Roadside Mowing to Begin in Muskoka Lakes (Expected Completion: End of July)

Starting the week of July 6, crews will be conducting roadside mowing throughout the Township to enhance roadway visibility and drainage. Work is expected to be completed by late July. Please drive carefully, stay alert, and reduce speed near workers and equipment.

MUSKOKA LAKES, ON, June 30, 2026 – The Township of Muskoka Lakes (“Township”) is advising residents and visitors that its annual roadside mowing program will begin the week of July 6, 2026, and is expected to be completed by late July.

Roadside mowing program is part of the Township’s regular road maintenance program that helps keep public roadways safer by clearing and preventing encroaching vegetation, improving sightlines and roadside drainage.

Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists are asked to remain cautious near mowing operations and pass equipment only when safe.

Environmental Considerations & How You Can Help

Background on Monarch Butterflies and Milkweed: In recent years, the population of monarch butterflies has decreased substantially in North America and monarch butterflies are currently listed as a species of “special concern” under the Ontario Endangered Species Act, 2007. Milkweed plants are an essential part of the monarch’s reproductive cycle as monarch larvae and caterpillars feed solely on milkweed plants. A contributing factor to the decline in monarch populations in North America has been attributed to the elimination of milkweed in agricultural areas.

How the Township is helping: The Township of Muskoka Lakes will avoid cutting milkweed plants as part of its roadside mowing program to the extent possible. Due to safety concerns, it may not be possible to avoid cutting plants at intersections or in areas where sightlines are restricted.

How you can help: Residents can support these efforts by marking milkweed with orange tape or orange cloth that will improve visibility for the operator and increase the chances of the plants being left in place. Flagging tape is available from the Township’s Public Works Department upon request.

Please remember to always be aware of traffic when walking along the side of the road, when entering or exiting a vehicle and to only pull over in areas that it is safe to do so. Property owners who have milkweed on their property are encouraged to leave it in place whenever possible and to encourage new growth including planting of new plants.

If you have any questions about the roadside mowing program, or milkweed, please contact the Township of Muskoka Lakes Public Works Department at 705-765-3156.

Information & Resources

• 2026 Capital Road Projects: muskokalakes.ca/our-community/roads-and-sidewalks/
• Report a Public Works Concern: muskokalakes.ca/township-hall/report-a-concern/

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For more information on this project, please contact:
Matt Veitch
Engineering Coordinator
705-765-3156 x361
mveitch@muskokalakes.ca

For general, media or accessibility inquires, please contact:
Mia Palantzas
Communications Advisor
(705) 765-3156 x360
communications@muskokalakes.ca

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