Alerts

To keep you informed of important messages from the city!
2025-05-16

LIFTING of the Boil-Water Advisory for LAFFORD Street

Please note that the preventative boil-water advisory issued on May 14 for civic addresses 3 to 41 and 12 to 38 Lafford Street has been lifted.
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Residential pool compliance

Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation

You have until September 30, 2025 to comply!

Given the importance of protecting young children from drowning, the Quebec government adopted in 2010 the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation aimed at controlling young children's access to residential pools. However, since July 1, 2021, this regulation, which at the time applied only to new swimming pools, has been amended to apply to all swimming pools in Québec, regardless of their installation year.

Thus, owners of swimming pools installed before November 1st, 2010, who previously benefited from an exemption, now have until September 30, 2025, to bring their installations up to standards. All others must already comply with the rules enacted by the Provincial Regulation.

Various options are available to prevent access to the pool:

  1. Install a fence around your pool equipped with a self-closing and self-latching gate.

  2. Enclose your backyard deck with a fence featuring a self-closing and self-latching gate, and install devices that limit the opening of windows facing the backyard.

  3. Use your patio door as an enclosure/fence equipped with a self-closing mechanism and a latch, along with devices designed to restrict the opening of windows facing the backyard.

The three options listed above are for information purposes only and include additional requirements as explained in steps 1 to 4 below.

The Town of Kirkland does not recommend any specific installation type. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to choose the option that best suits their needs.

Check your pool's compliance

Before undertaking any improvement work on your pool installations, or upgrades to comply with standards, you must first assess whether these meet the applicable regulations.

The provincial regulation aims to restrict unsupervised access to residential pools, reducing the risk of drowning, particularly among young children.

Consult the by-laws in force:

Other useful information:

To complete your self-assessment, please select the form that corresponds to your pool type and situation. This step will help you identify any necessary changes you might need to make to your pool installation. 

Self-assessment forms 

The Self-assessment sheets for all types of swimming pool installations have been produced by the Quebec Government.

RESULTS

Based on the results obtained, please select the situation that applies.

  • ... and you have ALREADY OBTAINED a pool compliance certificate : You will need to have an inspection completed. Simply proceed to STEP 4 to schedule your inspection appointment.

  • ... and you have NOT YET OBTAINED a pool compliance certificate : Simply go to STEP 3 to apply for your certificate. Remember,obtaining a pool compliance certificate is a requirement!

Simply go to STEP 3 to apply for your free Pool Compliance Certificate.

If you are unsure how to meet the requirements, we’re here to help! You can schedule a free consultation with one of our Urban Planning inspectors for guidance. Email us at [email protected] 

Contact the Urban Planning Department by email at [email protected]  for more information or to schedule a free consultation with a municipal inpector.

Submit your application online or in person!

  • ONLINE: Submit your application using the new Online Permit Management platform.

    To access the Town of Kirkland’s "Online Permit Management" platform, you must log in using your Google, Facebook or Microsoft account.

    Have questions concerning your pool compliance? Not to worry! Questions can also be included as part of your application.

  • IN PERSON: Applications can also be made in person at the Kirkland Town Hall during regular business hours (17200 Hymus Blvd. / Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 12 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM)

Required Documents*:

  • Certificate of location
    The certificate of location is an official document produced by a land surveyor, composed of a plan showing the measurements of the lot as well as the precise location of the house, structures and physical elements found on a property (fence, pool, shed, etc.). This document is generally produced at the time of purchase/sale of a property.

  • Site plan
    Any new construction or equipment needed to bring your facility into compliance must be illustrated on a plan. This plan can be produced in digital or handwritten format, showing, on a copy of the property’s certificate of location, the positioning, dimensions and area of the proposed building, construction and/or development, in relation to the property lines. This plan should also indicate distances between the various physical elements present on the lot. This plan does not have to be produced by a professional.

  • Contractor’s quote detailing the work
    Any document produced by the manufacturer and/or contractor detailing the technical specifications of the equipment to be installed (e.g., materials, dimensions, etc.).

  • Proxy
    If someone other than the homeowner is submitting the application, proof of authorization from the homeowner must be provided.


* With all reservations – Some situations may require a professional plan.
* All documents must be submitted in PDF or JPEG format.

Following the completion of the work, please contact the Urban Planning Department by email to schedule an  inspection appointment to verify your installation : [email protected]. 

*Due to high demand, inspection delays may occur.

Questions?

The Kirkland Urban Planning Department can provide information on the provincial Residential Swimming Pool Regulation and advise you on how to ensure your pool installation fully and safely complies with all applicable rules and regulations.

The Department can be reached by email at [email protected]. 

Q&A

Q1: My pool was built before November 1, 2010. Is it still compliant with provincial regulations?

Pools built before November 1, 2010, were initially grandfathered in under acquired rights. However, this exemption is no longer valid, and your pool must now comply with the protective measures outlined in the Provincial Regulation. 

Q2: When does the compliance work need to be completed?

The work must be completed by September 30, 2025, at the latest.

Q3: Does my pool need to be fenced in?

Yes, all pools and spas with a capacity of over 2,000 litres must be protected by an enclosure of at least 1.2 m that prevents the passage of a ball with a diameter of 10 cm. This also applies to pools built before November 1, 2010.

Q4: What are the consequences if the pool is not compliant?

The fines for non-compliance are as follows: for a first offence, the fine ranges from $500 to $700. In case of a repeat offence, the fines increase to between $700 and $1,000.

Q5: I think my installation is in compliance with the new regulation. What do I do next?

Complete the self-assessment form to validate compliance, and then apply for a pool compliance certificate.

Q6: Can I leave my pool gate open?

No, the pool gate must always be closed when the pool is not under direct supervision of an adult.

Q7: When should I apply for my pool fence permit?

Permits are valid for six (6) months. Applications should be made as soon as possible due to the high demand.

Q8: What are the requirements and materials that can be used for the pool enclosure?

The enclosure must: 

  • be permanently installed and kept in place at all times;
  • be securely anchored to the ground;
  • prevent the passage of a spherical object 10 cm in diameter;
  • be at least 1.2 m in height;
  • have no fixture, projection or open parts enabling it to be climbed;

The materials must be made of one or a combination of the following materials:

  • tempered or laminated glass panels;
  • wood;
  • metal or chain link;
  • PVC or other similar composite;
  • masonry;
  • heavy-duty PVC, polyester, nylon, or textilene mesh that meets the ASTM F2286-16.

Certificate of Compliance for Residential Pools

To obtain a certificate of compliance for your swimming pool installations, access the new Online Permit Management platform.

To access the Town of Kirkland’s "Online Permit Management" platform, you must log in using your Google, Facebook or Microsoft account.

Be sure to include all required documents with your application (see STEP 3: Apply for a Certificate of Compliance for Residential Pools).

You can also apply in person at the Kirkland Town Hall during regular business hours.