Algonquin Highlands has partnered with insurance firm Marsh Canada Ltd. to offer residents a first-of-its-kind solution to protections required through the township’s license of occupation policy.
Speaking at a Nov. 21 meeting, planner Sean O’Callaghan said the municipality and Marsh have developed a custom insurance policy covering taxpayers should an accident occur on a licensed deck or other form of infrastructure abutting a lake.
New legislation requiring residents who own property across a municipal road from a waterbody, which has a dock or other infrastructure installed on nearby township land, to register it has been in place since Jan. 1 of this year. O’Callaghan said the policy protects the township from liability and will help staff maintain records.
The planner said he’d heard from residents who were having trouble obtaining high enough insurance policies – the township requires a minimum $2 million coverage – requiring a solution.
There are two options – a $2 million premium, costing $350 plus tax each year, or a $5 million premium, which runs $500 plus tax. He asked if council wanted to make it a requirement that residents take out a policy with the municipal provider, but mayor Liz Danielsen felt people should have a choice.
“For people unable to find an insurer… or if this is a cheaper option than they’re being offered, this gives them a choice,” she said.
Deputy clerk Sarah Hutson recommended the township change its policy to require a minimum $5 million premium – saying if a claim is made and the payout exceeds $2 million, the license owner may be responsible for covering the difference. She said depending on the statement of claim, the township could be impacted too.
Council held firm at $2 million, while also offering a $5 million option. O’Callaghan estimates about 350 properties will require license of occupation policies.
