Terms & Conditions

Whitestone Lake Cottages

Last Updated: March 17, 2026

These Terms & Conditions govern the use of the Whitestone Lake Cottages website and the rental of cottage accommodations located at Whitestone Lake, Ontario. By accessing the website, submitting a booking application, or occupying the property, the renter agrees to comply with the following terms.

1. General

The cottage property (the “Cottage”) is provided by the owner (the “Owner”) and offered by Whitestone Lake Cottages (the “Company”) as vacation rental accommodation for the applicant (the “Renter”) named on the Cottage Rental Application.

The rental is governed by:

the Cottage Rental Application
these Terms & Conditions
any Cottage Rules or posted instructions provided at the property.

Confirmation of booking constitutes a binding contract between the Renter and the Owner.

2. Website Use

The website is provided for informational and booking purposes only.

Unauthorized use of the website, including attempts to disrupt the booking system or access restricted areas, is prohibited.

Whitestone Lake Cottages reserves the right to modify website content, pricing, or policies without prior notice.

3. Booking and Payment

Bookings are confirmed only when:

A completed Cottage Rental Application has been approved, and
The required payment has been received.

Deposit

A deposit of 30% of the total booking amount plus security deposit is required to confirm a reservation.

Final Payment

The balance of rental fees must be paid 90 days prior to the start of the rental period.

Payments may be made via:

e-transfer
cheque
online payment where available.

If the booking is made within 90 days of the rental start date, full payment is required immediately.

A valid credit card must remain on file for up to one month following the rental period to cover any damage or additional charges.

Any charge-backs are subject to a $199.99 administration fee plus HST.

4. Security Deposit

A security deposit of up to $750 per cottage will be collected.

The deposit may be used to cover:

property damage
excessive cleaning
garbage removal
rule violations
missing inventory
additional guest charges.

Deposits will be returned within 7 days after departure, less any applicable deductions.

If damages exceed the deposit amount, the Renter authorizes additional charges to the credit card on file.

5. Accidental Damage Plan (ADP)

A mandatory Accidental Damage Plan (ADP) provides limited coverage for accidental damage.

Coverage includes accidental damage caused during normal use of the property but excludes:

intentional acts
negligence
pet damage
theft or vandalism
damage caused by rule violations.

Coverage

Weekly Rental Rate	ADP Fee	Coverage Limit
$5,000 or more	$199	Up to $3,000
$4,999 or less	$99	Up to $1,500

Damage must be reported in writing within 24 hours with photo evidence.

There is a $250.00 Deductible for all claims

Failure to report damage may result in denial of coverage.

6. Changes to Booking

Requests to change accommodations or rental dates may be approved at the sole discretion of the Company if made more than 90 days before the booking start date.

Administrative fees apply:

Accommodation change: $199.99 + HST per week

Date change: $99.99 + HST per week plus any difference in rate

If the Company must change accommodations due to circumstances beyond its control, reasonable efforts will be made to provide comparable accommodations.

If this is not possible, the Renter will receive a full refund of amounts paid.

7. Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted in writing.

More than 90 days before check-in

Full refund minus $199.99 cancellation fee + HST.

Less than 90 days before check-in

Refund only if the cottage can be rebooked for the same rental period.

Refunds will be issued minus $199.99 per cancelled week + HST.

No refund will be issued if the property cannot be rebooked.

8. Occupancy and Conduct

Occupancy limits must not be exceeded.

Every person, regardless of age, counts toward occupancy.

Violations may result in:

immediate eviction without refund, or
$250 per night per additional guest + HST.

The following are strictly prohibited:

parties or events
excessive noise
subletting the cottage.

Quiet hours: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM

Failure to comply with municipal bylaws may result in fines and eviction.

9. Pets

Bringing pets to a no-pet cottage or exceeding approved pet limits will result in:

immediate eviction
$350 fee + HST

The Company cannot guarantee cottages are allergen-free.

10. Check-In and Check-Out

Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 12:00 PM

Early arrival or late departure without authorization will result in a $250 charge + HST.

Overholding beyond the rental term will be charged at 200% of the daily rental rate per day.

11. Inventory and Cleaning

Renters must leave the cottage in a clean and tidy condition.

Responsibilities include:

washing dishes
returning inventory to its location
removing garbage and recycling.

Garbage left at the cottage will be charged $25 per bag.

Cleaning supplies are provided for basic use.

Additional cleaning required beyond normal use will be charged to the renter.

12. Garbage and Recycling

Garbage must be disposed of at:

52 York St., Dunchurch
5 Aulds Road, Dunchurch

Summer hours begin May Long Weekend

Hours: Tues, Thurs, Sat – 9am to 5pm. Sun and holiday Mondays : 10am to 6pm

Winter hours

Hours: Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun – 12pm to 5pm.

Garbage must be placed in clear bags.

13. Property Utilities and Systems

All cottages operate on private well water and septic systems.

Water Use

Guests are asked to conserve water where possible.

Extended showers and excessive water use should be avoided.

Bringing drinking water is recommended.

Septic System

Do NOT flush:

wipes
feminine products
diapers
grease or oils
pharmaceuticals
paper towels
dental floss
cigarette butts.

Only human waste and toilet paper may be flushed.

14. Internet Usage

Internet access is provided for convenience.

Acceptable uses include:

email
browsing
streaming.

Internet must not be used for:

illegal activities
excessive bandwidth usage
transferring large files.

Networks may be shared and device visibility may occur.

Whitestone Lake Cottages is not responsible for network security.

15. Cottage Rules

No smoking or vaping inside any structure or on attached decks, patios, or docks
Smoking must occur 3 meters from building openings
Cigarette butts left on property: $50 fine per butt

BBQs and Griddles must be:

at least 1 metre from buildings when used
propane tanks turned off after use
spare tanks stored 25 feet away

Fireworks are prohibited.

Garbage must not be left outdoors where wildlife may access it.

16. Safety and Waterfront Use

The property is located on a lake.

Guests acknowledge that activities such as:

swimming
boating
fishing
hiking
snowshoeing
snowmobiling
ice fishing

carry inherent risks.

No lifeguards are present.

Guests assume all responsibility for their safety.

Boating must comply with all applicable regulations and operator licensing requirements.

Operating watercraft while impaired by alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited.

17. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, neither the Company nor the Owner shall be liable for any:

injury
accident
illness
loss of personal property
indirect or consequential damages

arising from the use of the Cottage.

Total liability shall not exceed the rental amount paid.

18. Indemnification

The Renter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Owner, and their employees or agents from any claims, damages, injuries, or losses arising from: