Why was the Crown Land Use Policy Atlas Developed?
The Crown Land Use Policy Atlas (the Atlas) was developed to consolidate land use policies that existed in a variety of planning documents. The Atlas was launched in 2002 and initially covered central and mid-northern Ontario. In time, the Atlas will be expanded to include southern Ontario and the community based land use plans in the Far North.
Where can I find information about things such as camping, hunting or fishing on Crown Land?
Ontario's Crown land provides the opportunity for many outdoor recreational activities. Please select a link for the area that interests you:
What sources of data does the Crown Land Use Policy Atlas draw on?
Maps in the Atlas are produced with information stored in Ontario's Land Information Warehouse. Mapped locations for regulated areas (i.e., Provincial Parks, Conservation Reserves, Wilderness Areas, Crown Game Preserves) are the Ministry of Natural Resources' best geographical representation for the areas. They are subject to change as boundaries are amended and as technological improvements are made. Other land use area boundaries (e.g., General Use Areas) are based on the best interpretation of the intended boundary.
The Atlas also shows lands not subject to provincial policy such as national parks, Indian Reserves and private land. Information for federal lands comes from federal government data. The mapping of private land is not based on detailed survey information and is intended to give only an impression of the general distribution of private land.
Some mapped information has been provided by sources outside the Ministry of Natural Resources and the level of accuracy may vary.
See Sources of Policy Information for information on data sources for policy reports.
Where can I find information on overlay area policies?
Please visit the Land Use Policy page for information on overlay area policies.
How current is the information in the Atlas?
Every effort is made to keep the Atlas current. Approved changes to area-specific land use policy are accessible to the public through the Land Use Amendment Search Tool. These land use changes are in effect from the date of their approval. Other information available through the map browser is updated frequently.
How do I print a map?
To print a map from the map browser, select the Print icon on the tool bar. A map of the area on the screen will be produced.
What if the map browser is not working?
If you are having problems opening or using the map browser, please consult the map browser tutorial or contact Ministry of Natural Resource's Natural Heritage and Land Use Planning Section at crownlandusepolicyatlas@ontario.ca.
What are the technical requirements to use the Atlas?
The map browser is compatible with the following (or more recent versions): Internet Explorer 6, Netscape 6.0, Mozilla 1.7.8, and Opera 8.
Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader must be installed onto your computer for some map browser functions.
Some anti-popup security software may interfere with the intended functioning of this site. It is recommended that this software be turned off while using the Atlas.
Are there any technical tips that can help me navigate the Atlas?
The speed of the map browser depends on type of internet connection and speed of your computer.
For best viewing, ensure that your screen resolution is set to 1024 x 768 or larger.
Anti pop-up software may affect your ability to open the map browser or the tutorial. In order to use the map browser, you may have to temporarily disable this security feature.
How do I get information on land use area policy if I don't have access to the Internet?
To obtain a copy of individual policy reports, send the name of the land use area to the address below:
E-mail: crownlandusepolicyatlas@ontario.ca
Ministry of Natural Resources
Policy Division
Natural Heritage, Lands and Protected Spaces Branch
Natural Heritage and Land Use Planning Section
300 Water Street, 5th Floor North Tower
P.O. Box 7000
Peterborough, ON K9J 8M5
