November 29, 2013

Public Notice - Environmental Assessment Category B Project - Extending the Term for Private Cottage Tenure in Algonquin Park

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) invites public comment on the proposed project that would extend the term of occupation for 303 existing private, non-commercial cottage lots in Algonquin Provincial Park from the current expiry of December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2038 (i.e., additional 21 years). The extension would provide cottagers with the continued, exclusive right to occupy and use existing cottage lots. Potential negative environmental effects associated with the proposed project would be mitigated, to the extent possible through conditions, including some new conditions that would limit certain activities carried out on the cottage lots. The net environmental effects of this project are anticipated to be low-medium. For clarity, this project does not consider the granting of dispositions for new private, non-commercial cottage lots within the park. In addition, this project would be undertaken in accordance with any additional required approvals and processes.

Comments must be received within the 45-day comment period, which expires on January 11, 2014.

The proposal is being evaluated as a Category B project under the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves. A Notice of Completion will be sent to those who submit comments or request further notice when the project evaluation is finished. MNR may proceed to implement the project without issuing a further general notice.

For more information on the project, to submit comments or to request further notice, please contact:

Jim Murphy, Acting Senior Park Planner
Ontario Parks, Algonquin Zone
East Gate Complex
P.O. Box 219
Whitney, Ontario K0J 2M0
Phone: 705-789-1770
Email: AlgonquinCo@ontario.ca

Comments and personal information regarding this project are collected under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act and the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act to assist in making decisions. Comments and opinions which do not constitute personal information as defined by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, will be shared among MNR and others as appropriate, and may be included in study documentation that is made available for public review. Personal information will remain confidential unless prior consent to disclose is obtained. This information may be used by the Ministry of Natural Resources to seek public input on other resource management surveys and projects. For more information about this project, please contact Jim Murphy, Acting Senior Park Planner, Ontario Parks, Algonquin Zone, East Gate Complex, P.O. Box 219, Whitney, Ontario K0J 2M0, 705-789-1770.

Supporting Documents

• A Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves
• Environmental Assessment Screening Record
• Environmental Assessment Screening Table

Related Information

• Park Planning
• Cottage and Commercial Leases