Lefaivre waterfront homes on the Ottawa River

Lefaivre and the rest of the shoreline

Lefaivre is the western end of the shoreline we cover. Downstream, the rules change because L’Orignal, Hawkesbury and Chute-à-Blondeau are outside SNC’s Ottawa River jurisdiction, so each one has its own page.

• Ottawa River waterfront real estate: all four stretches
• Downstream to the east: L’Orignal waterfront homes and the village marina
• Hawkesbury riverfront homes in town
• Chute-à-Blondeau and East Hawkesbury waterfront

Flood zones and the conservation authority

Lefaivre (Alfred and Plantagenet): the township is a South Nation Conservation (SNC) partner municipality, and its Ottawa River shoreline is within SNC’s jurisdiction. Building, grading or placing fill in SNC’s regulated area needs an SNC permit before the municipal building permit. Along the Ottawa River, the regulated area is based on the 100-year flood level, plus an allowance for wave uprush and other water-related hazards, and a further 15-metre allowance. In March 2023, SNC presented residents with updated Ottawa River floodplain and erosion maps for the township, replacing maps from the 1980s. You can look up a property on SNC’s online mapping portal.

Further east, flood questions go to the municipality instead; see how each Ottawa River municipality handles shoreline permits.

On any Lefaivre waterfront property, ask the seller what happened in 2017 and 2019, whether water reached the house or the septic system, and whether any insurance claims were made.

Septic systems and wells

Many waterfront homes outside the urban areas run on a private septic system and a private well. South Nation Conservation administers the sewage-system part of the Ontario Building Code for Alfred and Plantagenet, so it holds the septic permits and records for Lefaivre properties.

1. 1
   Septic records — ask SNC for a septic record search or a compliance review on the property, and compare what was permitted with what is there.
2. 2
   Septic inspection — have a qualified inspector look at the tank and leaching bed. A system sized for weekend use may not suit a full-time household.
3. 3
   Well water — the Eastern Ontario Health Unit tests private well water for coliform bacteria and E. coli at no charge. Bottles are available at EOHU offices, including 297 Main Street West in Hawkesbury. Minerals and chemicals need a private accredited lab.
4. 4
   Well condition — ask for the well record, the depth, and the flow, and have the well cap and casing checked, especially on low-lying lots.

Docks, shoreline work and permits

Plan permits before you plan the dock. In Alfred and Plantagenet, structures, grading and fill within SNC’s regulated area need an SNC permit. Ask SNC whether a small, removable seasonal dock needs a permit before you build.

Federal guidance for southern Ontario lists March 15 to July 15 as the period to avoid in-water work where spring-spawning fish such as walleye and bass are present; Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources sets the window for each water body, so confirm the dates for your project. Projects in or near the water may also need a review by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. A conservation authority permit does not replace the municipal building permit.

When you buy, ask whether the existing dock, boathouse, retaining wall or addition was permitted, and check the survey. In Ontario, some shoreline lots have an original shore road allowance between the lot line and the water.

Three-season cottage or four-season home?

The listing description is a starting point, not proof. Before treating a cottage as a year-round home, check:

• Foundation, insulation and the main heat source, including any wood stove (a WETT inspection is common)
• Freeze protection for the water line and pump
• Whether the septic system was designed for full-time occupancy
• Winter road maintenance: municipal road or private lane
• How your lender and insurer classify the property, since seasonal properties can be financed and insured differently

Insurance: overland flood and sewer backup

A standard home policy does not automatically cover overland flooding from the river. Overland flood coverage is usually an optional add-on, and whether it is available, and at what cost, depends on the location. Sewer backup is a separate coverage. Get a written quote for the exact address before you waive your conditions, and ask the seller about past claims.

Buyer due diligence checklist

1. 1
   Confirm the municipality and, in Alfred and Plantagenet, check SNC’s flood and regulation mapping.
2. 2
   Get the survey, and confirm lot lines, access and any shore road allowance.
3. 3
   Request septic records and arrange a septic inspection.
4. 4
   Test the well water and review the well record.
5. 5
   Check permits for the dock, shoreline work and any additions.
6. 6
   Get an insurance quote, including overland flood and sewer backup.
7. 7
   Confirm heating, winterization and winter road access if you plan to live there year-round.

Ottawa River waterfront FAQ

Selling a waterfront home?

Looking for listings? See homes for sale in Lefaivre, or compare the other Ottawa River waterfront stretches.

This page is general information, not legal, engineering or insurance advice. Rules change; confirm details with the Township of Alfred and Plantagenet, South Nation Conservation and your insurer for the specific property.