Land Use Permits for Docks, In-water Boathouses and Other Off-lot Structures

Context/Background
The Algonquin Provincial Park Cottage Lot Policy (2018-2038) outlines several terms and conditions related to on-lot structures including cottages, sleep cabins and ancillary structures (e.g., decks, gazebo’s, sheds). Almost all cottagers have structures that are not located on the cottage lot (i.e., off-lot structures), however, which are not addressed within the policy. The vast majority of these structures are docks, but also include in-water boathouses or off-lot land structures (e.g., utility transmission poles and corridors, driveways or water lines).

Off-lot structures are not captured under the cottage lot occupational authority (i.e., the cottage lot lease or licence of occupation) and are required by the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 (PPCRA) to have separate occupational authority for them to be considered authorized and enable the Ministry to issue work permits or other permissions related to them.

To address this, changes were recently made to Ontario Regulation 347/07 under the PPCRA enabling the Ministry to issue a land use permit (LUP) for these off-lot occupations, and establishing the terms and conditions regarding the size, type and location of structures that may be permitted. An administrative update to the Algonquin Provincial Park Management Plan has also been completed to reflect the regulatory amendments. An updated version of the amended plan is available on the main Algonquin cottage toolkit page or by clicking here.

The Cottage Lot Program will now work with cottagers to ensure that all off-lot structures are authorized by a LUP and meet the terms and conditions in the regulation. This fact sheet will help cottagers understand the terms and conditions for a LUP and explain how to apply for one. This fact sheet is intended to summarize the terms, limits and conditions outlined in section 38 of Ontario Regulation 347/07 and as such, the regulation remains the official source of those terms, limits and conditions.

Please Note: Cottagers will need to apply for and obtain a LUP by March 31, 2022 for any off-lot structure associated with their cottage lot.

Questions related to LUPs should be directed to the Cottage Lot Program by email (algonquin.cottages@ontario.ca) or phone (705-645-7436).