These standards guide how cottage lots at Winagami Lake Provincial Park may be developed and
maintained, so that the community stays in balance with the natural park environment. The
summary below covers the points owners ask about most — for full details, please
download the complete document.
Before you build or renovate: All leaseholders must submit a site plan and
obtain approval from the Conservation Officer (C.O.) in Charge before any construction or
improvement. A Development Permit from Big Lakes County and a building permit from a
certified agency are also required.
Lot & Development Area
| Lot size | 15.240 m × 36.576 m (50 ft × 120 ft) |
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| Maximum development area | 145 m² (1,561 ft²) of total improvements per lot |
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| Front setback | At least 7.62 m (25 ft) from the front lease boundary |
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| Side setback | At least 2.28 m (7.5 ft) from each side boundary |
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| Rear setback | At least 7.62 m (25 ft) from the rear lease boundary |
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Development is limited to the leased lot. The shoreline area west of the
subdivision is park land and access is open to all park users.
Buildings & Structures
- One cottage building per lot, used as the only dwelling/sleeping unit.
- Cottage building area: min 37 m² (400 ft²), max 93 m² (1,000 ft²).
- Maximum cottage height: 4.9 m (16 ft) to the roof peak (chimney excluded).
- Maximum accessory-building height: 3.66 m (12 ft).
- Permitted accessory structures: garage/carport, toilet building (with holding tank), utility shed, patio and deck.
- No manufactured homes, travel trailers or modified mobile units as cottages or sheds.
- Chimneys/fireplaces must be CSA-approved and fitted with spark-suppressing caps.
Architectural Requirements
- Building colours must be predominantly muted, flat earth tones (grey, green, brown); limited trim accents are fine.
- Natural materials such as wood with a rustic character are encouraged.
- Fences are discouraged; where approved, the maximum height is 1.22 m (4 ft).
- Outdoor fire pits need a vegetation-free buffer of at least 2 m (6.56 ft) and C.O. approval.
- Signs: one only, at the lot entrance, showing the resident's name and address.
Utilities & Services
- Water: Provided by each leaseholder. Wells are not permitted (no suitable groundwater); cisterns may be approved on an individual basis.
- Sewage: Each cottage must have a holding tank receiving all sewage and grey water; pump-out and disposal are the leaseholder's responsibility. Tanks should be accessible within 5 m (16.4 ft) of the roadway/driveway.
- Other utilities: New secondary power lines to out-buildings must be run underground; all utility work needs C.O. approval.
- Road maintenance: Grading and snow removal on subdivision access roads are negotiated between the C.O. in Charge and the Cottage Association.
Landscape & Maintenance
- Existing trees and natural vegetation may not be removed without prior Park Ranger approval, and must be protected during construction.
- New plantings must use species indigenous to the Winagami Lake area.
- Noxious-weed control and hazardous-tree removal are the leaseholder's responsibility (tree removal needs prior approval).
- Buildings and exterior finishes must be kept well maintained and in good repair.
- Annual cottage-lot lease inspections are conducted by the C.O. in Charge.
Shoreline Development
- No dredging, cutting of aquatic vegetation, or alterations to the lake bottom or shoreline without a permit.
- Only one boat dock per cottage block is allowed; docks and lifts must be removed before freeze-up each fall.
- Removal of shoreline shrubs and grasses is not permitted without C.O. authorization.
- The lakeshore — including all boat-docking structures — is a public area, not for the exclusive use of cottagers.
Winagami Lake provides very important waterfowl and fisheries habitat. Protecting the
shoreline and aquatic vegetation keeps the lake healthy for everyone.
Information & Inquiries
Summary prepared from the official June 2000 standards document for
convenience. If anything here differs from the PDF, the
official document
and current park direction take precedence.
⬇ Download the Full Standards (PDF)
