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DESCRIPTION:

This policy report applies to various Crown land areas designated as General Use Areas managed by Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s (MNRF) Guelph District, including the beds of lakes and rivers under Crown ownership.

Guelph District covers over 14,800 square kilometres, including numerous upper tier municipalities. It touches the shores of three Great Lakes - Huron, Ontario and Erie - and contains over 250 kilometres of the Niagara Escarpment. Despite the presence of large numbers of people in an intensively managed agricultural and rural/urban setting, significant natural landscapes and features persist. The majority of land in the district is in private ownership and the Crown lands managed by Guelph District are interspersed throughout the area.

Some of these Crown lands are located within the A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and Greenbelt Plan. These lands may contribute to the Natural Heritage System identified under these plans.

LAND USE INTENT:

These Crown lands, designated as General Use Areas, provide opportunities for a range of outdoor recreation and resource development activities. MNRF supports and promotes the sustainable use and management of natural resources on Crown lands for the benefit of future generations. Crown lands are to be used responsibly to help protect the natural environment, and with respect for other users of Crown land. These Crown lands are generally unmaintained, support a variety of uses and should be used with an understanding and acceptance of the associated risks.

MANAGEMENT DIRECTION:

MNRF will consider the Land Use Intent and Management Direction outlined in this policy report when reviewing applications for permitted activities that require licences, leases, permits, or other forms of approval. Commercial Activities and Land and Resource Management Activities listed as permitted may require authorization under the relevant legislation (e.g., Public Lands Act, Aggregate Resources Act, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, etc.). The review of individual applications involves the consideration of a variety of factors and requirements on a site-specific basis, in addition to land use policy.

Individuals seeking to carry out any of the permitted activities listed below should contact the local MNRF district office to find out if an authorization is required.

Crown lands are managed in a manner consistent with the Constitutional protection afforded to existing Aboriginal and treaty rights.

Commercial Activities

Activity	Permitted	Guidelines
Aggregate Extraction	Yes
Bait Fishing	Yes
Commercial Fishing	Yes
Commercial Fur Harvesting	Yes
Commercial Hydro Development	Yes
Commercial Power Generation Development	Yes
Commercial Timber Harvest	Yes
Commercial Tourism (Services and/or Facilities)	Yes
Mineral Exploration and Development	Yes	Mineral exploration and development is carried out under the Mining Act. The Mining Lands Administration System displays the location of active unpatented mining claims in Ontario. For further information please refer to: https://https:///www.mndm.gov.on.ca/en/mines-and-minerals/exploration-and-developing-minerals-ontario.

Land and Resource Management Activities

Activity	Permitted	Guidelines
Crown Land Disposition	Yes
Private Recreation Camp, New	No
Road Development and Maintenance, Existing	Yes	Any activity beyond minor maintenance carried out on an existing authorized road is only permitted in accordance with a work permit issued under the Public Lands Act.
Road Development and Maintenance, New	Yes	Any activity beyond minor maintenance carried out on an existing authorized road is only permitted in accordance with a work permit issued under the Public Lands Act.

Recreation Activities and Facilities

Activity	Permitted	Guidelines
Crown Land Recreation	Yes	Access to Crown land may be controlled, restricted or limited for various reasons (e.g., to protect public safety or resources).
Hunting	Yes	Hunting is permitted in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and regulations. For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/hunting . Some municipalities have by-laws that apply to hunting including restricting the discharge of firearms. Check with the local municipal office for details.
Road Use (public), Existing	Yes	Roads may be closed to travel on a site-specific basis for various reasons (e.g., to protect public safety or seasonal restrictions to prevent damage to resources).
Sport Fishing	Yes	Recreational fishing is permitted in accordance with the Ontario Fishery Regulations. For more information, visit https://www.ontario.ca/fishingand review the Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary or Fish ON-Line to determine the seasons, catch limits and other restrictions that apply in this area, including the location of fish sanctuaries.
Trail Development, Existing	Yes	Any activity beyond minor maintenance carried out on an existing authorized trail is only permitted in accordance with a work permit issued under the Public Lands Act.
Trail Development, New	Yes	Any activity beyond minor maintenance carried out on an existing authorized trail is only permitted in accordance with a work permit issued under the Public Lands Act.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

SOURCE OF DIRECTION:
Simcoe District Land Use Guidelines (1983)
Cambridge District Land Use Guidelines (1983)
Niagara District Land Use Guidelines (1983)
Wingham District Land Use Guidelines (1983)
Public Lands Act (1984)
PL 4.05.02 – Recreation Camp Site Management (1984)
PL 4.10.06 – Renewable Energy on Crown Land (1984)
Southern Ontario Coordinated Program Strategy (1982)

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