Hunting land bordering public land - pros and cons?

A dream of mine has been to own my own piece of land where I can go to hunt, hike, ride, explore and just hang out in a basic cabin. I currently hunt a pretty large piece of private land and a few public land parcels in WMUs 64a and 65. I've found that in the areas that I hunt, quite a bit of land is needed to have good success, especially for deer. I don't know if I will ever have enough cash to purchase a large enough piece of property that is relatively close to home, and if there is no decent waterfront, I don't think I will be able to convince my wife that we should borrow money to buy it. To be honest, I don't really want to borrow money to purchase a hunting property either.

I am looking at other options, such as buying a smaller hunting property (without financing) that borders public land, or buying a cottage (with financing) that borders public land. On the one hand, it would be great to be able to walk out of my cabin on my little property and onto a huge area where I could do all my favourite activities. Or, if I go the cottage route, the whole family could enjoy it all summer, and I would still be able to use it in their "off season" for hunting etc. due to the proximity of public land. On the other hand, I am wondering if bordering public land is more of a hassle than a benefit. Issues like trespassing, vandalism, illegal dumping, dangerous hunting practices etc. come to mind.

What have been your experiences with properties bordering public land, either good or bad?

A would sagest not to buy hunting land , and not to buy cottage either not to buy Truck either , get a little box trailer put a bed in under a bead cooler box with 4-5 in insulation and when you want to go hunting rent a truck pul your trailer go up north on crown land the rest of the money use to go last minute Cuba for Christmas ( wife will love it ) Cottage cost money to maintain and can't justify the cost , except if you want to be a proud Cottage owner ... Keep it small simple and mortgage free ...

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Originally Posted by rf2

A dream of mine has been to own my own piece of land where I can go to hunt, hike, ride, explore and just hang out in a basic cabin. I currently hunt a pretty large piece of private land and a few public land parcels in WMUs 64a and 65. I've found that in the areas that I hunt, quite a bit of land is needed to have good success, especially for deer. I don't know if I will ever have enough cash to purchase a large enough piece of property that is relatively close to home, and if there is no decent waterfront, I don't think I will be able to convince my wife that we should borrow money to buy it. To be honest, I don't really want to borrow money to purchase a hunting property either.

I am looking at other options, such as buying a smaller hunting property (without financing) that borders public land, or buying a cottage (with financing) that borders public land. On the one hand, it would be great to be able to walk out of my cabin on my little property and onto a huge area where I could do all my favourite activities. Or, if I go the cottage route, the whole family could enjoy it all summer, and I would still be able to use it in their "off season" for hunting etc. due to the proximity of public land. On the other hand, I am wondering if bordering public land is more of a hassle than a benefit. Issues like trespassing, vandalism, illegal dumping, dangerous hunting practices etc. come to mind.

What have been your experiences with properties bordering public land, either good or bad?

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I doubt if I will ever buy any land to hunt. Like you I hunt private or crown land.

Land wise I have more than enough places and cannot recall ever having an issue.

You could maybe buy some land up North of the Mattawa River along side crown and put a camper that would be quite cheap, compared to buying a hundred acres. I have considered this in the past but I doubt I will.

I have a two friends who back onto the Limerick..one has his one acre House lot gives him access thru his back yard and a 2nd guy, who used to be in our Hunt Camp, scored a nice parcel of private land that butts against the Western side of the Limerick forest. That part of the Limerick is not easily accessible so it makes it pretty secluded.

He set up a few trail cams last year and the size of the bucks he was seeing are amazing.

So yes , it's done all the time and can pay off. Mind you the Limerick is not hunted very heavily. Other places in the province you might see more of the issues you have concerns with.

Have to say I'm somewhat envious of your plans rf2.

I was part of a family camp that bordered crown land that has since been sold. We had trails throughout property that connected to public snowmobile and ATV trails that run through the area (near Bobcaygeon). We had our trails posted but quite honestly it would have been a full time job to try to keep people out. We kept a pretty relaxed stance on the joy riders but were vigilant on addressing the issue if we came across anyone hunting or setting up to.

