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JJJ
Member
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# Posted: 18 Jan 2012 16:50
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Hey everyone! Just wondering where you guys have your cabins in Ontario and if you guys have issues with permits?
All I want to do is build a 12 x 8 cabin on an acre or two of land but most towns dont seem to be okay with it and want to push me into development fees and building permits.
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bushbunkie
Member
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# Posted: 19 Jan 2012 07:55
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Hi JJJ,
There has been mega discussion about this over the last year already on many threads...cruise through the older ones and you'll get lots of info.
Basically, it is what it is. Most municipalities in Ontario seem to operate the same way. They don't want people camping on their properties (even though we own them) and you cannot build a 100 sq. building unless there is already a residence on the property (with septic, etc.).
The approach some of us have taken is to get a few acres and try and stay under the radar. We're up on the Bruce Penninsula with our bunkie. We plan to build one day...but not now...I have kids to put through school! :) It is unfortunate because unless you have lots of $$$ upfront, you are forced to do it illegally...most of us agree and understand that there has to be rules and bylaws to make everyone happy and protect the environment...that makes sense...the problem is that there is no middle ground solution for folks who have the dream of a little cabin, but do not have the extra $70,000 to pay all the permits and build the minimum 1000 sq. foot cabin with full septic, foundation, etc!
Cheers.
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JJJ
Member
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# Posted: 19 Jan 2012 15:36
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Thanks for the info and I will definitely take a look although you pretty much summed it up for me.
I'm new to this and pretty disgusted in the rules they make.. like you say, no middle ground! All I want to do is enjoy a little 12 x 8 cabin in the woods without paying thousands of dollars and having to worry about yearly or monthly fees other than land tax.
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bushbunkie
Member
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# Posted: 21 Jan 2012 13:16
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Hi JJJ,
Even though we're older (your 21??...puppy!), we're all in the same boat. I have a house mortgage, so all I wanted was a couple acres of bush and a bunkie.....no extra taxes, monthly hydro charges,municipal fees, etc.
We bought the property, then got to know the neighbours. I then found out that some of them thought all the bylaws were ridiculous as well, and didn't mind if we put up a bunkie. They were more interested in the fact that we would be good, quiet neighbours...not yahoos who come up to camp and party all night...which I certainly respect, because many of these folks now live up there. The funny thing is that many of them started out and had Bunkies like us...before the bylaws changed.
So it may still be doable. Be nice to folks around you, build so no one can see it, keep a low profile and never let anyone use your property without you there!. Often bylaws are complaint enforced only...so if you don't give people a reason to complain, you may have a chance.
Our bunkie is insulated, with a 2000 watt generator, outhouse and recent well. For now,it rocks!
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bushbunkie
Member
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# Posted: 21 Jan 2012 13:28
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Couple of pics...
Home sweet home
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The lot
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why U need a bunkie....
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Just
Member
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# Posted: 21 Jan 2012 14:50
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try reading spee's thread; building a cabin in ontario;he is very close to your area
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perpetualsummer
Member
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# Posted: 21 Jan 2012 15:10
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I'm new here and am in the process of looking for affordable land & building prospects in Ontario. Food for thought. A real hid-out.
http://www.undergroundhousing.com/
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bushbunkie
Member
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# Posted: 21 Jan 2012 21:10
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Hey perpetualsummer,
Very Cool sight...though I can't imagine what new bylaws and hoops you would have to jump through in Ontario to build an underground home :)
Read your post on the other thread...we live an hour outside London.
I hear areas like Timmins / Cochrane are a little more flexible re. cabin building...but it's a heck of drive.
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JJJ
Member
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# Posted: 22 Jan 2012 15:11
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Cool looking cabin bushbunkie.. and yes I guess you could call me a puppy lol compared to you old folks. Yeah I may just go ahead and buy the land and make a small one that I can turn into a shed one day if I ever decide to build.
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perpetualsummer
Member
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# Posted: 22 Jan 2012 23:31
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Quoting: bushbunkie Very Cool sight...though I can't imagine what new bylaws and hoops you would have to jump through in Ontario to build an underground home :)
I mean like a hide out. Make it so they'd never find it.
My word I'm starting to feel like a little kid trying to hide something I shouldn't be doing from my parents :(
There is hope though. Did you ever watch "Garbage Warrior?" He fought the system and won. Mind you he had back up and a kick-in-the butt lawyer.
Quoting: bushbunkie I hear areas like Timmins / Cochrane are a little more flexible re. cabin building...but it's a heck of drive.
Drove up to Cochrane 2 years ago to check it out. It's waaaay up. I'm on my own so decided against it.
I've looked into unorganized townships, they're really lenient but the government is cracking down on them too.
Well I might have to be a rebel, become a gypsy and park my little caravan where I can.
Thanks for the suggestions though.
The dream isn't dead, just napping.
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