Capturing a Piece of Paradise: Lot Subdividion and the Transition of Land Use of Canning Lake

Capturing a Piece of Paradise: Lot Subdividion and the Transition of Land Use of Canning Lake

Glover, Jennifer

Canning Lake Property Owners' Association
Host contact: Mitchell, Jim

Tufts, Steven; Wurtele, Susan
Department: Geography

TP-577

2006-2007

U-Links Office and online

Canning Lake

Historical settlement patterns and land use

This report investgates the history of several lots on Canning Lake and provides some analysis on the implications of the changes, in terms of land use, over time.

Historical settlement patterns of properties surrounding Canning Lake provide evidence to a transition from rural to recreational land-uses. Some research has been conducted into this general phenomenon of land-use changes and has concluded that the shift has lasting impacts on the recreational area in question, as well as the surrounding community. Cottages have traditionally been viewed as a symbol of Canadian identity, and as an opportunity to reconnect with nature and the family, however, a new transition is occurring whereby people are using these vacation or recreational areas as permanent dwellings, increasing the property value by providing all the amenities of a primary residence.

This research was conducted for the Canning Lake Property Owners’ Association in conjunction with the Trent University Geography Department as an honours project satisfying a degree requirement. The research was conducted at the Minden Land Registry Office through the consultation of the Abstract Index of land titles and the appropriate deeds of ownership. A transition from rural to recreational land-use is evident in the 1950s and 1960s with the initial subdivision of lots into individual properties. It has also become clear that there is a second transition beginning in the 1980s and currently underway where land-use is shifting from recreational to residential uses on properties around Canning Lake as more people are using their “cottage” as their primary residence and where a seasonal operation has been converted into year-round habitation. This research can provide insight into the changing land-uses within the Canning Lake and surrounding area.

Trent University