Keewatin Channel Bridge Weight Restriction

The Keewatin Channel Bridge currently has a vehicle weight limit due to scaffolding adjustments.

Vehicles weighing up to 8,500 pounds, including passengers and cargo, may continue to use the bridge via the signalled alternating traffic in the Eastbound lane.

All commercial vehicles weighing over 8,500 pounds must use the Highway 17A Bypass. 

Emergency vehicles and buses are permitted to cross the bridge with the flow of regular passenger traffic, although no more than one emergency vehicle or bus may be on the bridge at the same time. 

For more information, see the Public Notice.

Building Permit Drawings

To ensure the smooth processing of your building permit application with the City of Kenora, you need to include detailed drawings. All projects require a minimum submission of a site plan and drawing. Reviewing the sample drawings will help to ensure that you provide all the necessary information for your building permit.

What drawings do I need?

A complete application for a building permit must be accompanied by the following information:

  • A site plan
  • Architectural and structural drawings (see required drawings chart below)
  • Northwestern Health Unit sewage permit (when applicable)
  • Ministry of Transportation land use permit (when applicable)
  • Regional entrance permit (when applicable)
  • A letter of approval or work permit number from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) (when applicable)

The Required Drawings Chart below outlines the drawings required for the noted applications. If your project is not listed, contact the Building Department to determine what drawings are required.

Required drawing chart
Application type Site plan Foundation or basement plan Partial floor plan Complete floor plan Cross section Elevations HVAC design

Single unit dwelling

x

x

 

x

x

x

x

Secondary dwelling unit

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

Addition or renovation

x

x

 

x

x

x

x

Detached garage

x

x

 

x

x

x

 

Carport

x

x

 

x

x

x

 

Porches or decks

x

x

x

 

x

x

 

Stove or fireplaces and chimneys

x

x

x

 

x

x

x

Pool

x

 

 

 

x

 

 

Accessory building

x

x

 

x

x

x

 

Docks and shoreline structures

x

x

 

x

x

x

 

What information is required on each drawing?

View the requirements for each drawing type.

The site plan is a drawing based on the property survey. The site plan must show the location of the proposed structure and all existing buildings in relation to the property lines and each other.

The following information should be included on the site plan:

  • Title and scale
  • Street name and number, lot and plan number
  • North arrow
  • Property lines with dimensions
  • Setbacks (measurements from buildings to all property lines)
  • Overall building dimensions
  • Dimension of buildings in relation to each other
  • Right-of-ways and easements
  • Existing and proposed construction
  • Existing and/or proposed septic systems
  • Existing and/or proposed wells
  • Overhead hydro wires

The foundation plan is a drawing that illustrates the structural components that will support the building, control ground water around the building and forms part of the soil-gas control system.

The following information should be included on all foundation plans:

  • Title and scale
  • Interior and exterior dimensions (including door and window openings)
  • Size and spacing of structural members and lintels
  • Materials used and the extent and size of both new and existing structures
  • Location of cross sections

If you are proposing to use a concrete floating slab foundation for any structure greater than 55 m² (592 ft²) the slab must be designed and sealed by a Structural Engineer.

The Ontario Building Code states in sentence 4.3.4.1(1) that structural steel be designed in accordance with CAN/CSA S16 “limited states design of steel structures”. This engineered design is required to obtain a building permit.

The Building Department requires floor plans for all floors and framing plans when engineering is required. A floor plan is a view from above of the building layout cut approximately 4’ above the walking surface.

The following information should be included on all floor plans:

  • Titles and scale
  • Room names
  • Interior and exterior dimensions (including door and window sizes)
  • Size and spacing of structural members and lintels
  • Location and dimension of stairs (rise and run)
  • Materials used
  • The extent and size of both new and existing structures
  • Type of roof and its framing
  • Location of all plumbing fixtures
  • Location of cross section(s)
  • Sump pump location
Pre-Engineered floor framing or truss drawings must be provided with an application for permit, or prior to the framing inspection. 

A cross section is a cut away view of the building from the foundation to the roof. The cross section is required to show the building materials and how they relate to each other.

The following information should be included on the cross section:

  • Title and scale
  • Room names
  • All height dimensions (including floor to ceiling, doors, windows, etc.)
  • Size and type of materials
  • Grade and finish floor elevations

Larger detail drawings may be required to fully show the proposed construction.

Elevations show all the outside views of the building. The following information should be included on the elevations:

  • Title and scale
  • Dimensions of the building (height and width)
  • Exterior finishes, materials and fixtures
  • Slope and material of the roof
  • Grade and finished floor/ceiling elevation dimensions

A Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) design is required for all new mechanical systems serving each dwelling unit. Some additions may also require a completed HVAC design.

The following information should be submitted as part of the HVAC design:

  • Coordinated floor plans (every level)
  • Heat loss/gain calculations and duct design
  • Equipment specification
  • Ventilation design summary
  • Plumbing fixture location if applicable
  • Energy Efficient Design Summary

Additional drawings and details may be required.

Standard sample drawings

View the standard sample drawings. Please note you must prepare your own drawings. The sample drawings are for reference purposes only.

Contact Building Inspectors

Operations Building
60 Fourteenth Street North
Kenora, Ontario P9N 4M9

Phone: 807-467-2291
Fax: 807-467-2246

Building Contact Form

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