accordance with bylaw 5.4, interest will be charged at the rate of 2% above the Bank of Canada rates. If your dues are not paid in full you will be in arrears and will owe the annual fee plus interest starting from January 1st. If the dues continue to go unpaid, you will receive a registered letter informing you of the arrears owed (fees, interest, and $25 in administrative costs for each notification letter sent). If the default continues, you will be contacted by the board’s lawyer and will be notified that a lien will be placed on your property title. All expenses for the registered letter and any legal fees or administrative fees to register a lien that are incurred by WEOA will be the responsibility of the homeowner who is in default and will be added to the amount due. The Homeowner Late Fee Recovery Process is outlined in this document.
Q. I am looking to purchase a home, what do I need to know?
A. When buying an existing home or lot in Water’s Edge, make sure that you obtain a Status Certificate ($75 fee, payable to WEOA by e-transfer), which confirms that the Owner’s Association dues are up to date and that the property is in compliance with the covenants. You, your realtor or lawyer can obtain a Status Certificate by contacting the Water’s Edge Board of Directors at watersedgeoa@gmail.com. This should be done prior to closing on your new home.
You will also want to read the Water’s Edge Covenants so that you are aware of the deed restrictions within the the community. The covenants place restrictions on property appearance including landscaping, fencing, sheds etc.
Q. How do I access the lake?
A. The lake can be accessed from the Common Lot, 7309 Blue Water Crescent, where the beach, volleyball court and gazebo are located.
Q. Can I install a pool, hot tub or sauna?
A. Yes, you can install all of these recreational items as per the City of Ottawa and Water’s Edge Covenants and Bylaws allow, once you have submitted and received approval for your Design Review Application. Please note all associated fences must be screened from view with vegetation. Please refer to the screening requirements as noted in the Water’s Edge Welcome Package. See examples at the end of the FAQ page.
Q. Where can I drain excess water from my pool or hot tub?
A. When draining pool water, it is imperative that it is not directed towards the lake. The salt and/or chlorine in pool water can affect the ecosystem of the lake and it must be drained as far from the lake as possible. This allows the the chemical/salt composition can be filtered through as much distance as possible. If you are lake side please direct any draining of pool water towards your front ditch. If you are non lakeside please direct pool water to your back ditch. If you have a service to come close your pool for you, it is your responsibility to inform them where to direct the water. This is regardless if you have a salt water or chlorine pool.
This also applies to hot tub water, at any time you change out your water.
Q. Can I have a shed?
A. Yes, sheds constructed of wood, coated wood, stone, brick, and stucco are the only exterior finishing materials acceptable. Vinyl siding, imitation wood, plywood, OSB, or any other material will not be approved. Sheds should be placed in a location that is discrete and integrated into the landscape of the property. All shed must also be screened from view with vegetation.
Q. What is the barrier around the lake?
A. Around the lake there is a barrier that has been installed to deter nesting geese. It is essential that this barrier remains intact and that gates are closed, especially in the early spring months. It is imperative that all barriers should be in place before the ground freezes in the fall/winter so that when the geese are looking for homes in the early spring they do not chose water’s edge. If there are gaps or damage to the barrier along your shoreline, please contact the board for assistance in maintaining the barrier. If there are depressions in the ground at the area of your portion of the barrier, please block those areas so that goslings cannot duck underneath.
It is important not to let goslings or their parents into and out of the lake or your yard. The fact that it is difficult for them is part of deterring them from making the lake and surrounding properties their home.
It is important to note that the area directly surrounding the lake is owned by the Water’s Edge Owner’s Association, rather than the individual homeowners. This strip of land surrounding the lake varies in size from 1-6 metres, depending on the property. Homeowners can note their property line by referring to their land survey. You can get an idea of the property lines from the https://maps.ottawa.ca/geoottawa website. On some properties, survey stakes may also be visible. On occasion, Water’s Edge Board of Directors will require access to your property to ensure the goose barrier is in good working order, check for nesting geese or to apply aquatic products to the lake to keep it healthy.
Q. Can I install a dock on my shoreline?
A. As with all amendments and additions to your property, you must submit a design review application before installing a dock. The maximum square footage of a dock that will be approved is 80sf, with no more than 5 feet width along the shoreline and a maximum of 15 feet distance from the shoreline into the water.
Q. I’d like to volunteer my time to help organize Water’s Edge community events, weed the common lot garden, keep the canoe and paddleboat in working order etc. How can I get involved?
A. The Water’s Edge Homeowners Association relies on volunteers to help accomplish our function and maintain our community. We welcome volunteers (high school students can gain volunteer hours) willing to contribute to the community in any way possible. Please email the board to let us know how you would like to help out!
Q. What community events take place in the Water’s Edge Community?
A. Each year, the number and type of community events vary, depending on the ideas of the board and the number of volunteers willing to help out. Past examples include: BBQs, potlucks, outdoor movie nights under the stars, Easter Bunny visits, Christmas social and decorating of the common lot, Hallowe’en parades, Clean the Capital, and garage sales etc. All homeowners are welcome and encouraged to attend to community events to meet your neighbours and socialize. Please consider volunteering your time or sharing your ideas!
Q. What does it mean to screen my fence, shed, or other structure on my property.
A. All structures erected on a property in our community should be screened from view. The goal is to have the community appear to have continuous green space and views not be obstructed by fences, sheds, or other exterior structures. All exterior sides of a fence should be screened from view with vegetation like shrubs, bushes, or trees.
