Pick Up Your Permit

Cottage lessees may pick up their transferable, park-specific annual entry permits from the park office where their cottage is located. Lessees must be named on the provincial park cottage lease agreement and present valid personal identification to sign for the permits. Arrangements to pick up permits outside regular office hours may be made by contacting the local park office or park manager directly. Once permits are picked up, they are considered issued and received; no replacements will be provided.

Purchase Additional Permits

If additional Park Entry Permits are required, they may be purchased online or at the park office.

Outstanding Lease Issues

If there are outstanding issues with a lease agreement (such as unauthorized construction, off-lot development, fee arrears, expired lease, or unresolved estate matters), Park Entry Permits will not be available for pickup at the park. Permits will be held in Regina until all concerns are resolved. Courtesy passes will not be issued in these cases.

Senior Permit Eligibility

Saskatchewan seniors are eligible for a free daily or annual Park Entry Permit upon arrival at the park, once age and residency have been verified. Senior permits are available in-park only, with a limit of one per person. Gate staff must validate the permit before issuing it.

Contractor Access and Courtesy Passes

Contractors working at a cottage may be issued a courtesy pass for park access. Contact the park office in advance to notify them of the contractor's arrival. Contractors must stop at the entry gate or park office to pick up their courtesy pass.

If a mailing address, email address or other contact information changes, complete and submit the Change of Contact Information Information form to ensure records remain current. Accurate contact information ensures cottage leaseholders receive important updates regarding leased property.

The Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport collects email addresses for cottage leaseholders and co-holders. Email addresses are not shared outside the Ministry. This information is collected for cottage-related communication only.

Annual Lease Fees

During the current review cycle, it was determined that the multiplier would remain unchanged, resulting in an average decrease of $46. Actual fee changes will vary depending on the assessed land value of individual cottage lots. The fee parameters are as follows:

• Multiplier: The multiplier remains unchanged at 0.70 per cent.
• Minimum Fee: The minimum annual land lease fee remains at $700.
• Incremental Fee: The maximum annual incremental land lease fee remains at $400.

The Direct Service Fee portion of the annual lease fee is adjusted annually in accordance with the Saskatchewan Consumer Price Index.

Payments and Account Management

Lessees may remit payments at any time throughout the year. When submitting payment, please include the following information is clearly provided: account holder name, customer number, disposition number, property number, invoice number, and a description specifying how the payment is to be applied (lease fee, admin fee, foreshore fee, etc).

Upon processing, any overpayment will be applied as a credit to the account. If a balance remains outstanding, a statement will be issued reflecting the shortfall.

Payment Options

Cheque: should be made out to Ministry of Finance and mailed to:

• Minister of Finance, Accounts Receiving Processing
• PO Box 650 Stn Main, Regina, SK, S4P 3A3

Credit Card: Call 1-833-798-0066 to make a payment over the phone.

Online Banking: Payee has changed to GOV OF SASK ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. Your customer number remains the same.

In Person (Provincial Park Office): Provincial Park Offices will no longer have access to account balances. While lease fees can still be paid at the Park office, all clients must bring their invoice or most recent account statement to ensure the correct amount is processed and to avoid potential late fees.

Payment questions may be directed to: gosar@gov.sk.ca

These fees support the maintenance of park facilities and roads, the protection of forests, trails, and natural landscapes, and the continued delivery of services that make provincial parks accessible year-round.

Administrative Fees

Effective April 1, 2025, administrative fees for provincial parks were adjusted to better align with service delivery costs and maintain operational standards. These fees apply to disposition administration, building permits, and foreshore management and must submitted with the application in order for it to be accepted and processed.

