General FAQs
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How do I protect myself and others?
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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.
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Can I still get documents commissioned?
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| The Clerks Department has temporarily suspended this service during the Municipal Office closure from March 17, 2020 to April 6, 2020. Please contact the Township at 705-765-3156. |
Are community flag rasings still taking place?
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As Township facilities are closed, all flag raising events are cancelled until further notice.
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Will garbage collection continue?
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| The District of Muskoka is responsible for garbage and recycling services throughout the Township of Muskoka Lakes. |
Are community centres/arenas closed?
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| Yes. All community centres/arenas are closed until further notice. Those impacted by cancellations and closures will be contacted directly. All refunds will be honoured. |
Are all rental bookings cancelled?
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| Yes. All community centres/arenas are closed until further notice. Those impacted by cancellations and closures will be contacted directly. All refunds will be honoured. |
How do I apply for a refund?
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| Please contact the Township Office at 705-765-3156. |
Will cemetery services be available?
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Administration of cemetery services will continue. Please contact the Township at 705-765-3156.
Please note that as per our usual practice, interments do not take place during the winter season (November 1st - April 30th), and are subject to weather conditions, unless specifically authorized by the Director of Public Works or designate.
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Is By-law Enforcement still responding?
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| Yes. Investigations will be conducted by By-law Officers excluding entry into occupied dwellings. Enforcement action will be conducted as required. |
Can we still submit tenders?
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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:
- 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.
- The scheduled tender openings will be closed to the public. Results will be posted online.
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Meetings and Events FAQs
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Are Council and Committee meetings still taking place?
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- All regular and special Council, Standing Committee, Committee of Adjustment and Advisory Committee meetings have been cancelled until April 6, 2020 as part of the Township’s COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) response.
- Committee of Adjustment and Planning Committee meetings in April have been cancelled.
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Are public events still happening at Township facilities?
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| No. All Township facilities are closed until further notice. |
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Tax Payment FAQs
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When are my taxes due?
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| The 2020 Interim Tax Bills are due on March 27, 2020. If you do not receive a bill or would like additional information please contact the Property Tax Department at 705-765-3156. |
Since the Municipal Office is closed, can I still drop off my tax payment cheque in the drop box at the Municipal Office?
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| Yes. Please ensure that the payment is enclosed (including tax roll number) in an envelope labeled with the property owners name, address and identified as “Tax Payment” and left in the drop box at the Municipal Office. |
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Building and Planning FAQs
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Can I still apply for building permits?
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Yes. Fully completed applications will be received via email to bidg@muskokalakes.ca or left in the Township drop box located at the Municipal Office rear entry door.
View the COVID-19 Development Services Department changes to services.
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).
- Approved permit documents, receipts and a laminated copy of the building permit will be delivered to the site by an inspector at the time of first required inspection.
- A scanned copy of approved documents and building permit can be emailed upon request of the applicant.
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Are building inspections continuing?
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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.
View the COVID-19 Development Services Department changes to services.
Further details:
- Inspections may only be booked via email or by phone. Please do not leave inspection requests via voicemail. Be sure to speak directly to an office staff member.
- Please include – Contact information, site address, type of inspection, and permit number.
- Inspections will be completed within 48 hours.
- Inspectors will not conduct inspection inside occupied dwellings at this time.
- Permit holders wishing to book an inspection will be asked a series of questions to confirm that no workers on their jobsite have been out of the country in the last 14 days or have been in potential contact with COVID-19.
- Inspection documents (engineered specifications, etc.) shall be emailed in advance of the inspection or be made available on site for the inspector.
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How do I submit a planning application, LPAT appeal, etc.? Can I make a planning related inquiry?
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| While the Municipal Office remains closed to the public, complete planning applications or appeals to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) can be submitted via mail or by utilizing the drop box at the Municipal Office. If you wish to discuss any planning related matters, the Planning Department can be contacted via email at planning@muskokalakes.ca or (705) 765-3156 to schedule a teleconference appointment with a member of staff. Any drawings or plans can be submitted electronically to planning@muskokalakes.ca |
Will my Minor Variance, Application for Consent, or Zoning By-law Amendment continue to be processed?
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Public Meetings before Council and Committees have been temporarily suspended at this time. As these types of applications require a Public Meeting prior to consideration of a decision, it is unknown at this time when applications will be able to progress through the legislated planning process. Please check the Municipal website for updates.
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Emergency Services FAQs
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Why hasn’t the Township of Muskoka Lakes declared an emergency?
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| The Township of Muskoka Lakes Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is ready to activate in response to COVID-19. The EOC is charged with planning and executing a Township wide operational response that ensures continuity of critical services as the public health situation evolves. We are monitoring the situation and consulting with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and our emergency partners at Muskoka Paramedic Services daily. |
Is the Fire Department still responding and are the stations open?
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| Yes. The Township of Muskoka Lakes Fire Department will respond to emergency service calls. All Fire Hall tours are cancelled and fire crews will not be attending community events. |
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Road/Parks FAQs
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Are parks and playgrounds sanitized?
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Please be advised that Township park playground structures, benches, waste receptacles, and park gates are not being sanitized. The Township is recommending the public refrain from using park amenities until further notice to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus).
The Township recommends following the Simcoe Muskoka District Helath Unit guidelines for protecting yourself. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses including COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). Take these everyday steps to reduce exposure to the virus and protect your health:
- wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers
- sneeze and cough into your sleeve
- avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth avoid close contact with people who are sick
- stay home if you are sick
- clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces do not use surface disinfectant wipes to clean your hands
- maintain a 2 metres (6 feet) distance between another person when you are in settings with other people.
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Are reduced loads still on?
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Yes. Every year during the period of March 1st to approximately May 31st, all roads under the jurisdiction of the Township of Muskoka Lakes are subject to reduced loads.
Effective Monday, March 9, 2020 there is a limit of 5 tonnes per axle. Load restrictions shall remain in effect until Sunday, May 31, 2020 or a date determined by staff when the restriction can be safely removed.
If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (705) 765-3156.
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Can I apply for an entrance permit?
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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.
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Can I apply for a sign permit?
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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.
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Can I apply for a 911 civic sign?
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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.
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