Reserved roads

Some reserved roads may be portage roads, forest roads, old military roads or old public highways. In many cases, no actual roads were ever built on the reserved lands.

If a road is no longer needed for access to Crown or private lands, the department may dispose of it through a Grant or Discontinuance, as deemed appropriate.

Roads will be granted when it is shown that all adjacent properties have viable legal access, and cannot be discontinued unless it is confirmed that both adjacent properties belong to the same landowner.

If you believe you are occupying the road, you may apply to the department for a Crown Reserved Road disposal.

A Crown Reserved Road disposal is a process where the province gives up its title to the reserve via a grant or discontinuance.

Crown Reserved Roads are only sold to the adjacent owners, in which cases a grant is issued. A grant is the process by which the title to a portion or all of a Crown Reserved Road is transferred to one or more adjacent owners.

Crown Reserved Roads are only discontinued under limited circumstances as determined by the Department of Natural Resources. The preferred disposal method is a grant. Discontinuance is the process by which the Crown terminates its ownership of a Crown Reserved Road in favour of the individuals in actual occupation.

You may also apply for permission to construct on a Crown Reserve Road, including building a road, but only after your application has been approved and you have received authorization from the minister of Natural Resources.

These roads are parcels of public land, so adjacent landowners cannot prevent public travel along them. Wood may be harvested on the roads only with proper authorization from the department.

All fees are non-refundable + HST.