Navigable Waters Protection Act (R.S., 1985, C.N-22)

According to the Navigable Waters Protection Act, a Navigable Water is a canal or any body of water that has been altered by construction (Department of Justice 2008), although often the Act is applied to any water that can be navigated by a boat. The Act is in place to keep the waters clear of obstruction and danger.

The Athabasca River is navigable in large sections and is an important waterbody for fisheries, transportation and recreation.