Cranes and Structures

Planning to build or use a crane in the vicinity of the Airport?

The Region of Waterloo International Airport has Airport Zoning Regulations which are enacted under authority of the Aeronautics Act. They are meant to prevent lands in the vicinity of the Region of Waterloo International Airport from being used or developed in a manner that is incompatible with the safe operation of the airport or aircraft, or in a manner that would cause interference with signals or communications to and from aircraft or to and from the facilities they use.

Even when a building or crane doesn’t violate Airport Zoning Regulations, there is a possibility that it can still have a negative impact on the airport. Instrument Flight Procedures used by airlines and other aircraft can be interfered with by tall buildings or cranes, causing a significant negative impact on airport operations and accessibility.

Therefore, if you are planning to use a crane or build a structure within a 20 kilometer radius of the Region of Waterloo International Airport, you are advised to check the materials we have provided here, to ensure that your actions do not violate the Zoning Regulations or interfere with airport operations and accessibility.

Region of Waterloo International Airport Zoning Regulations – Full Text

Region of Waterloo International Airport Zoning Regulations – Web Tool

This tool has been developed to allow you to verify the height restrictions at various locations around the airport. By clicking a point on the map within the tool, you will be able to know the rough heights you can work up to. In the event your proposed structure or crane may approach or exceed the height limitations, we ask you to please contact our Airport Construction Team so that we may complete a more detailed assessment and advise you of what steps you must take.

1. Airport Construction Team Assessment

First and foremost, please let our team know what you’re planning to do as far in advance as possible. Contact us via email.

2. Submit a NAV Canada Land Use Application

A Land Use Application must be submitted for any structure (building or crane) within 6 nautical miles of the airport or which will be more than 100 feet in height. NAV Canada’s website provides detailed information on submitting a Land Use Application. You can expect a NAV Canada Land Use Application to take at least six weeks to be processed.

3. Submit an Aeronautical Assessment Form for obstacle notice and assessment (AAF) to Transport Canada

Any person who plans to construct or modify a building, structure or object (like a crane) is required by regulation to notify Transport Canada via the submission of an Aeronautical Assessment Form for obstacle notice and assessment. In the submission, the person needs to clearly identify for Transport Canada, how they intend to mark and light the building, structure or object in accordance with the standards contained in Standard 621. Where the lands may be affected by AZR, Transport Canada will request a legal survey to demonstrate that the building, structure or object is clear of the AZR.

Please note that Transport Canada requires a minimum of 90 days to conduct a full review after confirmation of receipt of the completed Aeronautical Assessment Form. In some cases, it can be longer depending on the complexity.

For additional guidance on when to submit an AAF, please reference Transport Canada Advisory Circular (AC) 601-007 When to Submit an Aeronautical Assessment Form (AAF).

Transport Canada - Process for Marking and Lighting of Obstacles

Once the necessary approvals have been obtained, be sure to notify the Airport Construction Team by email.

Notice To Air Missions (NOTAMS)

Once all the necessary approvals and/or exemptions are in place and the time comes for your crane or structure to go up, our Airport Construction team will need to submit a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) to NAV Canada. These are bulletins which are disseminated to pilots through NAV Canada’s Flight Planning system, to make them aware of the obstacle in the vicinity of the airport. We will need confirmation of the dates, times, location and height. It is important that you keep us informed if work plans change. NOTAMs must be issued a minimum of 48 hours in advance of any crane activity taking place. Please note that the onus is on the applicant to ensure the crane operates within the allowed parameters of the exemption.

Crane Hours of Operation

Unlit cranes are not permitted to be in the raised position during overnight hours. Cranes may only be in the raised position during daytime – from ½ hour after sunrise until ½ hour before sunset. You may check the official sunrise/sunset times.

During inclement weather days with low visibility (i.e. Fog, Thunderstorm, Snowstorm) cranes may not be erected until visibility has cleared. Please coordinate with the Airport Construction team if work cannot be rescheduled for another day with better weather.

When in doubt about crane operating heights or times please reach out to the Airport Construction department for guidance.

Contact(s)