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
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