- A detailed sketch or site plan, “to scale”, which clearly shows the following:
- The location and measurements of all existing and/or proposed structures/encroachments on the benefitting property.
- The location and measurements of all existing and/or proposed structures/encroachments on the Town’s property.
- The distance from the structures/encroachments to the abutting lot lines and from the shore line (where applicable);.
- Existing and proposed vegetation.
- Driveways and paths.
- Letter with reasons for applying for the road / shore road allowance closure.
- Location Map showing the property in relation to surrounding area.
- Copy of registered transfer or deed detailing ownership of benefitting property.
- Letter of authorization if an agent is acting on your behalf (where necessary).
About road allowances
Road allowances were created by Crown surveyors in the 18th and 19th century as land designated for access routes between and around lots. Shore road allowances are very similar but exist between the property and the shoreline. If your property abuts an allowance you will need to apply to have it closed before you can proceed with any development on the allowance land.
Owners of waterfront properties that have a shore road allowance and are looking to develop, will be required to purchase it as a condition of planning approval. If you have any questions please contact the Legal and Agreements Coordinator.
Application process
Step 1: Gather required documentation
Fill out the Original Road and Shore Road Allowance Closure Application form including the following items:
A $1,152.00 application fee is required.
Have your roll number and the legal description of the property prior to beginning the application. This information can be found on your property tax bill or using the on the Town of Huntsville map.
Step 2: Submission
Your neighbours will be contacted as part of the application process. You may want to reach out to them prior to applying to let them know and gauge support.
There may be additional approvals (i.e. building permit, etc.) and additional fees and charges(i.e. building permit fees) associated with any encroachment approved in conjunction with this application.
Step 3: Application review
A planner will review the application. If abutting neighbours have given letters of approval, staff have been delegated the authority to approve the application. If abutting neighbours have not signed letters of approval, the application will go to the Development Services Committee for consideration.
Step 4: Decision
If you are applying for an Original Shore Road Allowance closure, you'll be required to complete a survey outlining the flooded and unflooded portions once your application has been approved.
Staff will forward your approval to the Town's solicitor who will complete the required steps to close and purchase the road allowance. A by-law will go to Council for passage. The by-law will be registered on the title of your property and the road allowance will be transferred into your ownership once you've paid the purchase price.
2025
Fees
Application fee: $1,152.00
Note: Payment by credit card is required immediately following the submission of application
Additional approximate costs associated with the closure:
- Land costs 2025 (more particularly described in Fees & Charges By-law)
- OSRA (Muskoka River between Port Sydney Dam and Stephenson Road 1 East): $12 per square metre of unflooded area (flooding determined by survey)
- OSRA (all other areas): $16 per square metre of unflooded areas (flooding determined by survey); or
- All other highways: $10 per square metre or appraised value (appraisal at the sole cost of the applicant)
- Legal deposit to cover Town legal fees and Notice advertising costs (unused portion will be returned after file closure): $2,653
- Survey costs as arranged and paid for by the applicant
Payment can be made over the phone (credit card only; Visa and Mastercard) or in person (credit card, debit, or cheque). Fees are updated on an annual basis.
Contact Us
Town of Huntsville
37 Main St. East
Huntsville, Ontario
P1H 1A1
Open Monday to Friday 8:30 – 4:30
Phone: 705-789-1751
Fax: 705-788-5153
Email Us