News

Media Release - Fire Season Starts Again on April 1 2025

MUSKOKA LAKES, ON – The fire season starts on April 1 and goes through until October 31 each year. During this period, daytime burning is not permitted without a valid fire permit, any fire must be no larger than 1 meter in diameter by 1 meter in height, and you must have a means of extinguishment, a minimum of 19 liters of water, within 5 meters of all fires.

“The Fire Season exists in order to mitigate the risk of wildfires,” said Fire Chief, Ryan Murrell. “With the current climate conditions...

Media Release - Spring Freshet Update #2 – March 26, 2025

MUSKOKA LAKES, ON – With a Flood Watch now in effect and rainfall in the forecast, the Township is making available for property owners sand, sandbags and shovels at the Glen Orchard Yard (3951 Muskoka Road 169, Port Carling, ON) and at the Muskoka Lakes Sports Park (3224 Muskoka Rd. 169, Bala, ON).

To minimize flood risks and protect properties, in flood prone areas, property owners should:

• Clear snow and ice from around foundation walls, window wells, and drains to prevent water from pooling and...

Beatrice Townline Road Reopened March 24

As of  Monday March 24, 2025, Beatrice Townline Road has been reopened to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. 

We thank residents for their patience during this time. For more information, please contact the Operational Services Department at 705-765-3156. 

Media Release - Updates to Short Term Rental Accommodation Licensing By-law

MUSKOKA LAKES, ON – In late 2024, Council approved a Short Term Rental Accommodation Licensing By-law. To ensure that the licensing process is efficient, compliant, and user-friendly, and due to unexpected technical issues, at their March 2025 meeting Planning Committee recommended that the By-law be amended to reflect a revised implementation schedule. 

Should Council approve the recommendation in April the updated By-law would include the following key changes:

• Both existing and new operators...

Committee and Council Highlights - March 2025

In these Council and Committee Highlights you will find a monthly digest of featured news and updates coming out of the Council and Committee meetings.

March Council Highlights March Committee Highlights 

Council decision-making at the Township of Muskoka Lakes typically starts at the Standing Committee level. These committees review and discuss staff reports, and make recommendations for Council who ultimately make a decision or provide direction to staff.  Recommendations coming out of Standing...