By-Laws in Review

Burning By-law

The Township of Muskoka Lakes has updated the Burning By-law 2023-034 and it took effect on April 1, 2024. Our Muskoka actively participated in the discussion regarding this By-law. Some of the changes include:

  • Daytime burning times are now defined and fall between the hours of 7:00 am to 7:00 pm;

  • A permit is required for any daytime burning;

  • Maximum size of a fire is (1 metre x 1 metre);

  • Special provisions have been included which would allow contractors to have a

    larger fire with the Fire Chief’s approval;

  • Burn barrels are now regulated, and must be in sound condition with a mesh

    screen; and,

  • A requirement for available extinguishment, which consists of a minimum

    nineteen litres of water within 5 metres of the fire.

Seguin Township

Site Alteration and Tree Conservation By-laws

On March 4, 2024, the Seguin Council approved the New Site Alteration and Tree Conservation By-laws. Our Muskoka actively participated in discussions regarding these By-laws.

AMPS By-Law

Unfortunately, this Administrative Monetary Penalty System By-law was passed by the Township of Muskoka Lakes without any consideration of our concerns that we brought forth to the committee and council for discussion and debate multiple times when it came to the table.

Dark Sky By-Law

The Township of Muskoka Lakes has passed the Dark Sky By-law 2023-009. There were many discussions and major improvements to the overall By-law since its July 14th, 2022 edition. Thank you to the lighting experts in the community who spoke up and were an integral part of getting this By-law to how it stands today.

Site Alteration By-Law & Tree Conservation By-Law

As of September 14, 2022, the Township of Muskoka Lakes has adopted the updated Site Alteration By-law and Tree Conservation By-law.

To see the most up-to-date documents and permit applications please visit the below website page.

By-Law 2021-116

The Township of Muskoka Lakes Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2021-116 was approved and adopted on September 14, 2022, Council Meeting. Our major areas of concern in Shoreline Structures Exceeding Maximum Permitted Width and the Accessory Structures/Buildings in Waterfront Residential Zones were removed to be addressed at a later date.

We will keep a close eye out for a FUTURE draft.