Another government policy that is making cottage ownership unaffordable to all but the wealthy is market value assessment.  Even if you inherit a Muskoka property, the property taxes are beyond the means of most people.  In Eastern Ontario the latest reassessments have come in 75% higher than the previous assessment (2 rounds ago it was 130%) while properties in the same area without lake front saw low-single digit increases.  Is it the intention of Ontario politicians that only the rich and foreigners can realize the Canadian dream of cottage ownership.