Administrative Fees	Rate
Lease Application/Assignments	$200
Lease Renewals	$200
Lease Amendments, Applications/Assignments for Other Dispositions and Recording/Registering Documents Affecting Dispositions	$100
Building Permit - Minimum Fee	$285
Building Permit - Rate per $1,000 of development	$7
Building Permit - Maximum Fee	$7,000
Foreshore - Application Fee	$100
Foreshore - Basic Fee	$100
Foreshore - Additional Structure and Shore tie-up	$50
Foreshore - Stairway, walkway, dock and landing	$100
Parallel Dock (First 1.83m) at Lac La Ronge	$100
Parallel Dock in Excess of 1.83m, cost per meter	$20

For further details regarding fee structures, please visit the Changes to Fees and Charges information page.

Fair Land Value Assessments

Cottage subdivisions are subject to a fair land values reassessment every four years. Current Individual Subdivision Assessments and the Cost Market Report for Saskatchewan Provincial Parks are available to the public.

The most recent land value assessment took place in 2023.

During a reassessment year, the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) conducts a valuation of provincial park cottage land. Once the base-year land values are determined, lessees receive a notice of assessment with details on the appeal process.

If you believe an error has been made in your assessment, please review the Guide to Provincial Park Cottage Lot Land Assessment Appeals before submitting a Land Appeal Form.

Submission Requirements

Appeal submissions must be received no later than September 11, 2026. Notices of appeal must be sent to:

Tera McNabb, Manager Cottage Leasing and Development
Park Business Services
Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport
2nd Floor - 3211 Albert Street
Regina, Sask. S4S 5W6

An appeal filing fee of $100 must accompany each submission. If the appeal is successful, the fee will be refunded or credited to your account. If the appeal is not upheld, the fee is forfeited.

Payment Method: Cheques or money orders must be made payable to the Minister of Finance. Ensure the address on the payment matches your current residential address. Cash payments are not accepted.

What Can I Appeal?

Lessees may file an appeal if they believe there is a factual error in the valuation of the leased provincial park cottage lot.

Valid Grounds for Appeal

• Errors in lot size or location.
• Inaccurate comparisons to lots of similar values.
• "Condemnation" factors, such as topography, access issues, or flooding.

Non-Appealable Items

• Improvements: The value or condition of structures (e.g., cottages, garages, accessory buildings) is not included in the land assessment and cannot be used as a basis for appeal.
• Direct Service Fees: These fees are established by the government following consultation with cottage owner associations and are not subject to appeal.
• Lease Fees: While the underlying land assessment used to calculate the lease fee can be appealed, the lease fee itself cannot.

For information on current base-year assessments, please visit the Applications, Forms and Policies page.

Provincial Park Cottage Subdivision Directives

The Provincial Park Cottage Subdivision Directives establish consistent standards for building footprints and operating rules. These guidelines ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all provincial park cottagers.

Real Property Report

Note: These requirements do not apply to Lac La Ronge.

An up-to-date Real Property Report must be on file with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport when a cottage is sold or transferred, additional names are added to a lease, a building permit is issued (for new construction, renovations, or additions), or a 21-year lease is renewed. The cottage lessee is responsible for providing this report to the Ministry.

Lease Assignment Transfer

If you plan to sell your cottage or add another individual to your existing lease agreement, please carefully review the Lease Assignment Application and its checklist to familiarize yourself with the process. Note that any non-compliance issues must be resolved before a transfer can occur.

Reminder: Park-specific entry permits are associated with the lease, not the individual. When transferring a lease, ensure these permits are transferred to the new owner, as replacements will not be issued.

If a cottage lease is held by two individuals, please ensure it is registered correctly as either "joint tenants" or "tenants in common."

For more information regarding land leasing, please visit the Lease Administration section of the Provincial Park Cottaging page.

Dilapidation and Maintenance

Cottage leaseholders in provincial parks are required to maintain their land and structures in a reasonable state of repair and in a clean, satisfactory condition, pursuant to Section 51 of The Parks Regulations, 1991. This policy establishes the process for addressing dilapidated structures within provincial park subdivisions.

