If you’re flying drones in Canada, especially in British Columbia, there’s a crucial airspace update you need to know. As of February 20th, 2025, NAV CANADA has introduced nine new RPAS-restricted airspace zones — all located around detention centres.

These drone-specific no-fly zones are part of a growing effort to enhance safety and protect sensitive infrastructure. In this post, we’ll break down what’s changed, why it matters, and how RPAS Wilco makes it easy to stay compliant with up-to-date, official airspace data.

Check out our video too!

What Are RPAS Restricted Airspace Zones?

RPAS restricted airspace zones are drone-specific no-fly areas established by NAV CANADA and documented in the Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH). These zones are created to protect sensitive locations such as:

• Correctional facilities

• Nuclear power stations

• Military installations

In December 2024, NAV CANADA introduced the first eight zones. 

Now, nine additional zones have been added — all near various detention centres in British Columbia.

Each restricted area is approximately 1 kilometer in radius, with vertical limits ranging from 1,000 to 3,300 feet above ground level (AGL).

Where Can You View These Zones?

Here’s the issue:
These zones do not appear on standard VFR charts, and most consumer drone apps — including DJI’s geo-fencing map — won’t warn you about them.

This is where RPAS Wilco comes in.

RPAS Wilco: Your Trusted Airspace Companion

RPAS Wilco includes an interactive airspace map designed specifically for drone pilots, now featuring our new Traffic Light System:

🟢 Green = Clear to fly
🟡 Yellow = Use caution
🔴 Red = Do not fly

RPAS Wilco is also the only drone company in Canada officially recognized as a NAV CANADA distributor, giving you direct access to the most accurate and current aeronautical data, including:

• METARs (aviation weather reports)

• NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen)

• VFR charts and the Canadian Flight Supplement (CFS)

• And more

📱 Download RPAS Wilco for free today!

What If You Need to Fly in a Restricted Zone?

It’s not impossible — but you’ll need authorization.
Each RPAS restricted zone includes contact information for the designated user agency, listed in the DAH. If your operation is legitimate, you can request access by contacting them directly.

Here is an example:

Final Thoughts

More RPAS restricted zones are being introduced as drone usage continues to grow in Canada. Staying compliant means staying informed — and the best way to do that is with tools built for drone pilots, by drone pilots. 

That’s why we recommend our compliance platform: RPAS Wilco.

Flying safe = flying smart.