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Buying a Cottage? Don’t Overlook Road Access

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Buying a Cottage? Don’t Overlook Road Access

Date: 03/17/2014

Is the cottage property accessed by a public road or a private road?

Questions you should ask if the road is private

  • Who owns the road?
  • What are the costs associated with the road, including access and maintenance fees?
  • If a number of cottage owners on the private road have agreed to share the annual costs related to the road is this arrangement working well?
  • Is there a registered and permanent right to access the cottage property using that road?

Questions you should ask if the road is public

  • Is the road open year round?
  • What road services and maintenance are provided?
  • What services does the municipality provide to rectify various road-related problems, such as washouts, fallen trees, poor drainage, loss of gravel topping?

To verify the extent of road services and maintenance provided, contact the municipality especially if the area is zoned as seasonal residential, as restricted maintenance (i.e., maintenance in non-winter months only) may apply in the jurisdiction where the cottage is located.

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