Does a survey expire after a period of time?

A survey is a special map of a parcel of land that provides details determined after research and field measurements. It is a snapshot of your property as of the date it was completed.

So a survey doesn’t necessarily expire but rather quickly becomes out of date as properties are renovated and fences and sheds are built. A bigger problem using old surveys occurs when road widenings, easements, and severances are added to the property. A new survey will reflect these changes while an old survey does not.

Old surveys can still be very useful in providing historical information about the property and surveyors refer to these old plans for evidence when preparing a new survey. For example, some properties have buildings and fences that have not changed so they can become important information when determining a boundary.

In order to be up to date, a survey must reflect any changes that may have occurred on the property and show current registry office title information all of which won’t be shown on an old plan. Only a licensed Ontario Land Surveyor can provide this information. We are available to discuss your property and can answer any questions.