Travel Trailers and Recreational Vehicles

The Township of Bonfield allows the use of one (1) trailer for temporary eating and sleeping accommodations on a rural vacant property.  Bylaw 2025-16 was adopted May 13, 2025 which requires any property owner who wishes to take advantage of the Trailer Use Bylaw to file an application for a licence annually.

Conditions of a Licence are as follows: 

1. The vacant property must be zoned rural. Mixed zoned, waterfront and hamlet property properties are not eligible for a licence. 
2. An approved licence allows the use of one (1) trailer (as defined in the bylaw) from May 1 to December 15 of each year. Trailers may be winterized and stored on the property the remainder of the year. 
3. An approved septic and waste management program must accompany the licence application. This may include a Class 1 with a Class 2 septic permit, or a Class 4 septic permit as issued from the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority.  Another option is to have a contract with a licenced pump out company for pump outs and receipts, with proof of pump out, submitted annually with the application. 
4. Licenced vacant properties are permitted to have an open deck that is less than Two (2) Feet in height, and to a maximum of 10 Sq meters (108 Sq ft.) in area.
5. Licenced vacant properties are permitted to have one storage shed to a maximum of 10 Sq meters (108 Sq ft.) in area.
6. A licenced trailer shall not be used as a short-term rental accommodation.
7. The licenced property owner shall keep the property clean and clear of waste and shall not have any, or store any, derelict vehicles. Property must be maintained to the Property Standards Bylaws and well kept, as to not attract wildlife.  The Township will issue 16 garbage bag tags on the landfill card when a vacant rural property becomes licenced to permit the use of a trailer. 
8. The licenced property will be permitted to store a valid licensed utility (boat/ATV) or livestock trailer on the property during the active licenced period; May 1 to December 15 in any given year.
9. A Special Occasion Licence may be applied for which would allow an additional trailer use on the property for up to 14 days in the licenced period.
10. The annual fee of $600.00 shall accompany the application.
11. A site plan sketch, together with other documents specified in the bylaw, shall accompany the application. The application will need to be deemed complete before the review commences.

Important Information: 

• By-Law 2025-16 Travel Trailers and Recreational Vehicles
• Travel Trailers and Recreational Vehicles Application Package
• Completed applications, or inquiries can be sent to bylaws@bonfieldtownship.com