For the most part, we didn't have any persistent issues with trespassers but it did help that my uncle lived in the area and could keep an eye on things.

The crown land groups in the area had hunted the area for years and aside from the odd guy here or there that wandered over the line it was fine.

I have heard some horror stories though. I'm sure you'll ask some questions about the local hunters before laying your money down.





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Talked to a guy last weekend that has had a cottage in the family since 1941 surrounded by thousands of acres of crown land. The crown land is part of the Algonquin land claim agreement and his area looks like it will be turned into a provincial park.

Great for the price of his cottage but he does not think he can hunt if it all goes through.

So he ends up with a nice cottage on 5 acres


https://www.ontario.ca/page/algonquin-land-claim

If you own it it’s yours if your banking on public or crown land you are at the whim of changes out of your control.

Saying that his family has had 80+ years of awesome hunting.


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Originally Posted by GW11

Have to say I'm somewhat envious of your plans rf2.

I was part of a family camp that bordered crown land that has since been sold. We had trails throughout property that connected to public snowmobile and ATV trails that run through the area (near Bobcaygeon). We had our trails posted but quite honestly it would have been a full time job to try to keep people out. We kept a pretty relaxed stance on the joy riders but were vigilant on addressing the issue if we came across anyone hunting or setting up to.

For the most part, we didn't have any persistent issues with trespassers but it did help that my uncle lived in the area and could keep an eye on things.

The crown land groups in the area had hunted the area for years and aside from the odd guy here or there that wandered over the line it was fine.

I have heard some horror stories though. I'm sure you'll ask some questions about the local hunters before laying your money down.





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That area seems to have just exploded with popularity among offroad clubs (trucks, bikes, quads. ) and with that comes plenty of people who could see the hunting potential. I have even been asked to move along while small game hunting because somebody was hosting a factory sponsored ATV ride.

On the topic of land bordering public, I can't say I'd want to invest unless it was pretty remote with not much trail access/ use. On the other hand, a cottage with plenty of public land within close proximity gives you plenty of options. I guess it all depends on what kind of hunting you prefer, freelance style or pre set with ATV access. I hunt exclusively public land and have seen the extent some bordering owners have gone to trying to keep people from crossing that line.

I own a 117 acres bordered on 2 sides by many 1000s of acres of crown. Have not had any trespasser issues so far. That being said nearest trails on the crown are a fair distance from my property lines.

Depends on the land but of course thats obvious. I have a friend with land that abuts crown land and its great in some aspects not all. Its like having tons of area to roam and explore and in the off seasons lots of opportunity for hunting. Now during peak rut, no thanks. its packed in there with skewed buck/doe ratios so its hard if you dont win the lottery. During bow season not as bad though, there are clear markers that some people having been in there but not like gun season.

I wouldnt shy away from being next to crown land but would really have to see what your getting into first.

i feel like you would have less issues bordering crown land than we do in southern ontario come the november hunt when it's ALL private land.

Being beside public land does not mean anything with regards to trespassing. My dad's home is on 96 acres of swamp in SW Ontario, had tree stands stolen within 75 yards of his house, no public land around. We also have 40 acres of land surrounded by private just west of Kemptville, have not seen signs of anyone but us on that property in 3 years. It all really depends on the neighbours.

Deer move around, if you own a 1 acre plot with food and bedding is near by then you can have some great deer hunting. If you own a 100 acres of corn fields in amongst 5000 acres of corn fields you may never see a deer on your property.

Aren't you the guy who was talking about buying a brand new Bronco next year?
I view buying a piece of land or a cottage as somewhat of an investment, whereas a brand new vehicle is nothing but an expensive depreciable asset. Anyway, to each his own. I understand that everyone has their own dreams.
I do agree that buying a cottage would create a lot of extra work, and it's not my preference to get another mortgage after being mortgage free for the last couple of years. Personally, all I need is a piece of land for hunting etc., where I could build a small off-grid cabin, or even park a trailer, but I have a young family, so I need to consider what they would benefit from as well. Another consideration is that at this point in my life, I can't disappear for a couple of weeks to go hunting up north. I need something close to home so that I can go for a day or two at a time.

