Algonquin Park, Patent Lands, and Fees


It is my understanding that the following letter was sent to George Drum who has owned a water access cottage in Algonquin Park for 15 years, which he bought from American citizens who had previously owned it for some 40 years. Apparently last year he was stopped by park staff and asked for his park permit for fishing. He stated that he owned 300 feet of shoreline on the lake and felt he did not require any permit to fish on the lake where his private property is located. He later received a letter from John Swick the park supervisor. The letter is provided below.

I also understand that Jim Murphy, park planner, later called Mr. Drum confirming that indeed he was bound by this policy and was informed that a one-day fishing permit would be $9.50 and a season permit would be $65.00.

The type of management program stated in this letter, with respect to private property, should raise real concerns and questions. If the KHSS is to be designated under a restrictive land use designation (LUD), i.e. Park Act, then it is vitally important that the management plan be presented prior to any decision on a LUD.  Otherwise it would be prudent to have a less restrictive LUD and build in specific regulations in the management plan suited to address specific issues.

Todd Kearney




Ontario Parks

 
                                                                                                                Box 219                  Telephone: 613-637-2780

                                                                                                                Whitney, Ontario

                                                                                                                K0J 2M0

July 22, 2002

Mr. George Drum

663 George St. North,

Peterborough, Ontario

K9H 3S7

George:

As a patent landowner within Algonquin Park it is understood that you require access to your property. Landowners that have direct vehicle access to their property, (can drive to and park on property) have no dependence on Park facilities and therefore do not require park permits.

In your situation, where the user does not have open road access to their property and leave their vehicle parked at an access point parking area, a Travel Authorization Card will be issues (free of charge) annually. Travel Authorization cards are available by writing or faxing the Park office at Whitney, East Gate at least a week in advance of when the authorization is required. This permit is issued to the patent land owner only and must be displayed on the dash of the vehicle at all times when in the park.

HOWEVER, should the patent land owner want to use the lake (i.e.: canoe, boat, fish) or facilities associated with their property (i.e.: trails, campsites etc.) or any other park facility, they must have a valid vehicle permit in their possession while on the lake or while using park facilities, off their properties. These permits can be purchased at Pine Grove Point Lodge or any of our permit issuer locations.

Guests/visitors of patent landowners are required to purchase appropriate Park permits and must be displayed on the dash of their vehicle.

I would remind you that if you or your guests wish to use any of the Park facilities/resources the appropriate park permits would be required. You should also be aware that garbage facilities at the Kingscote access are for park users and are not for patent landowner use.

Your continued cooperation in these matters is greatly appreciated.

Yours truly,

John Swick,

Operations South Supervisor

Algonquin Provincial Park