I am a real estate lawyer,…

I am a real estate lawyer, cottager, boater and winter lake user. I am concerned about several aspects of these floating cottages - blocking navigable waterways is one - will they be in the way in the winter? How will they be taxed to pay for their share of shoreside infrastructure use? Islands pay property taxes to a muncipality which pays for fire services, parking and roads and garbage disposal. It seems very similar to the Medieaval Village concept where people have found a very inexpensive way to live off the land (or water in this case) without paying for the real cost of the land use. I also find it very hard to believe that the environmental impact is as low as the proponents claim - most cottage septics are to be 80 feet minimum from the water's edge - these are right on the water.

Is this sound land use planning? I think not - planning always requires consultation but there is no planning authority to consult with since living on water, other than at a marina, has not been foreseen to this point. If these structures continue to be used the MNRF may well have to set up a planning division for floating dwellings.