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Originally Posted by alfoldivandor

A would sagest not to buy hunting land , and not to buy cottage either not to buy Truck either , get a little box trailer put a bed in under a bead cooler box with 4-5 in insulation and when you want to go hunting rent a truck pul your trailer go up north on crown land the rest of the money use to go last minute Cuba for Christmas ( wife will love it ) Cottage cost money to maintain and can't justify the cost , except if you want to be a proud Cottage owner ... Keep it small simple and mortgage free ...

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Well, I wouldn't call them "plans" yet - I'm still in the dreaming phase. That being said, I was supposed to go see a cottage that fit my requirements perfectly, and then a 100 acre property that I could have bought without financing, but both of them sold VERY quickly.

It sounds like you were living the dream with the family camp. I've never really been able to experience that. The closest I came was when I was a kid and my dad knew a guy who let him use his cabin and land for deer hunting every fall. That's probably what started my dream of owning my own similar property.

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Originally Posted by GW11

Have to say I'm somewhat envious of your plans rf2.

I was part of a family camp that bordered crown land that has since been sold. We had trails throughout property that connected to public snowmobile and ATV trails that run through the area (near Bobcaygeon). We had our trails posted but quite honestly it would have been a full time job to try to keep people out. We kept a pretty relaxed stance on the joy riders but were vigilant on addressing the issue if we came across anyone hunting or setting up to.

For the most part, we didn't have any persistent issues with trespassers but it did help that my uncle lived in the area and could keep an eye on things.

The crown land groups in the area had hunted the area for years and aside from the odd guy here or there that wandered over the line it was fine.

I have heard some horror stories though. I'm sure you'll ask some questions about the local hunters before laying your money down.





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I read about your adventures with envy! It sounds like you have a piece of heaven there.
By the way, are you talking about your cottage, or another property?

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Originally Posted by Species8472

I own a 117 acres bordered on 2 sides by many 1000s of acres of crown. Have not had any trespasser issues so far. That being said nearest trails on the crown are a fair distance from my property lines.

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I don't agree with you on the first point. Time and again, I've seen first hand how some people hunting on public land intentionally wander onto bordering private land because they think nobody is around to notice. It's discouraging. I think there is a much higher probability of trespassing if you are bordering public land, especially if you own a piece of property that is not used all the time.

I agree with you on the second point. That's why I feel that I would need a fair sized parcel around here to make it work. I think it would be pretty difficult to find that magic piece of property of a couple of acres that has a lot of game activity. Also, I think it would get pretty boring looking over the same patch of earth from October to the end of December. Now place that patch near a big chunk of public land, and that might be interesting.

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Originally Posted by Fox

Being beside public land does not mean anything with regards to trespassing.
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Deer move around, if you own a 1 acre plot with food and bedding is near by then you can have some great deer hunting. If you own a 100 acres of corn fields in amongst 5000 acres of corn fields you may never see a deer on your property.

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Originally Posted by rf2

I read about your adventures with envy! It sounds like you have a piece of heaven there.
By the way, are you talking about your cottage, or another property?

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This is the cottage property. We hunt our own property and the adjacent crown and also other large crown parcels all within about 15 or 20 minutes. Some of its water access some foot some atv.

Think about winter use as well. We use it as a base for sledding and ice fishing. Live bait 10 minutes by sled and Nip is 30 minutes by sled. Nip is an awesome hard water fishery especially if you are mobile.

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Originally Posted by rf2

I don't agree with you on the first point. Time and again, I've seen first hand how some people hunting on public land intentionally wander onto bordering private land because they think nobody is around to notice. It's discouraging. I think there is a much higher probability of trespassing if you are bordering public land, especially if you own a piece of property that is not used all the time.

I agree with you on the second point. That's why I feel that I would need a fair sized parcel around here to make it work. I think it would be pretty difficult to find that magic piece of property of a couple of acres that has a lot of game activity. Also, I think it would get pretty boring looking over the same patch of earth from October to the end of December. Now place that patch near a big chunk of public land, and that might be interesting.

