Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
June 17, 2015
Enhancing Programs for Residents
Provincial Government Increasing Opportunities to Purchase Remote Recreational Cottage Lots
The Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs is expanding the circumstances where grants for remote recreational cottages can be allowed, providing more current licence holders and future applicants the option of purchasing a grant at market value.
�After hearing from residents throughout Newfoundland and Labrador about the ability to purchase Crown lands, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is adopting a new approach. Residents will have increased opportunity to purchase a grant, however, if they prefer to continue with their existing licence to occupy, they can do so.�
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
This new approach will increase the opportunities for ownership of remote recreational cottages. A new set of criteria is being finalized and will identify the criteria under which grant applications will be accepted, recognizing there are circumstances where the issuance of a grant is not in the public or government�s best interest, such as protected areas. Also, since areas of Labrador are subject to settled, accepted, or asserted Aboriginal land claims, the Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs will consult with appropriate Aboriginal governments and organizations on this initiative prior to issuing any cottage grants in those areas.
In addition, grant applications will also be subject to the internal referral process, which engages appropriate Aboriginal governments and organizations, and other key stakeholders, on particular applications, when applicable.
Licences to Occupy for remote recreational cottages are located province-wide, with just over 12,000 issued to date and approximately 500 new licences issued annually.
Interested individuals can contact the Regional Lands Offices of the Crown Lands Administration Division of the Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs for further details. Crown Lands Administration office contact information can be found at: www.miga.gov.nl.ca/department/contact_crownlands.html.
QUICK FACTS
- The Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs is expanding the circumstances where grants for remote recreational cottages can be allowed, providing more current licence holders and future applicants the option of purchasing a grant at market value.
- Owners who prefer not to purchase a grant may still maintain their licence to occupy.
- Licences to occupy for remote recreational cottages are located province-wide, with just over 12,000 issued and approximately 500 new licences issued annually.
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Media contact:
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Kevin Guest Director of Communications Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs 709-729-1983, 730-2320 kevinjguest@gov.nl.ca |
2015 06 17 10:25 a.m.