Over the years we have been asked many questions by new and potential campers at our campground. Below is a list of commonly asked questions we’ve compiled to help you with your stay at our oasis on White Lake! It’s important to note that this FAQ includes information that is useful for any camper looking at a Seasonal Campground in Ontario and contains the cold hard truth about seasonal camping contracts so you know exactly what you are getting into!
How are the campground’s seasonal fees determined?
Each year we do an evaluation of our operating costs and determine our profit and loss statement for the season, we then do a detailed market analysis of similar campgrounds in a 100 mile radius. Using those and other factors, we determine if the rates are in alignment or need adjustments. Occasionally we will defer adjustments to the following season to avoid the feeling of annual increases
What is an LtO (License to Occupy)?
The License to Occupy is a contract between the campground owner and the camper(s) for use of a seasonal campsite. This contract outlines the terms of the contract, names the occupant and additional persons that will be using the site. In addition, it verifies the camper’s information including a permanent address and insurance policy. The charges for the seasonal occupation of the campsite are outlined, as well as any other additional charges (reservation fee/ deposit, hydro etc.). Like all seasonal campgrounds, as a privately owned business, we set our own rules and regulations but are typically in alignment with other campgrounds in the area. A copy of the campground’s rules and regulations are attached to the License of Occupation.
What are the Campground Rules and Regulations for?
Aside from the LtO mentioned above, each year campers sign and agree to the campground rules and regulations document. this contains a series of items specific to the campground and once signed become a part of the binding agreement. The rules and regulations contain items like quite time, when construction can be done, the season duration and many other important items that may change based on circumstances at the campground.
What is the camping season at WLCG?
Our camping season starts May 1st and ends the last Sunday in October at 6:00pm. During that period it best effort to provide water which is primarily based on the spring thaw and fall temperatures and the same is true for electricity., although we leave it on year round there is never a guarantee of continuous electrical supply from Hydro one or when the campground is working on the electricity infrastructure in the campground
Mississippi Mills has invoked a bylaw for seasonal campgrounds that allows them to be open for a maximum of 7 months in any 12 consecutive month period. Unlike other campgrounds we do allow occasional access to the campground off season when the campground is closed. Aside from hydro, no other services are provided when the campground is closed. During that time, water is not available and roads are not regularly maintained. Access by fire / ambulance and police is unavailable past visitor parking (if it’s been cleared). Although we endeavour to keep the road cleared to visitor parking, there is never a guarantee this will be done based on weather conditions and timings.
All units in our campground must have wheels on them and configured as follows;
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- Recreational Travel Trailers must be able to be moved off the site in < 2 hours
- Cottagers (10 wide or greater) must be able to be moved off the site in < 24 hours
Is there an age limit for trailers in the campground and if so, why?
Just like a restaurant can implement ‘no shirt, no shoes, no service’, the bottom line is that seasonal campgrounds are privately run and it’s their land so they can apply their preferred regulations of any kind. In most other cases, the 10-year rule is a response to prevent people from abandoning their RVs, preventing damage to the park grounds (and other visitors) and avert squatters who fail to pay park fees.
New trailers coming into the campground cannot be any older than 5 years old without approval by campground management
Recreational trailers being resold on the campground property can be resold if they are less than 10 years old and located on the Water View sites. Recreational trailers located on premium and prime sites are permitted to be resold if they are 5 years or less in age (exceptions may be made for units older than 5 years and less than 10 years depending upon their condition and accessories).
Cottagers (10 feet wide or greater) currently have no resell age limit regardless of the site type, however this may change in the future.
You are running a Mobile Home Park so I’m protected by the RTA (Residential Tenancy Act) right?
It is a common misconception that Seasonal Campgrounds and Mobile Home parks are the same things. The reality is that they are not. A seasonal campground allows campers to use the property during the camping season (typically May to October) but campers must have a verifiable primary address. You cannot use the campground as your primary address and you cannot receive mail at your site or at the campground
Seasonal campgrounds are privately run and governed by the LtO and Rules and Regulations that are signed annually. This is not a tenancy agreement or a Lease it’s simply a binding contractual agreement with the camper that can be terminated by the owner of the property at any time for any reason with out recourse for the camper.
Seasonal campgrounds are not governed by the Residential Tenancy Act in Ontario in any way and none of the rights of the RTA extend to seasonal campers.
Why do I need to include my drivers license when I sign a contract each season?
This validates that you have a primary address that is not the campground and it also provides information necessary in the event there is an emergency or issue (medical, fire, police, other, including a default in payment for collection purposes).
Why do fire bans affect private and not provincial campgrounds?
Under Provincial Law, Provincial Parks and Conservation Authorities do not have to adhere to municipal fire bans. If the Province issues a fire ban, then all campfires are prohibited at private campgrounds.
I have a waterfront site can i add or expand my docks?
White Lake campground currently allows campers to place docks on their sites however there are specific municipal, provincial and federal guidelines that need to be followed. Before adding, changing or fixing existing docks, you will need written permission from campground management approving this activity. in most cases a permit is required to be applied for by the campground.
Docks longer than 10 feet from the shore require lights on them (solar or other) while in the water at all times. you are liable for anything that happens 50 feet into the water from your site.
Can I drink the water at the campground?
Although we provide water from our main well, it is “non potable” this means that you should not drink the water as it is not regularly tested. Many people add filter systems to their trailers to remove mineral deposits and some bacteria which cleans the water however, we still recommend that you don’t drink it.
My hot water smells what can i do?
Most hot water tanks have what is called an Anode rod that is designed to attract minerals and calcium in the water. as the season progresses, these both dissolve but also collect these minerals and that is what causes the hot water to smell, especially if you don’t use it for long periods of time. It is recommended you change these annually and for your convenience they can be ordered from the campground at $45.00 CAD. If we have none in stock it takes a couple of days for them to arrive.
My water pressure is low or fluctuates what can I do?
All campers are on the same water system which means that conservation is important. It is equally important to ensure that all of your connections are tight and have no leaks. Our water consumption is monitored by the Province of Ontario (MECP) so leaks are bad. Additionally, many water hoses have screens on them to filter out larger debris that may block your taps if it seeps through – these need to be checked regularly to improve water flow because even knowing we are on the well, it is unfiltered.
I see some campers have large propane tanks from P38 can I get one?
Large propane tanks remove the need to take your tank to the store to fill them up. In most cases, travel trailers and cottagers can support these types of larger tanks. The defining factor is the location of windows and electricity connects to the trailer and their proximity to the gas connection. The only large tank provider approved by the campground is P38, please check with management and get approval before ordering your tank. Remember, have it filled in the fall because the roads are not cleared in the winter so the propane company cannot access them.
It’s 2pm Saturday afternoon, I have company and my neighbour has the radio turned up or their dog is barking what can I do?
Everybody comes to the campground to enjoy the serenity of the country and the lake. Unfortunately everybody’s idea of enjoyment is different, some people like music, some people do not, some people have dogs, others have cats, some have neither. The campground quiet time is typically 12:01am – 8:00am daily, the rest of the day we operate under the bylaws of Mississippi Mills for noise complaints. That being said, excessive barking or excessively loud noise / music is not acceptable especially if there is no people at the site. Please first try to work it out with your neighbour and if it continues then contact management immediately so we can deal with it.
This is a living document and will expand as common questions are brought to us. Please note these are only suggestions and guidelines based on. our experience, the LtO and rules and regulations govern the campground and supersede anything you may read here.
