In a push to increase property tax revenue, the municipality of Temagami is investigating three lakes along the Highway 11 corridor to determine their suitability for cottage development. Preliminary results of the Lot Creation study process, including water quality and shoreline recognizance findings, were presented at public meetings in Temagami and Marten River on July 28.

The municipality had originally chosen a larger number of lakes for their cottage potential, but several were dropped owing to the MNR’s development ban on lakes with self-sustaining lake trout populations. Other lakes in which the MNDM identified the surrounding area as having high mineral potential are also off-limits. Lakes that remain in the study include Olive, Brophy, and Marian.

The municipality’s drive to create cottage lots has tremendous implications for the integrity of Temagami’s canoe route system and growing hiking trail network. FOT should remain vigilant and oppose the cottage equivalent of suburban sprawl. While it can be argued that cottage development will benefit the town’s revenue stream, it should not come at the expense of relatively pristine areas.

The town has repeatedly said it does not want Temagami to become a ‘Muskoka north’. Cottage lot development will be a true test of that assertion.