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Wye Cottages Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about cottage ownership at Wye Cottages? This FAQ will help you understand how our land-lease model works, what’s included in the community, and what seasonal cottage living looks like here. Located within Wye Heritage Marine Resort on Southern Georgian Bay, Wye Cottages offers comfortable, low-maintenance cottage living with access to resort amenities and marina services—without the high cost of traditional cottage ownership. Browse the questions below to learn more, or contact us anytime.
 

Learn More: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Wye Cottage

Built on a traditional trailer platform to CSA Z241 standards, a Wye Cottage — also known as a Park Model — combines the comfort of a modern cottage.  Ranging from approximately 500 to 800 square feet, each cottage includes an inviting outdoor deck and all the charm of cottage living — without the upkeep.

Wye Cottages are designed for seasonal use between April and November and are not intended for year-round residential occupancy. They’re built with simplicity in mind, requiring very little maintenance beyond winterizing — which our team can take care of for you.
 

How is Wye Cottage Ownership So Affordable?

At Wye Cottages, you purchase and own your cottage outright, while leasing the land it sits on. By using the Land Lease model, we’re able to offer affordable cottage ownership at a fraction of the cost.

And… no… this is NOT a timeshare.

How Much Does a Wye Cottage Cost?

Ready to make your cottage dream a reality? Our brand-new Wye Cottage models start at just $200,000! With eight unique models to choose from, there's a perfect fit for every lifestyle and budget. Check out our cottage models and base pricing - CLICK HERE.

Want to move in sooner? We’ve got you covered with a robust inventory of move-in-ready cottages just waiting for you to call home. Take a peek at our Cottages for Sale and find your perfect match.

And if you’re feeling creative, you can customize your Wye Cottage to your heart’s content—designed exactly how you want it. Plus, we sometimes have pre-owned cottages available for sale, so there’s always something exciting to check out!

What Does a Customer Get for Their Money?

At Wye Heritage, we believe life should be simple — and buying your cottage should be, too. Every Wye Cottage is delivered completely turn-key.

Each comes with two or three bedrooms, a full bathroom, a kitchen with appliances, and an open-concept living and dining area.

Our resort team looks after delivery, installation, set-up, decking, rails, and steps, leaving you free to focus on the fun part — choosing your linens, cookware, and the personal touches that make your cottage feel like home.

Aside from the cottage itself, you’ll also enjoy the location — right on the pristine waters of Georgian Bay — along with access to resort amenities such as private pool and beach area and the significant infrastructure investments we’ve made in both your cottage lot and the resort as a whole.
 

Can I Obtain Financing for My Cottage?

Absolutely! We work closely with several of Canada’s chartered banks and other financial institutions through our trusted partner, DealerPlan — a leading broker specializing in resort and recreational cottage financing.

For those with good credit, financing options typically start at 6.79%, with a 25% down payment required and repayment over a 20-year amortization period. Plus, there are no penalties or hidden fees if you choose to pay off your loan early. Rates and terms may vary depending on your approved credit and financial situation. With DealerPlan’s extensive network, we can offer flexible financing options to help make your cottage ownership dream a reality.

DealerPlan streamlines the process, taking care of all the paperwork to ensure a smooth and easy transition into your new Wye Cottage.

What is Land Lease?

Land lease homeownership lets you own your cottage without having to own the land, making it more affordable than traditional freehold cottages. It’s becoming a popular choice for people who want to build equity but still have money left over for other things, like traveling or investing.

With a land lease, you own your cottage, but you pay rent for the land it sits on. It’s a great way to enjoy cottage ownership without the hefty price tag of buying land, and it gives you the flexibility to focus on what matters most.

Why Have I Never Heard of Land Lease Before?

Land lease has been a common and well-established practice for decades, especially in the U.S. and Europe. However, this unique homeownership model is not as widely recognized in Canada, which may be why it’s unfamiliar to some.

As interest in more affordable housing options grows, land lease communities are becoming increasingly popular in Canada, offering a smart way to own a home without the high costs of traditional property ownership.

How Much Is the Land Lease?

The land lease, referred to as your Seasonal Site Fee, varies depending on the lot type and currently ranges from $6,900 to $8,900, based on the 2025 published rates (subject to change).

This Seasonal Site Fee includes property taxes, but your utilities will be extra (see “Are There Any Additional Costs.”)

To make things even easier, we offer a convenient Pre-Authorized Debit Plan (PAD) that allows you to break your Seasonal Site Fee into 12 equal monthly payments, automatically drawn from your bank account.
 

What’s Included?

Kick back, relax, and let us take care of the boring stuff! Your Seasonal Site Fee covers all the essentials—things like garbage and recycling collection, tree maintenance, fire hydrant inspections, pond upkeep, drainage and underground repairs. We also handle grass cutting of your lot, landscaping and the maintenance of common greenspaces and beach, pool maintenance, parks, roads, walkways, community facilities and equipment.

