Frequently Asked Questions

  • Land surveys are essential for determining property boundaries, assessing land value, and facilitating land development or construction projects. Survey plans provide accurate measurements of a specific parcel of land, helping property owners, developers, and government entities make informed decisions in the process of land management and development. A plan of survey is crucial for resolving property disputes, ensuring compliance with zoning regulations, and establishing legal documentation for property transactions.

  • A land surveyor is a professional responsible for accurately measuring and mapping terrain, retracing property boundaries, preparing plans of survey, and assisting in land development projects. They ensure compliance with regulations, help resolve property disputes, and monitor land movement. Their expertise is essential for supporting accurate property descriptions, efficient land management, and facilitating land development projects.

  • The cost of a survey can differ based on factors such as the survey type, property size and complexity, location, and landscape all play a role. In Ontario, a Land Surveyor is the sole professional who can guide you in selecting the suitable survey for your requirements and offer a cost estimate.

  • While it is not always legally required to have a survey before building a fence, obtaining a survey can be beneficial in ensuring that the fence is constructed within your property boundaries. A survey will accurately determine your property lines, helping you avoid potential disputes with neighbors and encroachments on adjacent properties. In many cases, having a survey completed before building a fence can save you time, money, and potential legal issues in the long run.

Useful Links

Association of Ontario Land Surveyors (AOLS)

The AOLS is a self-governing association founded in 1892 that regulates and licenses professional land surveyors in accordance with the Surveyors Act. Its primary objective is to ensure the public interest is protected through the regulation of its members and certificate holders. The Surveyors Act stipulates that the AOLS must govern the practice of professional land surveying in accordance with its regulations and by-laws. 
AOLS | The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors

Professional Surveyors Canada (PSC)

Professional Surveyors Canada works to enhance the standing of professional surveyors by advocating for their interests, raising public awareness about the importance of the profession, and providing valuable support and benefits to its members. 
Professional Surveyors Canada – Advocating for the Land Surveying Profession to Protect the Interests of the Public (psc-gpc.ca)

Association of Canada Land Surveyors (ACLS)

The Association of Canada Lands Surveyors (ACLS) regulates and governs surveying on Canada Lands and private lands in the territories, with a mandate to protect the public interest according to the Canada Lands Surveyors Act. The ACLS ensures its members are competent and holds them to high professional standards, including mandatory professional development, licensing, permitting, and insurance requirements, and strong council oversight. The ACLS was created through an Act of Parliament in 1998 and is a continuation of previous associations established to enhance the practice of professional land surveying and related spatial disciplines. 
ACLS-AATC Canada : Welcome to ACLS-AATC – Association of Canada Lands Surveyors (ACLS)