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I grew up in SW Ontario, zero public land and people trespassing left right and center. On the 100 acre hunt camp property surrounded by crown land we almost never had anyone else on the property, occasionally a dog ran through the property but never people actually sitting and hunting on the property.

It has a lot to do with access to land and the density of hunters, but the density of hole hunters is a bigger problem, you can get that anywhere.

My deer hunting group owned 160 acres of forested land adjacent to Crown land. 160 acres sounds like a lot of land, but from a deer perspective, it’s not. Deer, especially bucks, have large home ranges so it’s almost impossible to “hoard” deer. Having Crown land adjacent to your property can be very appealing if you have sole access to it. If there is convenient public access to the Crown land, then you will likely face competition from others and, possibly, trespassing issues.

Depending on your location, the Crown land may be allocated to a logging company and, at some point in time, the trees will be harvested which could negatively affect the deer population and hunting success.

I’m not a fan of hunting small acreages as your success often depends on what’s happening on the surrounding properties. I much prefer to hunt larger areas (400 acres+) as I like to wander and explore and not worry about hunting pressure.

To sum it up, if you can find private land adjacent to lightly hunted Crown land, go for it!

Any lot with a cabin or camp on it abutting Crown land is nirvana as long as it's far enough north to avoid citiots.

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Originally Posted by alfoldivandor

A would sagest not to buy hunting land , and not to buy cottage either not to buy Truck either , get a little box trailer put a bed in under a bead cooler box with 4-5 in insulation and when you want to go hunting rent a truck pul your trailer go up north on crown land the rest of the money use to go last minute Cuba for Christmas ( wife will love it ) Cottage cost money to maintain and can't justify the cost , except if you want to be a proud Cottage owner ... Keep it small simple and mortgage free ...

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I really disagree with this. My experiences and enjoyment derived from my families hunt camp is of incalcuable value and I would have it no other way. The time and money I put into it are an extremely small price to pay.

I have to agree with you if you have a extended family , I don't have a children I don't have a grandparent so for me is not worth it to pay the taxes for a second property , by the way I playing with idea to build up a truck camper Seat - bed - cooler for wandering around in on the crown land ...

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Originally Posted by blasted_saber

I really disagree with this. My experiences and enjoyment derived from my families hunt camp is of incalcuable value and I would have it no other way. The time and money I put into it are an extremely small price to pay.

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I have exclusive permission on 300 Acres on land that boarders a quarry that does not allow hunting and I am still finding trespassers out there every now and again. Just goes to show you cannot fix stupid.

I have another two farms that are beside each other that back on to conservation land and it is a gong show. You can make a day of it just throwing people off it. I only hunt these farms in early/late bow season and late turkey for a change of scenery.

Ya, I would never buy land to hunt. I have more than enough to hunt all within 45min of my door - does not make sense to drive 2-3Hrs to hunt on land that I now own.

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Originally Posted by rf2

Aren't you the guy who was talking about buying a brand new Bronco next year?
I view buying a piece of land or a cottage as somewhat of an investment, whereas a brand new vehicle is nothing but an expensive depreciable asset. Anyway, to each his own. I understand that everyone has their own dreams.
I do agree that buying a cottage would create a lot of extra work, and it's not my preference to get another mortgage after being mortgage free for the last couple of years. Personally, all I need is a piece of land for hunting etc., where I could build a small off-grid cabin, or even park a trailer, but I have a young family, so I need to consider what they would benefit from as well. Another consideration is that at this point in my life, I can't disappear for a couple of weeks to go hunting up north. I need something close to home so that I can go for a day or two at a time.

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If you don't have a mortgage then what persuades you to get up to go to work everyday?.....lol You only live once is my moto and with a young family like you have they will enjoy the cottage and memories will be built......this way everyone wins.

