Hunt Camps

Want to learn more about Hunt Camps? Explore the resources below for more information.

F.A.Qs

Find all the Frequently Asked Questions here: Short-Term Rentals, Trailers, Hunt Camps, Shipping Containers F.A.Qs

What is the purpose of this bylaw?

Hunt Camps are not currently a permitted use anywhere in the Township of Bonfield; so, the zoning by-law is intended to permit Hunt Camps within the ‘Rural Zone’ only on lots that are greater than 10 Hectares or 25 Acres in size.

How does it benefit the community?

Subject to appropriate building permits, Hunt Camps will be recognized as legal ‘permitted’ uses which will help safeguard everyone within the Township. Hunt camps can support passive recreational activities and a sustainable northern lifestyle; while fostering an enhanced sense of community. They have the potential to contribute to the social and economic vitality of the Township.

How does it affect the individual who presently owns and uses their hunt camp?

The owners of ‘Hunt Camps’, comprising a ‘use’ that is not currently permitted anywhere within the Township of Bonfield, will be required to speak with the Township to determine the best course of action for their property.

Where the new proposed zoning requirements can be met (i.e. where an established ‘primary building’ exists on a lot within the ‘Rural Zone’ that is greater than 10 Hectares or 25 Acres in size) this may simply involve issuing a Building Permit - in accordance with the Ontario Building Code.

What existing bylaws are presently on record either allowing hunt camps or preventing their use? Please cite by-law numbers and dates that these bylaws were passed.

Zoning by-laws are exclusionary in nature. Therefore, if the use is not specifically mentioned in a zoning by-law, then the use is prohibited.

Hunt Camps have never been a permitted use in the Township of Bonfield and, as such, they are currently prohibited. Until this proposed amendment, the Township is not aware of any by-law having been passed which would permit the use of Hunt Camps in any prescribed zones within the Township.

The proposed amendment to the zoning by-law seeks to change this; to now permit Hunt Camps in the ‘Rural Zone’, on lots greater than 10 Hectares or 25 Acres in size, within the Township of Bonfield.

If the person who owns these ‘hunt camps’ wants to continue using these buildings will they be allowed to do so? If not, what will they have to do to be able to continue using their hunt camp?

Will existing hunt camps be allowed to be (grandfathered) as a "Legal non-conforming" use of these buildings?

A legal non-conforming use is a lawfully recognized use that pre-exists the enactment of a zoning by-law. It is a statutory recognition that a use may remain legal even though it may not precisely conform to the zoning constraints subsequently enacted and currently in force.

In this instance, Hunt Camps have never been considered a legal ‘permitted’ or recognized use, as Hunt Camps by definition were not subject to any by-law passed by the Township.

In this regard, in accordance with Section 34(9)(b) of the Ontario Planning Act 1990, which applies to ‘Excepted lands and buildings’, the proposed amendment to the zoning by-law does not apply where the by-law would:

‘Prevent the erection or use for a purpose prohibited by the by-law of any building or structure for which a permit has been issued under subsection 8 (1) of the Building Code Act, 1992, prior to the day of the passing of the by-law, so long as the building or structure when erected is used and continues to be used for the purpose for which it was erected and provided the permit has not been revoked under subsection 8 (10) of that Act’.

In this context, only buildings and structures that existed prior to the Ontario Planning Act 1990 might be considered legal non-conforming for planning purposes.

If hunt camps are not on private land that is less than the prescribed acreage, but adjacent to crown land will they still be allowed?

As the by-law is written, Hunt Camps will only be permitted on properties within the Rural Zone that are greater than 10 Hectares or 25 Acres in size. An exception to this rule, would be if a permit for a Hunt Camp were previously issued under subsection 8 (1) of the Building Code Act, 1992.

Notwithstanding this point, property owners may be able to apply for a minor variance to reduce these provisions provided it can be demonstrated the proposed Hunt Camp would not result in land compatibility issues and concerns.

To clarify, hunters will still be able to ‘hunt’ on Crown Land and/or Rural-zoned properties less than 10 Hecates or 25 Acres in size, in accordance with all other applicable laws. However, ‘Hunt Camps’ will only be considered a permitted use on lots that meet the minimum size requirement - unless a permit was previously issued under subsection 8 (1) of the Building Code Act, 1992; Or, a minor variance application has been submitted to, and approved by, the Township of Bonfield.

Have additional questions? Please call the Township at 705-776-2641 or contact any member of Council to provide feedback.

Additional Resources:

Please see pages 28 - 43 in the Townhall presentation, for details on Proposed Zoning Amendments regarding Hunt Camps.

Hunt Camps

Did you know that hunt camps are currently not allowed anywhere in the Township of Bonfield?

The proposed Bylaw 2025-11 aims to change this by permitting hunt camps in Rural Zones, if the property is at least 10 hectares (25 acres), and has a valid Building Permit. Hunt camps will be considered seasonal structures not to exceed 800 Sq. ft. / 74.3 Sq. meters.

A Building Permit will be needed to ensure all hunt camps meet health, safety, and structural standards. If you plan to upgrade an existing hunt camp by adding heating, lighting, plumbing, or other features, you will need to get a Building Permit before making any changes.