Except for development of roads and certain other site-specific improvements, subdivisions are generally provided in their natural state, with future lot clearing and development being the responsibility of the purchaser.  Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to visit and inspect the lot that interests them prior to submitting an application.

Some subdivisions have been pre-serviced by Manitoba Hydro.  All additional costs associated with bringing in servicing and hooking up individual lots is at the expense of the purchaser.
The sale of lots is for the purposes of the development of a cottage only. The purchaser shall construct the cottage in accordance with the applicable municipal authority’s building time restrictions, if any.  The purchaser also agrees not to park a mobile home, travel trailer, fifth wheel, or erect a tent on the lot for use as a cottage.

The construction of cottages must comply with all applicable legislation, regulations, building standards and zoning by-laws that can be obtained from the local municipal office, Manitoba Municipal and Northern Relations, or Manitoba Labour and Immigration (Inspection and Technical Services Manitoba).   

The lot location will determine where to obtain the relevant approvals to develop a cottage lot and information on building standards for the area.

Work Permits:

• Work permits may be required to ensure debris from lot clearing work is managed appropriately to prevent fire hazards and not create nuisance to adjacent lots.
• Contact the local Conservation Office to determine whether burning is allowed or where debris can be hauled.

Building Permits:

• For cottage lots within a Municipality, submit a site plan and Building Permit Application to the local municipal office. To locate a specific Municipality, visit the Association of Manitoba Municipalities – Directory Map
• For cottage lots located within an unorganized territory (not within a municipality), the Department of Manitoba Municipal and Northern Relations acts as the municipal authority. In these areas, lot holders are required to apply for a building permit through Manitoba Labour and Immigration (Inspection and Technical Services Manitoba).  For more information about the Inspection and Technical Services Building Permit Application call 204-945-3373 or visit the Inspection and Technical Services Manitoba website.

Onsite Wastewater Management:

• Information on wastewater management regulatory requirements, design and installation standards, and registration forms can be found at the Onsite Wastewater Management System Program website.
• Contact the local Environment Officer for further assistance.

Use of Crown Reserves:

• Lot owners do not have exclusive use of the 99 foot Crown Reserve fronting their lot but may be permitted to undertake certain development on the Crown Reserve through the application for a Crown Land permit.
• Any clearing of the Crown Reserve fronting the lot, requires an application for a Work Permit through the local Conservation Office. Note: The Municipal Planning Regulations only allows up to 25% of shoreline to be cleared.   
• Any development of structures (dock, boathouse, gazebo, etc) on Crown Reserve requires an application for a Crown land General Permit.  Contact the Crown Land Specialist to discuss any proposed structure prior to development.  Note: Municipal and planning authorities may also have necessary permits and approvals for subdivisions.
• There are typically Crown or Public Reserves to provide access to the water’s edge by back lot owners and the public. Public boat launches have been established within some subdivisions.

For questions regarding a particular region or subdivision, contact the local Crown Land Specialist:

Program questions can be directed to: CottageProgram@gov.mb.ca