​COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

How do I protect myself and others?

You can help protect yourself and loved ones by taking the following precautions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose as much as possible.

• Avoid contact with people who are ill and their items.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands. Wash hands after coughing and sneezing.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, exercise and enough sleep, to enhance your body's immune system.

• If you need to self-isolate, please follow the advice from your healthcare provider and Ontario Ministry of Health.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Common signs include fever, and respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia and acute respiratory distress.

Can I still get documents commissioned?

The Clerks Department has temporarily suspended this service during the Municipal Office closure until further notice. Please contact the Township at 705-765-3156. 

Are community flag rasings still taking place?

As Township facilities are closed, all flag raising events are cancelled until further notice. 

Will garbage collection continue?

Will there be spring compost giveaway and community clean-up events this year?

The 2020 compost giveaway and community clean-up events have been cancelled. 

Are community centres/arenas closed?

Are all rental bookings cancelled?

How do I apply for a refund?

Will cemetery services be available?

Administration of cemetery services will continue. Please contact the Township at 705-765-3156. 

The Township is now conducting interments. Attendance at interments must comply with provincial emergency orders and the directions of the Medical Officer of Health.

Is By-law Enforcement still responding?

Can we still submit tenders? 

Yes. In response to COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus), the Township has instituted measures to keep residents, partners and employees safe, and to prevent the spread of the virus.

The following precautions have been put in place with respect to the upcoming tender delivery and opening:

1. Hard copy submissions will be accepted at the Township of Muskoa Lakes Municipal Office at 1 Bailey Street, Port Carling and are to be depositied in the drop box located outside at the rear entrance of the Municipal Office. Bidders shall deposit their bids in the box up to closing time. 
2. The scheduled tender openings will be closed to the public. Results will be posted online. 

Are Council and Committee meetings still taking place?

All 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.

Are public events still happening at Township facilities?

When are my taxes due?

Since the Municipal Office is closed, can I still drop off my tax payment cheque in the drop box at the Municipal Office?

Can I still apply for building permits? 

Yes. Fully completed applications will be received via email to bldg@muskokalakes.ca or left in the Township drop box located at the Municipal Office rear entry door. 

Building permit applications will continue to be accepted via email or at the Municipal Office drop box. These applications will be processed and reviewed in accordance with the Ontario Building Code and applicable law. However, as the Municipal Office remains closed to the public, curbside pickup of issued building permits from March 17th to the present date, will be available. Please call 705-765-3156 Ext. 244 to arrange a pickup time.

Further details:

• Only fully completed applications will be received via email at bldg@muskokalakes.ca, or in the Township drop box (located at Municipal Office rear entry door).
• A building permit application checklist, completed by the applicant, must be included.
• Plans and required documents can be submitted in PDF format and emailed with a completed application.
• Payment for applications must be made by cheque enclosed in an envelope labeled with the property owners name and identified as “Building Permit Fee Payment” and left in the Township drop box (located at the Municipal Office rear entry door).

Are building inspections continuing?

Yes. Inspections may only be booked via email or by phone with the building permit number. Please do not leave the inspection request on a voicemail. Be sure to speak directly to an office staff member.

Upon request, building inspections will occur for all construction, provided the Township can confirm that our building inspectors can safely enter and leave a site. This requirement will be confirmed at the time of booking the inspection and when the inspector arrives on site. For a list of site safety criteria, please view Development Services Department - Covid-19 Business Continuity.

Booking Inspections - Email your inspection request to the Development Services Department and include:

- Type of Inspection
- Permit Number
- Property Address
- Contact Name and Number.

Additionally, questions regarding how to interpret the List Essential Workplaces can be directed to the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

How do I submit a planning application, LPAT appeal, etc.? Can I make a planning related inquiry?

Will my Minor Variance, Application for Consent, or Zoning By-law Amendment continue to be processed?

Public Meetings before Council and Committees will now be held electronically in accordance with section 238 of the Municipal Act, 2001 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, commencing in July 2020 with an anticipated gradual increase in application numbers. Please check the Municipal website for the meeting schedule and a guide on how to participate in meetings, if desired.