1. Maintenance Requirements: Leaseholders must maintain all land and structures in a reasonable state of repair to ensure the properties remain clean and satisfactory.
2. Definition of Dilapidation: Land, buildings, or structures are considered dilapidated if they:
   1. Pose a risk to public health or safety;
   2. Are in a ruinous or uninhabitable state;
   3. Are inadequately maintained or repaired, resulting in an unsightly appearance detrimental to the neighbourhood; or
   4. They are not kept in a satisfactory condition (e.g., overgrown vegetation, accumulated litter).
3. Prompt Resolution: Dilapidated structures must be addressed promptly to ensure the safety of residents and visitors within provincial park subdivisions.
4. Notice to Remedy: If a structure is deemed unsafe or unsightly due to dilapidation or lack of maintenance, the lessee must, upon receiving written notice from a Park Manager, immediately remove the structure or repair it to a condition satisfactory to the Ministry.
5. Environmental Maintenance: If a Park Manager determines that litter, refuse, or overgrown vegetation (grass and weeds) has become unsightly or unsafe, they may issue a written notice requiring the removal of these items by a specified date. The lessee must comply with this notice by the deadline provided.
6. Liability: The recreational leaseholder is liable for any damage to parkland caused by the removal of property.
7. Permit Requirements: A no-fee development permit, available at the local park office, is required before removing any buildings or structures from a recreational leased property.

Burning and Disposing of Materials

Cottage leaseholders are responsible for the proper disposal of large items, such as furniture, appliances and construction materials. Burning of anything other than clean wood is strictly prohibited within cottage subdivisions.

Fire Management

Fire Response Levy

Cottage, commercial, and institutional lessees are charged a fire response levy based on service agreements between provincial parks and local municipalities. Under these agreements, local fire departments respond to structural fires and provide rescue services within the parks.

If a fire department responds to an incident on your property, you are responsible for paying the hourly call-out fee. These costs can be substantial, often reaching several thousand dollars. We strongly recommend reviewing your fire insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for these fees; if you do not currently have a policy, consider obtaining one to protect against these potential expenses.

Be FireSmart

Integrating a few FireSmart practices into your regular yard maintenance can significantly reduce your property's wildfire risk. Improvements made within 10 metres of your home have the greatest impact on reducing wildfire threats. For practical tips on protecting your property, explore the resources available on FireSmart Saskatchewan's website.

Fire Pits and Firewood

Cottage leaseholders are legally responsible for all fires set on their lease lot and are liable for any resulting damages or firefighting costs. Follow all fire restrictions and bans at all times. Portable wood-burning fire containers are prohibited on decks or balconies.

Maintain fire pits according to these standards:

• Separate fire pits from combustible materials, including leaves, buildings and overhanging branches.
• Never leave fires unattended and ensure extinguishing tools are ready for use.
• Ensure fires are fully contained and covered by a spark-arresting grill at all times.

Stack firewood at least 10 metres away from the cottage to reduce wildfire risk and avoid stockpiling excessive amounts. Free firewood permits are available at the park administration office, allowing Cottage leaseholders to gather up to two cords of dead and downed timber for personal use. Firewood gathered within a provincial park is for personal use only and may not be sold, traded or exchanged. Firewood provided in campgrounds is reserved for campground visitors and is not part of the cottage lease agreement.

Wildlife and Pets

Feeding Wildlife

Feeding wildlife is prohibited under Section 35 of The Parks Regulations, 1991 and often causes more harm than good. In some cases, feeding wildlife food that is not part of a normal diet can lead to death.

Setting out wildlife attractants, such as salt licks, is also prohibited under Section 35. While setting out salt licks, squirrel feeders, or bird feeders may seem innocent, these attractants can draw in less desirable wildlife, such as skunks, raccoons, and cougars.

Keep wildlife wild by not feeding or baiting wild animals within the provincial park.

Cottage leaseholders may only trap or dispose of nuisance wildlife after first contacting a Conservation Officer.

Pets in the Park

Cottage leaseholders are responsible for the care, control and behaviour of their pets at all times.