That means you can spend more time enjoying your cottage, and less time worrying about the details!

Your Seasonal Site Fee also includes family-friendly entertainment, fun programs, and full access to all resort amenities. Depending on where your cottage is located, the fee may vary, giving you the flexibility to choose the spot that suits you best!

Want even more convenience? We offer a range of additional services, including interior/exterior cleaning, general handyman and landscaping support, skilled trades (electrician, plumber, etc.), and cottage opening and closing services. Just ask for our rate sheet to see all the options!

How Often Does the Seasonal Site Fee Increase?

We totally get it—no one’s excited about rate increases, and we’re committed to keeping them as low as possible. But, just like with most things, costs can go up every now and then.

To keep things fair and transparent, the Resort may adjust the Seasonal Site Fees annually, but any increase will be no greater than the Consumer Price Index (C.P.I.) for Canada from the previous year, plus 1.5%. This way, we can continue delivering top-notch service and keep your cottage experience relaxing and stress-free.

Are There Any Additional Fees?

Yes, there are a few extra things to keep in mind. As a cottage owner, you’ll pay for your own propane, electricity and water, which are metered right at your cottage.

You’ll also be responsible for setting up and covering the cost of your own internet and telecommunications, so you can stay connected while you’re away from the hustle and bustle.

What’s The Difference Between a Wye Cottage and a Mobile Home?

Wye Cottages are factory-built on a chassis and include a VIN number. They’re designed for seasonal, non-residential use, built to CSA Z241 standards, and can be relocated if needed.

Mobile Homes, by contrast, are typically built to residential specifications for year-round living and are generally not designed to be moved once placed.

It’s important to remember that a Wye Cottage — like a boat or RV — is considered an investment in your lifestyle, not a financial or real estate investment. Their value is in the experience, not appreciation over time.

Can I Rent Out My Cottage on Airbnb or Other Platforms?

At Wye Cottages, we do not allow cottages to be actively listed for rent online (such as on Airbnb). Our goal is to foster a close-knit, vibrant community, rather than a transient environment.

However, we fully support cottage owners inviting friends and family to enjoy their cottages. We ask that owners remember they are responsible for their guests' actions and ensure everyone follows community guidelines during their stay.

If I Decided to Sell My Cottage, What Is the Process?

If you choose to sell your cottage, we are here to help every step of the way. The sale is handled through the resort’s dedicated sales services, ensuring a seamless and efficient process. We’ll guide you through listing, marketing, and negotiating the sale to make it as stress-free as possible.

A fee of 3% of the closing sale price, plus any applicable disbursements and HST, will be payable to the resort for these services. Our experienced team is committed to getting the best outcome for you, making the selling process smooth and straightforward.

Can I Get a Boat Slip with My Cottage?

You bet! As a proud Marine Resort and one of Ontario’s largest freshwater marinas, we’re all about boating. When you own a Wye Cottage, you’re not just getting a cottage—you’re getting a front-row seat to the water with your very own dock slip.

And it gets even better! Wye Cottage owners enjoy a 20% discount on annual dockage fees. Plus, we love to roll out special promotions, offering even bigger savings on dockage for new cottage owners in their first year. It’s our way of making sure you’re all set to make the most of your waterfront paradise!

Who Builds Wye Cottages and Where?

Your Wye Cottage is PROUDLY BUILT IN CANADA by General Coach, a family-owned business with over 70 years of expertise in creating high-quality, Canadian-made lodging and recreational vehicles. Founded in 1950, General Coach has built a solid reputation for craftsmanship, innovation, and reliability, all while staying true to its Canadian roots.

Led by Roger Faulkner and his son Chris, General Coach has pushed the boundaries of design and quality, making sure every unit feels like home. From their start with the classic “Beaver” travel trailer to their current luxury models, they remain committed to excellence.

At General Coach, quality isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a promise. With every Wye Cottage they build, you get the benefit of their cutting-edge designs and exceptional craftsmanship. Plus, they stand behind their work with one of the best warranties in the industry.

Do You Consider Taking a Trailer, RV, or Boat as a Trade-In?

Yes! More and more people are discovering ownership at Wye Cottages as a great alternative to RVs and trailers.  We offer competitive trade-in values for your RV, trailer, or even your boat when purchasing a new or pre-owned cottage. Best of all, we handle all the paperwork to make the transition as smooth and easy as possible.

How Long Does the Buying Process Take?

If you choose one of our in-stock, move-in-ready cottages, you could be relaxing on your deck within about two weeks of your deposit.

If you prefer to customize your experience, simply choose your lot and cottage model, complete a bit of paperwork, and we’ll handle the rest. From order to move-in, the process typically takes eight - twelve weeks, depending on production schedules at the time.