Which Side of the Fence Faces the Neighbour in Ontario?

Separate appearance from location

The attractive face, the legal property line and responsibility for paying are separate questions. An old fence or a row of shrubs is not, by itself, proof of a surveyed boundary. Locate reliable survey information and get professional help where the line is uncertain. Do this before setting posts: turning a finished panel around is easier than relocating the whole fence.

Ask the municipality a precise question

Give the municipality the address, fence position, proposed height and whether it encloses a pool or guards a drop. Ask specifically about outward-facing construction and any climbing restrictions. A neighbour's permission does not waive the bylaw, and a compliant fence does not settle ownership. Toronto's approach cannot simply be copied into another municipality's rules.

If the proposed run follows a hill, settle Fence Height on a Sloping Yard: Where Do You Measure? on the drawing before agreeing to panel heights.

Put the agreement on a drawing

A small drawing should show post centres, both faces, gates, finished grades and who may access each side for maintenance. Discuss how replacement panels and staining will work later. Alternating boards or a design with two finished faces may resolve the appearance question, but assess privacy and permitted openings before selecting it. Keep the written agreement and product details with the property records.

Toronto says it does not resolve boundary-fence location or cost disputes; most of the provincial Line Fences Act does not apply there. City of Toronto: fences.

Before you finish

• Do not treat the old fence as a survey.
• Show both elevations in the proposed design.
• Get separate permission before entering adjoining land.