I live on a lake front where the road was built bit by bit by owners to simply have access.
We, as an owners association, even extended that road by 3 miles to accommodate the balance of the owners.*
Just this year we have finally succeeded in having the city pave most of it.
Now one pitfall was the 'bit by bit section' as those 'bits' were never verbalized hence the city did not even own their road. (all cleared up now as the owners ceded those 'bits' for $1.00 ea, and LOL they never got the $1.00 either!)**
*Being in charge of that road project was a most interesting and rewarding project.
** I suggested they deduct that $1.00 on next tax bill.
Our area was initially crown or public land and at first was pioneer staked (squatted), then gov't subdivided into leased cottage lots but without any access roads or other services. We took the bull by the horns and made our own road going simply where the dozer could. That followed by much negotiating with the city to the point where we are now totally 'citified'.
As I indicated the 'icing on the cake' came last Tuesday as they passed a contract to pave the remaining portion of our road.
From what was simple cottages and some shacks most have demolished and rebuilt very nice retirement homes.
It is a simple paradise with all forms of wildlife, pure spring fed lake (no power boats) and a mere 1 hour north of Montreal which is one of Canada's major cities.
Life is good!