Township Invites Public Input on Non-Waterfront Zoning Changes as Part of Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update

An in-person Information Session will take place on January 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Port Carling Community Centre. Additional opportunities to engage via online and telephone are outlined here.

MUSKOKA LAKES, ON, January 12, 2026 – The Township of Muskoka Lakes (“Township”) invites residents, property owners and stakeholders to an in-person Information Session on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. EST at the Port Carling Community Centre as part of the ongoing Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update, with a particular focus on non-waterfront zoning provisions.

The Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update is a multi-phase project to align the by-law with the Township’s 2023 Official Plan (currently under appeal), as required under the Planning Act. Zoning by-laws implement the policies of the Official Plan and regulate land use and built form at the property level. The update process includes technical review with expert consultants, community engagement, draft by-law preparation and Council approval.

A Consultation Guide has been created to outline potential zoning changes and implementation options for non-waterfront areas to better align with the Township’s Official Plan in addition to current development trends and issues. 

The Consultation Guide focuses on the following non-Waterfront topics:

1. 1. Changing zoning standards to support affordable housing
   2. Potential zoning standards for additional dwelling units
   3. Changes to zone categories:
      1. Changing rural zone categories and minimum lot frontage and area requirements
      2. Zoning of residential clusters
      3. Zoning of local community areas
      4. Zoning to implement the new Local Agricultural Area designation
   4. Zoning within Community Areas
   5. Hunt Camps
   6. Home-based businesses
   7. Parking in Core Commercial areas

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

Information Session

Monday, January 26, 2026
Port Carling Community Centre (3 Bailey St, Port Carling) 
6:00 p.m. EST

The in-person session will begin with a presentation and be followed by table discussions where participants are invited to share their input on the seven focus topics. The presentation will be recorded and available to view on the Engage Muskoka Lakes project page following the session.

One-on-One Conversations

Interested participants may book a 15-minute phone conversation for Friday, January 16, 2026, to discuss the non-waterfront topics outlined in the Consultation Guide.

To participate, email muskoka@planpart.ca with your preferred time and best contact number.

Online Survey

An online survey will be posted in mid-January 2026 to the Engage Muskoka Lakes project page, providing an additional opportunity to share feedback.

Participants are encouraged to review the Consultation Guide prior to participating in any of the above opportunities and to share the information within their networks.

Additional Information

The Consultation Guide reflects substantive zoning issues related to non-Waterfront areas. While parts of the 2023 Official Plan are under appeal, this phase of engagement focuses on un-appealed policies and identified zoning issues. Feedback on non-waterfront zoning matters beyond those addressed in the Consultation Guide are welcomed during any of the above engagement opportunities.

Detailed project background and the Consultation Guide are available on the Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update project page here: Comprehensive Zoning By-Law Update | Engage Muskoka Lakes

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For more information, please contact: 
Jennifer Huff
Director of Development Services and Environmental Sustainability
(705) 765-3156 x272
jhuff@muskokalakes.ca

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

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