Is a fire ban on?

Why hasn’t the Township of Muskoka Lakes declared an emergency?

Is the Fire Department still responding and are the stations open?

Are public boat launches open? 

Municipal boat launches remain open at this time. The Ontario government announced marinas, boat clubs and public boat launches may open for recreational use as of Saturday, May 16, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.

The public are asked to use caution when utilizing any public facilities. Residents are asked to practice physical distancing by maintaining minimum of 2 meters between individuals, have no more than 5 people in a group and wash or sanitize your hands before and after each use. Residents are encouraged to continue to stay home whenever possible so we can mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19: Physical distancing for Canadian boaters

Are outdoor community gardens allowed to be used during this emergency?

The emergency order closing outdoor recreational amenities (O.Reg. 104/20) has been amended to allow the use of outdoor allotment gardens and community gardens.  Anyone using such a garden must comply with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials.

SMDHU Public Health Guidance for Community Gardens

Will there be spring compost giveaway and community clean-up events this year?

The 2020 compost giveaway and community clean-up events have been cancelled. 

Are parks and playgrounds closed?

On Tuesday, May 19, 2020 the Province of Ontario officially entered the first stage of its Framework for Reopening the Province. This includes permitting the reopening of some outdoor recreational amenities, including outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields, outdoor picnic sites, benches and shelters in parks and recreational areas subject to certain restrictions.

Accordingly, effective Saturday, May 23, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., the Township will reopen permitted recreational amenities, such as benches, picnic areas, shelters, courts, fields, skateboard parks, diamonds, beaches, and docks at all parks, trails and picnic areas. Municipal boat launches remain open. Public washrooms will reopen effective Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.

Outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment will remain closed until further guidance regarding the reopening of these facilities is provided by the Provincial Government and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

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. The Township reminds the public that Provincial Emergency Orders remain in place for social gatherings of 5 or more people and the use of closed outdoor recreational amenities.

Can I apply for an entrance permit?

Yes.

• Complete an Application for an Entrance Permit
• Submit your completed application and required documents by email or enclosed in an envelope labeled with the property owners name, address and identified as “Pubic Works” and left in the drop box at the Municipal Office. 
• Pay the required performance bond.

Fee

A $500 performance bond is required when applying for an entrance permit. A refund of $200 will be returned when the Municipality has approved the installed entrance. The remaining $300 is kept for the permit fee.

To request an entrance permit on a District Road, contact the District of Muskoka Engineering and Public Works Department at 705-645-6764.

Can I apply for a sign permit?

Yes. To install a sign on a Township road, you may be required to apply for a sign permit. For more details on sign regulations see By-Law 2018-30 or contact the Public Works Department at 705-765-3156 for information.

How to Apply

• Complete an Application for a Sign Permit.
• Submit your completed application and required documents by email or enclosed in an envelope labeled with the property owners name, address and identified as “Pubic Works” and left in the drop box at the Municipal Office. 

Contact the Public Works Department at 705-765-3156 for more information.

To request a sign permit on a District road, contact the District of Muskoka Engineering and Public Works Department at 705-645-6764. 

Can I apply for a 911 civic sign?

Yes. All properties in Muskoka Lakes are required to have a 911 address. These numbers and blue reflective signs are your assurance that your property can be located in the event of an emergency.

If your land is undeveloped but is accessed for other purposes (hunting, camping, etc.), or if you are clearing trees for a future build, a 911 sign is required so that Emergency Services can find the property quickly.

If you are applying for a building or entrance permit and there is not already a number assigned, please request one from Public Works before starting any work on the property. A site plan showing the entrance location is required.

If your property is on a private road, please ensure that any changes to the road’s structure or entrances are reported to the Township in order to ensure that the proper civic address sequence is maintained.

Installation

Your 911 number plate must be installed in a prominent location to be clearly visible from the primary access point to your residence (road or water). View our installation guidelines for more details.

Fee

You can purchase a new or replacement 911 civic address blade and post from the Public Works Department during regular operating hours. The following rates apply:

• Blade: $20.00
• Post: $30.00

Contact the Public Works Department by email at 705-765-3156 for information.