Development and building permits

Waterton Lakes National Park

Parks Canada regulates all planning and development in the townsite and across Waterton Lakes National Park.

The Waterton Lakes Realty Team is responsible for reviewing development applications, issuing permits, and conducting site reviews to ensure compliance with the applicable regulations, safety codes, land use restrictions, permits issued and occupancy requirements.

New in 2024: Land Use Planning Regulations and associated fees are now in place in Waterton Lakes National Park.

These regulations have replaced the following, including any listed fees:

National Parks of Canada Building Regulations
National Parks of Canada Cottages Regulations
National Parks Signs Regulations
Town of Jasper Zoning Regulations

If you are an existing lessee or licensees and are planning a project involving new or a change in land use, or any development or construction activities, your project may be subject the new regulations and associated fees for land use planning services. Permits that were already issued under the former regulations will remain valid.

When is a permit required?

Constructing, altering or renovating the interior or exterior of a building, garage or accessory structure such as a shed or a deck
Connecting to the water/sewer system
Demolishing or moving a building
Expanding or renovating your store, shop, office or commercial enterprise
Changing the use of a lot or building
Installing, changing or relocating a sign
Changing the landscaping or grading (including tree removal)

How to apply for a development or building permit

Start your permit application by emailing immobilierwaterton-watertonrealty@pc.gc.ca.

In order for Parks Canada to complete a comprehensive review of your development permit application, all requested information must be provided. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

For details on how the new framework and fees were developed, visit the Land Use Planning Program’s consultation website.