When I'm at the cottage with my family and everyone is in relaxation mode and usually sleep in, I'm up early either hunting or fishing and usually back at the cottage for when they wake up. It's a win win in my opinion and if you are a handy guy you can find some cottages that need a little TLC in an effort to help reduce the cost of a waterfront property.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Any lot with a cabin or camp on it abutting Crown land is nirvana as long as it's far enough north to avoid citiots.

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Lots of country idiots too, the percentage of them sure as heck does not go down as you travel north.

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Originally Posted by 410001661

Ya, I would never buy land to hunt. I have more than enough to hunt all within 45min of my door - does not make sense to drive 2-3Hrs to hunt on land that I now own.

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There are definitely advantages to just hunting on other people's property, namely, you don't have to pay for the property or worry too much about it. However, I find that I am always thinking about what happens if the permission disappears, or the landowner decides to let a bunch of other people hunt there (which is what has recently happened to me). Also, I'm limited in what I can do on the property in terms of improvements. I can't camp out on the property. I spend a lot of time and money driving back and forth. Property values are going up - if you have some cash sitting in a bank, you might as well invest in property.

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Originally Posted by huntervinni

If you don't have a mortgage then what persuades you to get up to go to work everyday?

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Three young kids to raise (and pay for).....and my dream to own a property.

I bought my first cottage 8 yrs ago at 34. Like you, I toyed with the idea of buying a camp, or parcel to hunt. The cottage I bought was 5 min to crown land. A cottage on the water gives you access to fish, swim, ski etc, AND be able to hunt in the fall. Sold and bought another one last year, as I wanted to be in deeper water. I can now catch walleye and smallies from the dock, dive off the dock...and hunt in the fall after a 15 min drive. I personally like a cottage you can use 9 months a year, and crown close by to use the 3 months I will use it. Not sure if that helps at all, but that's the way I went.

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Originally Posted by rf2

There are definitely advantages to just hunting on other people's property, namely, you don't have to pay for the property or worry too much about it. However, I find that I am always thinking about what happens if the permission disappears, or the landowner decides to let a bunch of other people hunt there (which is what has recently happened to me). Also, I'm limited in what I can do on the property in terms of improvements. I can't camp out on the property. I spend a lot of time and money driving back and forth. Property values are going up - if you have some cash sitting in a bank, you might as well invest in property.



Three young kids to raise (and pay for).....and my dream to own a property.

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I'd invest in a rental property. Down here in Niagara land is extremely expensive. There was a nice lot down the road from where I hunt. it was 80 acres with no building and no services and it was 50% field and 50% hardwood bush lot and it sold for $800,000

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Originally Posted by LiveBates

I bought my first cottage 8 yrs ago at 34. Like you, I toyed with the idea of buying a camp, or parcel to hunt. The cottage I bought was 5 min to crown land. A cottage on the water gives you access to fish, swim, ski etc, AND be able to hunt in the fall. Sold and bought another one last year, as I wanted to be in deeper water. I can now catch walleye and smallies from the dock, dive off the dock...and hunt in the fall after a 15 min drive. I personally like a cottage you can use 9 months a year, and crown close by to use the 3 months I will use it. Not sure if that helps at all, but that's the way I went.

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Yes, your input was helpful, thanks.

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Originally Posted by 410001661

I'd invest in a rental property. Down here in Niagara land is extremely expensive. There was a nice lot down the road from where I hunt. it was 80 acres with no building and no services and it was 50% field and 50% hardwood bush lot and it sold for $800,000

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I've also considered a rental property, but that would be purely an investment, with no joy coming from it. Actually, maintaining rental properties is a PITA.
Land prices where I am looking are nowhere near what you describe. If the prices were like that, obviously I would not be considering buying.

Do check Your finances,check Your wife's desires,and make up your mind into what you want.

If all is a GO-go for it.DO your homework,so chances will be less to have bad taste after.Many opinions and experiences here for either choices.......Only you can decide.
DO your homework.Once more....

You could be the happiest ,or the sourest.

Only if You try you will know.Good luck.

Like gbk said do your homework. I spent 1 or 2 hours per week pouring over listings for 2 years to find my deer camp. The cottage took 1 to 2 hours per week for 4 years to find. When you find what you want, act. The cottage was listed on a Dec 20th. I found it Dec 21st. Visited it Dec 22nd. Had it locked up Dec 23rd.

