Cottage Lot Factsheet Regarding Unauthorized Structures
In October 2016, the Ministry sent a package to the primary contact for each cottage lot. Within the package was the document Algonquin Cottage Lease Inventory Summary of Findings, Structures Associated to Cottage Lot. In that document, the Ministry identified any structures that appeared to have been built or significantly modified without written authorization. This included any structures that were built or modified with written authorization (e.g., a work permit for example) but were built or modified in ways that do not comply with the conditions in the written authorization (e.g., the structure was built larger than what was approved). Where a cottage or sleep cabin was identified as being unauthorized, cottagers are encouraged to submit any written documentation they may have which demonstrates the cottage or sleep cabin had been previously authorized by the Ministry. Documentation should be submitted by email to algonquin.cottagers@ontario.ca or by regular mail to:
Algonquin Cottages Lot Program
1350 High Falls Road
Bracebridge ON P1L 0L1
It is important to note that not all unauthorized structures will have to be removed from the cottage lot. In fact, most will be permitted to remain. The Ministry will work with cottagers to try and find a solution to unauthorized structures that complies with the Algonquin Provincial Park Cottage Lot Policy (2018-2038) and the Algonquin Provincial Park Management Plan (as amended).
Cottagers should also note that the removal of structures (if and when necessary) does NOT have to be completed until December 31, 2019 – the removal of structures is not required in order to qualify for 2022 occupational authority (the term of January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022). All a cottager has to do to qualify for 2022 occupational authority is to be fully paid up with respect to any debts associated with the cottage lot (including for instance, rent, service fees and taxes) and submit the 2022 occupational authority application by March 31, 2017.
The remainder of this fact sheet provides further information regarding what structures have to be removed or modified to meet eligibility. For more information about the removal of cottage lot structures, please email the Cottage Lot Team at algonquin.cottages@ontario.ca or call 705-645-7436.
Table of Contents
- Ancillary Structures
- Cottages and Sleep Cabins
Ancillary Structures
Ancillary structures include structures like decks, sheds (including dry-land boathouses), gazebos, patios, and saunas. Basically structures other than cottages, sleep cabins, docks, in-water boathouses and sewage systems.
All ancillary structures, regardless of whether they are noted as being unauthorized, will be permitted to remain provided they are located on the cottage lot, the total combined footprint of all on-lot ancillary structures does not exceed the maximum provided for in the Algonquin Provincial Park Management Plan Amendment, and that the ancillary structure complies with all other limits, terms and conditions in the management plan (e.g., no camper trailers or other prohibited structures on the lot, ancillary structures do not have kitchen or bathroom facilities, etc.). In situations where the total combined footprint of the ancillary structures on a cottage lot exceeds the maximum allowable ancillary footprint, the cottager has the choice as to which ancillary structures or parts of structures they remove to meet the cap, which may include keeping unauthorized ancillary structures.
Any ancillary structures that are located off-lot will have to be removed or relocated onto the final cottage lot, provided the relocated ancillary structures still comply with the applicable limits and conditions in the management plan. Please note: The Ministry will consider adjustments to the cottage lot boundaries during your survey to try and include as many structures as possible within the final cottage lot boundary (within the maximum ancillary footprint limit).
Cottages and Sleep Cabins
Unauthorized cottages and sleep cabins (i.e., those that did not have written authorization) may be permitted to remain IF they otherwise meet, or could be modified to meet, the limits, terms and conditions within the Algonquin Provincial Park Management Plan Amendment. This would include having only one cottage and one sleep cabin, not exceeding the total combined footprint for new cottages and sleep cabins, and that the sleep cabin does not contain kitchen or washroom facilities or running water. The following are examples of situations where unauthorized cottages or sleep cabins may be brought into compliance and be allowed to remain.
1. Your cottage or sleep cabin has been identified as being built without written authorization.
If you currently have only one cottage and one sleep cabin on your cottage lot, the total combined footprint of the cottage and sleep cabin does not exceed the footprint limit in the park management plan for new cottages and sleep cabins and the unauthorized cottage or sleep cabin otherwise meets all other applicable limits, terms and conditions in the management plan, then the unauthorized cottage or sleep cabin may be permitted to remain.
If your one cottage and one sleep cabin exceed the maximum combined footprint for new cottages and sleep cabins, but you can reduce the size of one or the other to become compliant, then the unauthorized cottage or sleep cabin may be permitted to remain.
If there is currently more than one sleep cabin on the cottage lot, then you may have the choice of removing the unauthorized sleep cabin OR removing all other sleep cabins on the lot and keeping the unauthorized one. The remaining one sleep cabin and one cottage cannot exceed the maximum combined footprint identified in the park management plan. If you remove the unauthorized sleep cabin instead, then the remaining cottage and sleep cabins are grandfathered at their current size and number. Consult with the Cottage Lot team prior to deciding on your approach.
2. Your cottage or sleep cabin has been identified as being modified without authorization or was built or modified in a manner that does not comply with conditions of the written authorization (e.g., was built larger than authorized).
If the cottage / sleep cabin was modified without authorization, then you must:
- Remove the modification (e.g., addition), or
- Bring the structure into compliance with all of the limits, terms and conditions for a new cottage or sleep cabin in the park management plan (including having only one cottage and one sleep cabin), or
- Remove the structure.
If the cottage / sleep cabin was modified or built with authorization, but was done so in a manner that does not comply with conditions of the authorization, then you must:
- Bring the structure into compliance with the terms of the written authorization, or
- Bring the structure into compliance with the limits, terms and conditions for a new cottage or sleep cabin in the park management plan, or
- Remove the structure.
The Ministry will work with cottagers to identify possible options, such as those described above, that would allow an unauthorized cottage or sleep cabin to remain in a manner that complies with the cottage lot policy and the park management plan. This may require that the Ministry visit your cottage lot to verify exact measurements of your structures and discuss options with you in person.