Recently received the following ....

As you may be aware, in October 2012, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) sought comments on a policy proposal to extend the term of occupation for existing cottage lots in Algonquin Provincial Park to December 31, 2038 (i.e., an additional 21 years) subject to eligibility requirements and new conditions.

This letter is to inform you of the government's recent decision to provide cottagers in Algonquin Provincial Park an opportunity to continue to occupy existing cottage lots up to December 31, 2038. The decision includes amending Ontario Regulation 347/07 under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 and approving the Algonquin Provincial Park Cottage Lot Policy (2018-2038).

In addition, MNRF will be consulting further on the Environmental Registry on a proposed amendment to the Algonquin Provincial Park Management Plan, and an additional regulation proposal related to new land use permits to support the implementation of the cottage lot policy and park management plan.

The offer to extend will be subject to cottagers meeting a number of eligibility requirements, and complying with terms in the policy, the cottage lot occupational authority (e.g., lease) and applicable laws. The eligibility requirements and terms aim to reduce pressures from cottage lot structures and activities on park values while accommodating cottage lots to 2038. The government has also approved new rents and service fees that will reflect a fair and reasonable rate of return to the people of Ontario and fully recover the costs of providing services to cottagers.

This decision was informed by the comments received through consultation on the proposed policy, ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities, the outcomes of the environmental assessment process, environmental and economic studies, and other related information.

On October 21, 2016 MNRF posted the following decision notices on the Environmental Registry at www.ebr.gov.on.ca:
1. Algonquin Provincial Park Cottage Lot Policy (2018 – 2038): Search number 011-7289 for further information on the policy decision.
2. Amendment to Ontario Regulation 347/07: Search number 012-8561 on the Environmental Registry for further information on this regulation decision.
On October 26, 2016 MNRF posted the following notices for consultation on the Environmental Registry at www.ebr.gov.on.ca:
3. Proposed Amendment to the Algonquin Provincial Park Management Plan: Search number 012-8560 for further information on the policy proposal.4.
Proposed Regulation for New Land Use Permits under Section 14(2.1) of the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act: Search number 012-8567 for further information on this regulation proposal.

Sincerely,

Jason Travers                                                                       Bruce Bateman
Director                                                                                  Director
Natural Resources Conservation Policy Branch           Ontario Parks