Cottage leaseholders must:

• Promptly clean up after pets;
• Keep pets on a leash not exceeding two metres in length at all times;
• Keep pets quiet to ensure they do not become a nuisance, danger or threat to the; comfort or safety of any other person or wildlife
• Ensure pets do not damage park property.

Pets are:

• Not allowed on beaches or swimming areas unless in a designated off-leash area;
• Not permitted in public structures;
• Not allowed to roam loose in a provincial park under any circumstances unless in a designated off-leash area.

The Parks Act and Regulations

All cottage leaseholders are subject to The Parks Act and The Parks Regulations, 1991, as a requirement of lease conditions.

The Parks Act and The Parks Regulations, 1991 regulate activities authorized on parkland. Examples listed in the regulations include:

• Domestic animals
  • Section 33: See the pets section for more information.
• Offensive behaviour
  • Section 53(1): No person shall annoy, be a nuisance to or disturb any other person on park land, or interfere with the rights of other persons to quiet and peaceful enjoyment of park land.
  • Section 53(2): Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), no person shall cause a disturbance to others or hinder park staff in the performance of duties by fighting, swearing or using obscene language, causing or creating a loud noise, or impeding or molesting other persons.

Park Watch

The Park Watch line is for emergency situations that occur after office hours. Call Park Watch at 1-800-667-1788 or 911 to report an incident. For all other inquiries, contact the park office during regular business hours.

SaskAlert

SaskAlert is Saskatchewan's emergency public alerting program. The program alerts the public in real time to emergencies, enabling people to take action to protect lives, families, and property. An emergency alert issued through SaskAlert provides information on the nature and location of the emergency, instructions to follow to stay safe and notice when the incident is over.

Learn more about SaskAlert and download the app.

Next Generation 9-1-1 Preparedness in Saskatchewan Parks

Next Generation 9-1-1 is a new and improved 9-1-1 service planned to launch on April 1, 2027. The upgraded technology will enhance emergency response by providing more reliable and accessible emergency and location information to responders across Saskatchewan. Combining Global Positioning System (GPS) locations with civic address information will enhance 9-1-1 emergency routing and navigation, quickly pinpoint the precise location of an emergency and improve emergency response.

The transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 and improved emergency response in provincial parks is a shared responsibility between all levels of government and the public. Throughout the summer of 2026, you may see park staff out in the provincial park subdivisions collecting GPS locations and civic address information so that it can be added to the provincial civic address database to support emergency routing and navigation. Sask Parks wanted to make you aware of this work, so you are not surprised by their presence. Sask Parks hopes that you will support the collection of this vital information to improve safety in our provincial parks.

Remote Cabins at Lac La Ronge Provincial Park: If you have a remote cottage and/or foreshore installation at Lac La Ronge Provincial Park, staff will not be manually collecting your civic address and GPS information due to the challenging access. However, Sask Parks does invite you to participate in the effort to improve emergency response at your location by collecting and sharing that information with us. The information you provide will be entered into the provincial Next Generation 9-1-1 database and accessed during emergencies. To update our records, Sask Parks need your disposition number and updated contact information, including your email address and contact phone number, as well as the coordinates for your cottage and/or foreshore installation (if you have both, Sask Parks will need both). More information on how to collect and submit this information will be provided in the Park Manager's annual letter.

Wear Your Park Pride

Saskatchewan Provincial Parks apparel showcases elements of the provincial parks. Wearing park apparel allows visitors to represent the park system and demonstrate support for Saskatchewan's natural spaces.

Visit the Sask Parks Store to view and order gear.

Donations to Saskatchewan Provincial Parks

Donations can be made online or at a provincial park to support specific areas of the park system. Contributions help enhance and preserve provincial parks for the long term. These funds support innovations, new experiences, park-specific improvements, education and stewardship. Donations help preserve the history and support the future of Saskatchewan Provincial Parks.

Learn more about how to donate.