Building a boathouse on your waterfront property is an exciting endeavor. An extension of your cottage, a boathouse can add to your property value, be useful for storage and extend your living and entertainment areas. It is important to carefully research the various aspects of the process from design options and bylaws to interviewing architects, designers and builders. You’ll want to make certain the boathouse is functional yet aesthetically pleasing and ensure you are compliant with cottage country building bylaws. This article focuses on important considerations when taking on a project of this magnitude.
BUILDING PERMITS AND BOATHOUSE REGULATIONS
Each region throughout cottage country will have their own bylaws pertaining to the construct of a boathouse. For example, even though the big three lakes of Muskoka are a chain of lakes, Lakes Joseph, Rosseau and Muskoka have different bylaws as these lakes lie in the Township of Muskoka Lakes and The Township of Seguin. Furthermore, the lower half of Lake Muskoka lies in the Town of Gravenhurst, and this too comes with its own unique bylaws. This is the case throughout areas of cottage country such as Haliburton, The Kawarthas, and Kawartha Lakes.
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS
Different regions throughout Ontario have specific rules and regulations pertaining to where, how and if, a boathouse can be constructed. Area professionals can best advise on local zoning bylaws to determine the viability of the project. They can also coordinate with the municipality in obtaining the necessary building permits before commencing the boathouse project.
Depending on where your cottage property is located you many require approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) to build a boathouse. For example, Environmentally Protected (EP) zoning affects if and where the boathouse can be located along the waterfront.
Consulting with a local professional planner will assist in preserving the natural shoreline. During the build it is important to prevent erosion, protect aquatic and shoreline species and minimize disruption of habitat.
BOATHOUSE DESGIN CONSIDERATIONS
Bylaw frontage is the first detail that needs to be assessed when planning to construct a boathouse. Various municipalities have different specifications as to the frontage required to allow for a boathouse.
Secondly, the existing lot coverage will determine the size of build allowed on the property.
Single Story or Two-Story Boathouse with Living Quarters
Following the investigation into the size of boathouse allowed, if one is allowed at all, it is important to consider the intended purpose of the boathouse. Key factors include size of boat slips to accommodate watercraft, length and width of docks and the space within the structure. Will this space be mainly used for storage or are living quarters a key focus of the design?
LOCAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
When it comes to planning and constructing a boathouse on your cottage property local professionals are instrumental in a successful, functional and aesthetically pleasing build. Reach out to The Janssen Group today. The Janssen Group Associates have local connections in the cottage country areas they serve and can recommend local professionals from architects, designers, builders, landscapers and planners throughout Muskoka, Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes and The Kawarthas.
