
COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
COVID-19: Stay-At-Home Order issued for Ontario effective January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. Learn about the restrictions and public health and workplace safety measures during this stage on the Province of Ontario's website.
Updated Workplace Guidelines & Essential Services: Ontario Provincewide Shutdown Details
The Township of Muskoka Lakes is working closely with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and other community partners to monitor the global situation regarding COVID-19, in order to protect our employees and community.
Covid-19 Testing |
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For more information on how to access to the Muskoka Assessment Centre locations, click here.
To get the latest information about if/where you should be tested for COVID-19, visit www.ontario.ca/covidtest |
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Public Health Sources |
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For more information on the COVID-19 response framework: keeping Ontario safe and open, as well as the public health guidance necessary to keep the people of Ontario safe, visit ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open. |
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Emergency Orders and Contact Information |
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The Province of Ontario has issued a number of Emergency Orders in recent days under the authority of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. It is essential that everybody follow these emergency orders at all times to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The following is a summary of the emergency orders currently in effect throughout Ontario, as well as the proper contact reporting information for members of the public who wish to report a suspected violation of an order. Additional information for any of these emergency orders may be obtained by visiting news.ontario.ca
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Township Updates
Impact on Municipal Services |
Facility ClosuresIn response to the Covid-19 Provincewide Shutdown announced on Monday, December 21, 2020 by the Province of Ontario, the Township of Muskoka Lakes will be closing Port Carling Arena, Community Centres and Public Libraries to the public, effective December 24, 2020 until further notice, as part of ongoing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Those impacted by cancellations and closures will be contacted directly. All refunds will be honoured. Outside pick up will be available at the Public Libraries beginning Tuesday, December 29, 2020. These closures are in addition to facilities already closed to the public, including the Municipal Office, Bala Arena, Fire Halls and Public Works Yards. Township services continue to be offered online through the Township website, email and over the phone where possible. Meeting ScheduleAll regular and special Council, Standing Committees, Committee of Adjustment and Advisory Committee meetings are now being held electronically in accordance with section 238 of the Municipal Act, 2001 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Please check the Municipal website for the meeting schedule. Fire Danger RatingThe fire danger rating is set to MODERATE. Under a Moderate fire danger rating, small fires and fireworks are permitted, with the exclusion of flying lanterns. Residents are reminded that NO DAYTIME BURNING is allowed and to use extreme caution at all times. For the up to date Fire Rating please call: 1-877-847-1577. Building Permits/InspectionsCovid-19 Continuity Plan - Permits and Inspections Procedure Effective January 14, 2021 the Township Building Department will not be releasing any building permits unless they fall within the categories noted in the Provincial announcement. Under the provincial mandate, construction cannot continue unless the project falls within this essential list and building inspections will not be conducted on sites the Province deems as non-essential. Any inspections that are permitted shall continue in accordance with the Province’s essential list and are subject to COVID-19 safe work practices. Building PermitsBuilding permit applications will continue to be accepted by mail, email bldg@muskokalakes.ca or at the Municipal Office drop box. These applications will be processed and reviewed in accordance with the Ontario Building Code and applicable law. Permits will be processed but not released until the Provincial Government provides further directives. Building InspectionsConfirmation that a Township building inspector can safely enter a site is required at the time of booking and at the time of the inspection based on the following criteria:
When on-site, inspectors will be assessing the site with the conditions listed above. If any conditions are not satisfactory to the inspector, an inspection will be re-booked at a later date. Note: For enclosed inspections such as insulation, heating, plumbing, occupancy, final, etc., inspectors will be confirming site conditions as outlined above. If any of these conditions are not met, an inspection will not be conducted at that time. If an inspection is needed to finalize or advance a permit, the Building Department may consider Engineer or Architectural reports for compliance with the related item under the Building Code. Booking Inspections: Email your inspection request to bldg@muskokalakes.ca. Outdoor Recreational AmenitiesOn Friday, July 17, 2020 the Province of Ontario officially enters stage three of its Framework for Reopening the Province. This includes permitting the reopening of all outdoor recreational amenities. Accordingly, effective immediately, the Township will reopen the remaining permitted outdoor recreational amenities, such as outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment. All Township outdoor recreational amenities such as benches, picnic areas, shelters, courts, fields, skateboard parks, diamonds, beaches, docks, trails, playgrounds, municipal boat launches and public washrooms are open to the public. The public are asked to follow provincial guidelines on physical distancing by maintaining minimum of 2 metres between individuals and wash or sanitize your hands before and after each use. Property Tax PenaltiesCouncil has adopted a motion to extend the waiving of penalties that would otherwise be charged for the non-payment of 2020 interim taxes that were due on March 27, 2020. Council’s decision removes any penalties charged on non-payment of 2020 interim taxes until July 31, 2020. |
Media Releases |
View all Media Releases related to COVID-19.
Public Notices related to COVID-19. |
Mayor's Update |
Mayor's Update - COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) No. 5 - May 15, 2020Past Updates |
Business Support and Resources
- Township of Muskoka Lakes Covid-19 Business Support Resources page
- District of Muskoka's financial support and resources page
- Government of Ontario Business Recovery Resources
- Government of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Food and Community Supports
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General FAQs |
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Meetings and Events FAQs |
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Tax Payment FAQs |
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Building and Planning FAQs |
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Emergency Services FAQs |
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Road/Parks & Recreation FAQs |
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Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as a public service by the Township of Muskoka Lakes. Links and references to any other websites are for information only and shall not be taken as endorsement of any kind. The Township is not responsible for the content or reliability of the linked websites and does not endorse the content or views expressed within them. Anyone using this information does so at his or her own risk.
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