
COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
On April 16, 2021 the Ontario Government announced that it is strengthening enforcement of the Stay-At-Home Order. Read the Ontario News Release for full details.
Visit our COVID-19 page for all updates on changes to Township services, programs and/or facilities.
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 Vaccine and Immunization |
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The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, in partnership with key community stakeholders, is leading the efforts to immunize residents in Simcoe Muskoka. More information about local planning and community COVID-19 vaccine clinics, vaccine information and who can get the vaccine can be found below.
Call the health unit at 1-877-721-7520 for information or visit their website at www.smdhu.org. For individuals who do not have internet access, please call the Provincial Vaccine Information Line at 1-888-999-6488, open Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
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On-Demand Transportation Service for COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics |
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The District has partnered with Hammond Transportation Ltd. to have an accessible vehicle available to help transport eligible individuals to the COVID-19 vaccination clinics located in Bracebridge and Huntsville, starting this past Monday, March 8th.
This is an on-demand service and trips will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Any District resident with a vaccine appointment can use the service, and it is free of charge.
The Hammond reservation telephone line will be available Monday to Friday from 9am – 4pm to accept bookings. Individuals with an appointment can call (705) 645-2583 to book their trip. This service is being provided for the month of March. Any extension beyond the end of the month will depend on whether the District receives additional funding.
Learn More: You can learn more about the on-demand service and other community transportation initiatives at: www.muskoka.on.ca/communitytransit or read the full news release here: bit.ly/3bq21RT |
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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
Municipal Updates |
Facility ClosuresIn response to the Covid-19 Provincewide Emergency Brake announced on Thursday, April 1, 2021 by the Province of Ontario, the Port Carling Arena and select Community Centres will be closing effective April 3, 2021 and remain closed until further notice. Those impacted by cancellations and closures will be contacted directly. All refunds will be honoured. Outside pick up will continue to be available at the Public Libraries. Other Township facilities, including the Municipal Office, Bala Arena, Fire Halls and Public Works Yards will remain closed to the public. 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 February 16, 2021 the Township of Muskoka Lakes will resume releasing building permits for construction sites within the Township.
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. 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 |
Covid-19 Cases Update |
Last Updated on February 10, 2021 This page will be updated with the current status of confirmed COVID-19 cases among staff and visitors reported to Township facilities. The health and safety of staff and customers is our top priority. It is important for everyone to stay diligent and continue to follow public health measures to reduce the transmission of Covid-19 in our community. If you begin to show symptoms of Covid-19, please follow the Provincial symptoms of Covid-19 guidelines. Only call 911 if it is an emergency. For more information about protecting yourself from Covid-19, visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
On Saturday, February 6, 2021 the Muskoka Lakes Public Library was informed that a staff member has tested positive for Covid-19 and is quarantining. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has advised that there is no health risk to members of the general public or staff, as the risk of spread to other staff and the community is low. The Public Library will continue with its safe approach (contactless curbside pickup) to providing library service for the community. Safety protocols and policies are in place to ensure physical distancing of staff and the public, good hand hygiene, the wearing of personal protective equipment, and quarantining all items returned. As a further precaution, the Public Library has ensured enhanced cleaning of the facility and will be open during regular scheduled hours for curbside pick-up on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. As the health and safety of staff and the community remains our top priority, the Public Library has and continues to follow Public Health guidelines. It is important for everyone to stay diligent and continue to follow public health measures to reduce the transmission of Covid-19 in our community. If you begin to show symptoms of Covid-19, please follow the Provincial symptoms of Covid-19 guidelines. Only call 911 if it is an emergency. For more information about protecting yourself from Covid-19, visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org. |
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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