There may be some confusion among cottagers as to what rules, laws and regulations must be followed on their cottage lot. This fact sheet will help cottagers understand what rules apply to them, and when they require authorization for certain activities.

Cottagers have the responsibility to understand and comply with all terms and conditions outlined in their occupational authority (i.e., their lease or license of occupation), as well as all applicable laws, including, but not limited to, the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006, (PPCRA), Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA), Invasive Species Act, 2015 (ISA), Fisheries Act, Pesticides Act and Building Code Act, 1992 (BCA). Cottagers should also understand that they may require authorizations or permissions for certain activities such as building or placing structures, cutting trees or other vegetation, making excavations, etc.

Aside from the rules in the lease or licence of occupation, the legislation that cottagers should be most familiar with is the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act (PPCRA). All portions of the PPCRA and its regulations apply to cottagers the same as they do to other park users except where cottagers are specifically exempt by the regulation (for example, the prohibition against having cans or bottles in the interior of Algonquin does not apply on the cottage lot). Further, cottagers should be aware that they may require additional permissions, approvals or authorizations prior to carrying out certain activities in Algonquin, including on the cottage lots. It is each cottager’s responsibility to acquire all necessary permissions, approvals, and authorizations prior to carrying out activities. As such, cottagers are encouraged to contact the Ministry and any other approval agencies early when planning or designing a proposed activity, to ensure they have obtained all necessary permissions and authorizations prior to starting work. The Cottage Lot team is there to assist you with any questions that you may have.

Please see specific examples of rules in the PPCRA that cottagers should be familiar with. This list is not exhaustive and cottagers may want to familiarize themselves with the act and its regulations, particularly Ontario Regulation 347/07 (General Provisions).