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Eligibility Fact Sheet Algonquin Cottage Program

2. Resizing, Relocation and/or Removal of Existing Structures (if required)

Section 4.2 of the cottage lot policy outlines eligibility requirements related to cottage lot structures (cottages, sleep cabins and ancillary structures).

Once the property survey for your cottage lot has been completed, including any boundary adjustments that the Ministry may approve, the Ministry will review the surveyor’s real property report to determine if there are any remaining off-lot structures. During the survey all previously approved cottages and sleep cabins will be included within the final cottage lot boundary whether they were located on the existing lot or not. Other types of structures, including sewage systems or ancillary structures that remain off lot will need to be relocated or removed. You will receive specific direction about the need to relocate or remove any structures after the Ministry has reviewed your survey.

Further, if the total combined footprint (area) of all ancillary structures on your lot exceed the limits as identified in the Algonquin Provincial Park Management Plan (as amended), the Ministry will direct you to remove or resize ancillary structures (generally of your choice) in order to become compliant with the maximum footprints. Your survey will identify the actual area of each of your structures and the Ministry will send you specific direction to reduce ancillary structures if the combined total ancillary footprint exceeds the limit.  

Additionally, if there are any cottages or sleep cabins that were identified as being built or modified without authorization, or were built, modified or expanded with a work permit but are not compliant with the conditions attached to the work permit (i.e., built larger than approved, built with a second storey, etc.), then after discussion and clarification with Ontario Parks staff you will be directed to remove or bring these structures into compliance with the original work permit, as applicable.  Please note, unauthorized ancillary structures may remain subject to the total combined ancillary footprint limit.