Deals can be found. Cottage was a nasty divorce and one party wanted money out snappy snappy. Those things happen all the time but get snapped up fast.

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Originally Posted by rf2

Yes, your input was helpful, thanks.


I've also considered a rental property, but that would be purely an investment, with no joy coming from it. Actually, maintaining rental properties is a PITA.
Land prices where I am looking are nowhere near what you describe. If the prices were like that, obviously I would not be considering buying.

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Around here you are probably going to be stuck heading out into the valley, but I doubt that is too much of a problem.

If you are seriously looking I would go for a rip down the back roads past Lanark, lots of places are not listed, land for sale, small camps, lots near crown, etc. You would have a better chance at a reasonable price on land from someone not listing it through MLS.

We had a camp out there, used it most of the year, would have been easier if we had a sled to get in during the winter but every month from May to Dec we were in there, hunting, hanging out and driving a short trip to little trout lakes and beaches.

Looks like I am going the route of a cottage that is on a small lake and walking or paddling distance to Crown land. Beautiful area only an hour and fifteen minutes from home. Let the adventures begin!

Congrats hope it’s everything you hope for


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Originally Posted by rf2

Looks like I am going the route of a cottage that is on a small lake and walking or paddling distance to Crown land. Beautiful area only an hour and fifteen minutes from home. Let the adventures begin!

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Absolutely perfect, a property that can be used 12 months of the year and not just for a couple months around hunting.

Excellent choice and something the whole family can use and enjoy. Memories will be made!

Any recommendations for a good insurance companies for cottages?

I would first start with asking the company who insures your home. Generally you get discounts for the more stuff you have insured.

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Originally Posted by rf2

Any recommendations for a good insurance companies for cottages?

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

I would first start with asking the company who insures your home. Generally you get discounts for the more stuff you have insured.

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Yes, I've already got a quote from them, but they aren't specialized in cottages. I was wondering if other companies specialized in this thing might be better, plus, I haven't shopped around for insurance in a while - I don't know if I'm getting ripped off right now. Actually, I did shop around when I got my motorcycle last year, and my existing company was very competitive.

I just use my house insurance company. Remember when purchasing, either get the WETT certification or have the owners certify it before closing. I had a bud who went through the whole process of buying a cottage, putting down a lot of money, then he couldn't get insurance dur to the old woodstove. Had to drop more to have it replaced...
PS....Congrats. its definitely a big decision getting a 2nd property....but so worth it. I'm looking at the lake right now as I type....and it's a beauty day:)

There is no actual such thing as WETT Certification. It is a set of guidelines put out by CMHC which you can download from their site. The Insurance company and I spoke about this all it is someone signs off that it is safe. My insurance company asked me to do the measurements but I had them come out and make the measurements themselves. The instructions on your stove can also over ride the guidelines. I found the clearances in the guidelines to be little and increased them by 20%.

Had the Fire Dept out to check mine and they said it was the best installation they had seen.

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Originally Posted by LiveBates

I just use my house insurance company. Remember when purchasing, either get the WETT certification or have the owners certify it before closing. I had a bud who went through the whole process of buying a cottage, putting down a lot of money, then he couldn't get insurance dur to the old woodstove. Had to drop more to have it replaced...
PS....Congrats. its definitely a big decision getting a 2nd property....but so worth it. I'm looking at the lake right now as I type....and it's a beauty day:)

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Google for insurance companies in the general area of your cottage. That's what they deal with. Ask a few locals in the area. It pays to shop around to get a fair price and coverage that works for you.

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Originally Posted by LiveBates

Remember when purchasing, either get the WETT certification or have the owners certify it before closing.

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I'll ask them if it was ever certified, but if it isn't, they won't want to do it. My insurance told me that if it isn't I have to get it certified or disconnect it. If I have to get it certified, I will, since it's a fairly nice cook-stove.

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Had the Fire Dept out to check mine and they said it was the best installation they had seen.

