View from the old Government Dock looking North

Welcome to Cockburn Island

Our beautiful island is located comfortably between Manitoulin Island to the east and Drummond Island to the west. Roughly 40 km across the Lake Huron North Channel by boat.

New Island Weather Station

Click here for real-time local weather conditions.

About Cockburn Island

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Aerial view of Cockburn Island

In 1881, with a growing constituency of homesteaders, fisheries workers, logging and saw mill workers, ‘Cockburn Island’ became a township. Early in the 1900’s, in its hay day, it boasted over 1000 residents. Four generations later it was considered a ghost town. (See Ghost Towns of Ontario).

When the islands remaining store shut down in the 1960’s and the ferry service stopped most of the remaining residents were leaving. The ‘Cockburn Island’ first nation residents left as well to a new reserve on Manitoulin Island. However, today they still have land and a spiritual centre on the western edge of Cockburn.

News & Advisories

Submitting Tax Payments via etransfer

Tax Payments can be submitted by email transfer to cockburnisland1@gmail.com. Be sure to indicate the roll number(s) to which the payment applies -just the 4 or 5 digits in the middle of that long assessment number will suffice, (eg 3-104 or 4-0202). and include your name. IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE TAX BILL PLEASE BUNDLE YOUR PAYMENT INTO ONE TRANSFER AND LIST ALL ROLL #S IN THE MESSAGE BOX. In the rare case that you have more than 10 tax bills you can choose to send in bundles of 10 or less. Thankyou all for your cooperation as we adapt to the new banking realities.

Announcement: Good Sense Workplace Solutions named as Integrity Commissioner for Cockburn Island Township

We are pleased to announce that Good Sense Workplace Solutions (GSWS) has been appointed as the Integrity Commissioner for Cockburn Island Township for a two-year term.

Contact Information: Good Sense can be contacted via email at integritycommissioner@gsws.ca.

Overview of Our Role as Integrity Commissioner: An Integrity Commissioner is a municipal accountability officer responsible for ensuring ethical conduct among members of municipal councils and local boards. This includes:

  • Applying the rules governing ethical behavior, including codes of conduct, procedures, and policies.
  • Investigating complaints and conducting inquiries into alleged contraventions of a code of conduct or the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
  • Providing advice to council and board members regarding their obligations under ethical guidelines and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
  • Offering education and resources about the code of conduct and conflict-of-interest regulations.

Our work is guided by the Municipal Act, 2001, which provides the legal framework for the appointment and operations of municipal Integrity Commissioners. As mandated, all municipalities must establish a code of conduct for their councils and boards, and appoint an independent Integrity Commissioner who reports directly to the municipal council.

Click here for more details about municipal integrity commissioners

Our new ZONING BY-LAW (ZB) has been adopted by council (OCTOBER 9th, 2024) follow the link below

Council has had the draft ZB on the website since late 2023 so recently incorporated some changes suggested by ratepayers and Council members. The Cockburn Island Zoning By-law (ZB) will implement the Official Plan specifically for our township. The current version has been in place since the 1980s so work on this important land-use plan may impact our community for decades. Email any questions to the Clerk at cockburnisland1@gmail.com.

Click here to download

Cockburn Island Township Landfill Policy

We encourage land owners to drop off all compostable materials in the designated blue bin located at the end of the road leading into the landfill.The municipality does accommodate smaller recyclable metal in the designated metal bin by the township garage. Please contact Public Works to dispose of metal in the provided bin. Please read the full policy for a list of accepted and unacceptable waste.

Click here to read the full policy

Building Permit Applications

Interested in a Building Permit Application?
Please see the Building Permit Application Form (Editable or PDF) below. Complete the application and email it directly to the Chief Building Official for Cockburn Island Township. They can also answer questions about Building Permit fees.

Chief Building Inspector
Phone: 705-956-0472
Email: CBOwestmanitoulin@outlook.com

Did you know?
  • Although a Building Permit is not required for a shed that is 160 sq ft or less, a Zoning Compliance Application is required to be obtained as these structures are an accessory use and cannot be placed on properties without a primary type of structure on the property first.
  • A building permit is valid for 2 years and can be renewed for an additional year for $50.
What do I need to apply for a permit?
  • A completed application, including schedules #1, 2 and Energy Efficiency Design Summary (SB-10 or SB-12 if applicable)
  • A site survey plan showing the location of all existing structures and proposed new construction.
  • Construction drawings (from a qualified designer) with sufficient detail (foundation plan, floor plan, cross sections, elevations, details) to determine if the proposed construction will meet the minimum requirements of the Ontario Building Code.
  • Septic Approval from the Sudbury District Health Unit if required. PLEASE NOTE Building Permits cannot be issued prior to Septic Approval (If applicable).
How long does it take to get a permit?

A Permit can usually be issued in 10 business days, provided the application is complete, the drawings are adequate, and all other required approvals have been issued. More complex projects may take more time. The Ontario Building Code stipulates the time frame to process an application for construction once all required documents have been supplied and all required fees have been paid.

Download Application (PDF) Download Application (DOC)