Planning on building or renovating a cottage, bunkie, dock, or shoreline structure? Check out the zoning by-laws for North Frontenac Township. Some of the relevant sections to look for are:
Accessory Buildings, Structures and Use: Section 3.1
Boathouses, Docks, Waterfront Structures and Pumphouses: Section 3.1.2
Sleep Cabin/Loft-Above-a-Garage: Section 3.1.4
Minimum setback distance of structures from the high water mark: Section 3.27 (e)
Planning on clearing some trees? Check out North Frontenac Township’s restrictions about tree cutting in the 30 metre vegetation buffer along your shoreline. Back
Would you like to contribute to research about our lake ecosystem or just learn more about citizen science? Click here to open a pdf document that provides information about a wide variety of citizen science programs in Ontario and how you can contribute.
The Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA) is the province-wide umbrella group for Ontario waterfront property owners, representing 50,000 members in more than 500 lake and road associations, including the Palmerston Lake Association. As a member of our lake association, you have access to FOCA’s benefits and offers. You’ll need your FOCA Member login for this and other member materials on the website. Don’t have, or can’t recall, the login? Email info@foca.on.ca, and they will reply during business hours.
Septic and Grey Water System Permits: Applications are reviewed and approved under the Ontario Building Code. Responsibility for administration appears to be transitioning from the KFL&A Public Health Authority to the North Frontenac Township. Please contact the Township for an update.
Most cottages and rural homes use a Class 4 septic system (septic tank and leaching or filtering bed). Their lifespan ranges from 15 to 40 years, depending on maintenance and usage. To maximize the lifespan, proper maintenance, including having it inspected and pumped out every 3 – 5 years is critical. The OMAFRA brochure called Septic Smart is a useful document that explains how a septic system works and lists a number of “dos” and “dont’s” for safe operation and proper maintenance. North Frontenac has a free voluntary Septic system re-inspection program. The Federation of Ontario Cottage Associations has some useful guidelines and information about septic systems. Another good resource is the Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association
Comprehensive information about Class 2 systems (grey water systems) is a bit harder to find. Our public health authority provides this form to help you calculate the required size of the grey water pit. Other Ontario jurisdictions, such as this one and this one, provide examples of how to build a grey water system.