Table of Contents
Legislation and Authorizations Related to Algonquin Cottage Lots
Rules in the Lease or License of Occupation
A number of rules have been added to the new lease and license of occupation that will be effective from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022. Cottagers should also note that a new clause has recently been added to Ontario Regulation 347/07 of the PPCRA. Section 37(2) requires cottagers to follow the terms of their lease or license of occupation. Failure to adhere to the terms of the lease could result in fines or a court summons.
Use of cottage lot as a principle residence:
Cottagers may not use the cottage lot as a principle place of residence or for year-round purposes. The cottage lots are intended for recreational use only.
Renting or subletting:
Cottagers may not rent or sublet their cottage to any other persons. This provision includes rental by the week, day or any other term in return for payment of any kind.
Selling or transferring:
The Ministry must consent to the transfer of a lease or license of occupation whether the transfer is to add or subtract one or more individuals, or where it involves the sale of the improvements and transfer of the occupational authority to a completely new holder. In addition, prior to any listing or advertising of the cottage lot improvements for sale, consent from the Ministry must be obtained.
Waste and garbage:
Cottagers are required to ensure that they keep the cottage lot free from any garbage, refuse or waste. Further the cottager will have to ensure that the following do not occur on the cottage lot:
the storage of waste of any kind except the temporary storage of non-hazardous household waste (including recyclables or organic waste) in a fully enclosed building, a bear-proof container or as otherwise authorized by the Ministry;
(b) the disposal of waste of any kind, including by composting; or
(c) the burning of waste of any kind.
Further, cottagers cannot cause or permit the disposal of waste in the Park, except at an organics, recycling or waste receptacle area designated by Ontario Parks. If the designated area does not accept a particular type of waste, the cottager must remove the waste from the park at their expense.
Safe storage and use of fuel and other hazardous materials:
Unless otherwise authorized, cottagers shall comply with the following requirements respecting the storage and use of fuel and other hazardous materials:
Cottagers shall not cause or permit the storage of:
- more than a combined total of 100 litres of gasoline and any mixture of substances containing gasoline;
(ii) more than a combined total of 200 litres of stove oil, heating oil or kerosene; or
(iii) more than eight propane cylinders containing a total maximum of 500 pounds of propane.
(b) the cottager shall not cause or permit the storage of hazardous materials, except:
in federally-approved containers for the material, if any; and
(ii) for hazardous materials other than propane, at least 15 metres from the water’s edge wherever it may lie from time to time or within a fully enclosed structure.
(c) the cottager shall not cause or permit fuel tanks of any machine, equipment or other thing to be filled within 15 metres of the water’s edge wherever it may lie from time to time, except in the following circumstances:
to fill the fuel tank of a boat that does not have a removable fuel tank; or
to fill the fuel tank of a water pump.
Requirements regarding plant species:
In order to protect the park from invasive plant species which may impact park ecosystems, cottagers are (as are all park users) prohibited from bringing into the park, or from possessing any plant (including seeds) unless the plant is native to the park and the plant has been sourced from a local grower. This includes all non-native plants including annuals, vegetables and plants in pots or planters. Cottagers should keep copies of sales receipts for any native plants that are purchased for planting on the cottage lot detailing species and quantities purchased.
Cottagers also have the obligation to continue to remove any non-native plants that appear or re-appear on their cottage lot.
Cottagers are permitted to maintain any existing lawn (turf or manicured grass) but may not plant any new grass or lawn or expand any grass or lawn.
Fertilizers and pesticides:
Cottagers may not use or possess fertilizers (including commercial fertilizers, compost or manure) or pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides etc.).
Structures to mitigate impact on natural environment:
Cottagers must ensure that the exterior of all structures have a neutral earth-tone colour of grey, green or brown. Any structures that did not meet this condition as of January 1, 2018, would have to be changed to one of these colours the next time the structure is painted, sided, shingled etc. Cottagers must obtain permission from the Ministry prior to changing the outside of any structure including painting, siding, windows, shingles etc.
Pressure treated materials:
Cottagers may not use pressure treated lumber or other building materials for the construction or maintenance of cottage lot structures or water units unless authorized by the Ministry. The Park Management Plan (as amended) identifies instances when pressure treated materials may be authorized.
Changing the use of existing structures:
Unless authorized by the Ministry, cottagers may not convert or change the use of:
a Sleep Cabin to a Cottage;
(b) an Ancillary Structure to a Sleep Cabin or Cottage; or
(c) a Sleep Cabin or Cottage to an Ancillary Structure.
Camper vehicles:
Campers or other camper type vehicles are not permitted on the cottage lot.
Discovery of cultural heritage values:
If at any time, any relics, artifacts, or other types of archaeological values are found on the cottage lot, cottagers must contact the Ministry. The artefacts must be left in place and any activities that may disturb the artefacts must be stopped until such time as you receive direction from the Ministry.