First Come First Served Cottage Lot Program
Constructing a Cottage on Crown Land
Frequently Asked Questions

“What approvals do I need to build on lots outside of Rural Municipalities?”

You must provide a site plan with your Building Permit Application to Manitoba Labour, showing approximate dimensions of the building(s) and location on the lot, including distances in relation to lot boundaries.  The application will be forwarded to the Manitoba Conservation Regional Land Manager and you will then be notified of approval or changes required.

A Work Permit must also be obtained from the local Natural Resource Officer at the Conservation District Office prior to any construction or lot clearing.  There is no fee for a Work Permit.


“If the road has not been constructed yet or is currently under construction; does it extend the Building Time Frame period?”

The Building Time Frame is adjusted in accordance with available access.  In subdivisions where road construction has not been complete, a separate notice will be sent at a later date, once the road has been completed.  The two year time frame will begin at that time.

"What types of foundations are acceptable?"

All building plans must be submitted to the Building Inspector, who will then advise as to what would be acceptable for that particular subdivision.


“Is there a minimum square footage for the cottage?”

Unless otherwise specified by the Rural Municipality building codes and conditions, the minimum cottage size will be 480 square feet (20’ x 24’).  The maximum size is limited by the size of each lot to ensure there are appropriate distances from sides, front and back of each lot.


“Are multiple stories allowed?”

All plans must be reviewed and approved by Manitoba Building inspectors.

"What types of buildings are allowed on the lot?”

This will depend on the regulations in place for the municipality in which your subdivision is located.  Please contact them for building information or the Regional Land Manager of Manitoba Conservation if the subdivision is within unorganized territory.


“How much of my lot or the Crown Reserve can be cleared to view the lake?”

The lot you have purchased may be cleared to meet your requirements.  Any clearing of the Crown Reserve will require an application for a Work Permit including details relative to what is planned. 

A Work Permit must be obtained from the local Natural Resource Officer at the Conservation District Office prior to any clearing.  There is no fee for a Work Permit.


"Are docks, boathouses, etc allowed?”

This will vary from subdivision to subdivision and depend on local municipal policies.  Please contact the Municipality or the Regional Land Manager for information on specific subdivisions.


“What do we do with the slash/debris created by lot clearing work?”

Your Crown Land Work Permit will specify that all debris is to be managed appropriately to eliminate fire hazards and not create a nuisance to adjacent lot owners.  All merchantable timber is to be salvaged (firewood) etc.  Disposal of lot debris may vary depending upon your subdivision and time of year.  Please contact your local Manitoba Conservation office to determine if burning is allowed or where debris can be hauled.


“Are house trailers or mobile homes acceptable as cottages?”

No, mobile homes, travel trailers, garage packages, yurts or other similar non-permanent structures do not meet the requirements for a cottage. All cottages must be permanent, fixed non-portable structures.


"Can we move an old house or a ready-to-move (RTM) onto the lot?

Municipal restrictions may apply to relocation of previous lived-in homes or RTM’s. Please contact the Rural Municipality or the Building Inspector for further information.


"What costs will I incur if I select a cottage lot on crown land?

Fees that you may be required to pay include the following:
      a.  Application Fee                      = $105.00 (includes G.S.T.)
      b. Licence of Occupation Fee   = $10.81 (includes G.S.T.)
      c. Purchase Agreement Fee   = $210.00 (includes G.S.T.)
      d. Legal Description/Titles Fee  = $105.00 (includes G.S.T.)
      e. Transfer Document  Fee         = $52.50 (includes G.S.T)

Please note that there will be fees associated with building permits, Hydro and MTS hook ups as well as Manitoba Consumer and Corporate Affairs.  In addition the Land Titles Office will have fees (Land Transfer Tax) related to the registering of the Transfer document.  Further details related to their fees can be obtained by contacting the Land Titles Office directly at (204) 945-2042 or by email lto@gov.mb.ca.

Also, if the cottage subdivision is located within a Rural Municipality, you will be responsible for payment of annual municipal taxes to the Rural Municipality.  If the cottage subdivision is located outside of a Rural Municipality, there may be service fees applied through Manitoba Aboriginal & Northern Affairs.