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Now I know who to ask if I need a hand ;-)

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Originally Posted by rf2

I'll ask them if it was ever certified, but if it isn't, they won't want to do it. My insurance told me that if it isn't I have to get it certified or disconnect it. If I have to get it certified, I will, since it's a fairly nice cook-stove.


Now I know who to ask if I need a hand ;-)

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If you have any issues with insurance I use a rural cooperative insurance company and they have no problems with a wood stove. WETT installation does not have to be done by a certified person, it just has to be correct. Look up the definition of WETT installation and have the documentation on the stove, if there are no dimensions on the stove then there are defaults that need to be checked. We had a stove that was not WETT installed but could be upgraded to be legal with the simple addition of a heat shield to all combustibles, so that is what we did.

My current insurance company just needed pictures with a tape measure to verify the dimensions as they were not going to come out to the camp to take their own.

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Originally Posted by Fox

If you have any issues with insurance I use a rural cooperative insurance company and they have no problems with a wood stove. WETT installation does not have to be done by a certified person, it just has to be correct. Look up the definition of WETT installation and have the documentation on the stove, if there are no dimensions on the stove then there are defaults that need to be checked. We had a stove that was not WETT installed but could be upgraded to be legal with the simple addition of a heat shield to all combustibles, so that is what we did.

My current insurance company just needed pictures with a tape measure to verify the dimensions as they were not going to come out to the camp to take their own.

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Thanks for the info!

Wett Guy doesn’t have to be that bright my guy fell of my roof

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Originally Posted by rf2

I'll ask them if it was ever certified, but if it isn't, they won't want to do it. My insurance told me that if it isn't I have to get it certified or disconnect it. If I have to get it certified, I will, since it's a fairly nice cook-stove.


Now I know who to ask if I need a hand ;-)

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The WETT certificate covers the installation end of things but your stove requires either a ULC or CSA approval. Older stoves don't have those certifications and as far as I know there's no way to get them certified. You see some very nice stoves selling for peanuts because they aren't ULC/CSA approved.

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Originally Posted by DanO

The WETT certificate covers the installation end of things but your stove requires either a ULC or CSA approval. Older stoves don't have those certifications and as far as I know there's no way to get them certified. You see some very nice stoves selling for peanuts because they aren't ULC/CSA approved.

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Our insurance company will use default clearances if no CSA/ULC tag is on the stove, I believe you need 4' clearance without any heat shield in that case.

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Originally Posted by Fox

Our insurance company will use default clearances if no CSA/ULC tag is on the stove, I believe you need 4' clearance without any heat shield in that case.

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I think your right..I always thought it was 12" if it wasn't a certified stove, but the code doesn't seem to make the differentiation.
When a I installed mine I put up a metal heat shield behind it and that reduced it by 1/2 .

Quote:

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THE ONTARIO BUILDING CODE | CLEARANCE TO COMBUSTIBLE FRAMING
9.22.9.3. Clearance to Combustible Framing

(1) Not less than a 100 mm clearance shall be provided between the back and sides of a solid fuel-burning fireplace and combustibleframing, except that a 50 mm clearance is permitted where the fireplace is located in an exterior wall.

(2) Not less than a 50 mm clearance shall be provided between the back and sides of the smoke chamber of a solid fuel-burning fireplace and combustibleframing, except that a 25 mm clearance is permitted where the fireplace is located in an exterior wall.

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edit add: see there is a lot of conflicting information..this website (Canadian ) says it can be as high as 48".

Quote:

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It is a good idea to avoid uncertified stoves for serious heating because their safety and efficiency are likely to be inferior and many insurance companies refuse to cover houses containing them. Also, because they have not been tested, their performance is unknown, so the minimum required clearances to combustible material are very large: 1200 mm (48 in.) for radiant stoves and 900 mm (36 in.) for stoves surrounded by jackets behind which convection air can flow.

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https://www.woodheat.org/clearances.html

That chart on the website is where my insurance guy must have got the 12" ...67% of 36 " with heat shield

Wrong post