Cottage and Commercial Leases


On October 21, 2016 the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) posted two decision notices on the Environmental Registry that will enable cottagers to continue to occupy their cottage lots up to December 31, 2038. For complete details see Algonquin Park Cottage Lot Policy Decision (2018-2038) and Proposed Algonquin Park Management Plan Amendment.


The boundary of Algonquin Park encloses public lands but also includes private land, rights-of-way, land use permits, licences of occupation, federally administered lands, and private and commercial leases.

  • The Park will be retained in public ownership, and land uses that may adversely affect its qualities and character will be prohibited.
  • All alienated lands within the Park will be acquired by 2017 and made available for public purposes.
  • Removal of structures and site restoration should occur as quickly as possible after expiration of the covering lease, special use permit or upon acquisition of private land.
  • The policy of removal will not apply to buildings that should be retained for Park use because of their historical significance.

Cottage Leases

There are 305 cottage properties held under lease, licence, or land use permit in the Park (as of January 1998).

  • All cottage leases will be terminated on or before December 31, 2017. There is no provision for renewal. (See Algonquin Park Cottage Lot Policy Decision (2018-2038) and Proposed Algonquin Park Management Plan Amendment for an update to this deadline.)
  • The Park Superintendent is required to ensure that all lessees comply with the terms of their leases, particularly in obtaining authorization from the Superintendent for any construction, clearing or shoreline work.
  • All cottage lot development is controlled by the Construction and Development Standards: Algonquin Park Cottage Leaseholds
  • The standards may be revised to address new environmental concerns or development restrictions.
  • Cottage leaseholders are represented by the Algonquin Park Residents Association.

Commercial Leases

There are nine commercial leases in the Park. These private-sector enterprises include three lodges and six youth camps.These commercial leases include:

The lodges provide accommodation and services to a segment of society that does not choose to camp yet wishes to experience the natural environment of the Park. Indeed, the lodges encourage their patrons to partake of the various Park programs as they are available.

The youth camps make a substantial contribution by making young people aware of natural areas like Algonquin Park. Youth camps will be encouraged to pursue programs that foster an understanding and appreciation of the natural environment. The development of new or the renovation of existing facilities to accommodate young people and provide educational programs may also be considered in the Park.

  • Ontario Parks recognizes the contributions that both youth camps and lodges make to Algonquin and commenced to negotiate lease renewals in 1997.
  • In 2004, commercial leases were extended for a period of 60 years.
  • All commercial leaseholders will follow the Construction and Development Standards: Algonquin Park Commercial, which are similar to the non-commercial leases in the Park.

 

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