Township of Muskoka Lakes Newsletter | Issue 02 | Summer Edition
In this issue:
- Swimming Registration (now open for the 2026 season)
- 2026 Community Guide Magazine
- You’re Invited: Muskoka Lakes Volunteer Appreciation Event (August 13)
- Upcoming Projects & Engagement Opportunities
- Around the Council Table (Muskoka Watershed Flooding Resolution)
- And more!
Highlights:
Signs of Summer in Muskoka Lakes
You may notice a few seasonal favourites returning to our parks and beaches:
- Outdoor furniture is returning for the season
- All outdoor washrooms are now open
- Seasonal outdoor taps have been turned on
- Landscaping work is underway
- Docks & ladders are ready for use (Refreshing!)
- Outdoor Pickleball courts are now open
- Roller Skating kicks off June 27 in Port Carling and June 28 in Bala
Start planning your next park or beach day here: Parks, Beaches and Picnic Areas
Your 2026 Community Guide has arrived!
Keep this guide handy for information on Township services, community resources, local programs, key contacts, and more.
Haven't received yours in the mail? Pick up a copy at the Township Office or the Muskoka Lakes Public Library in Port Carling.
Now Open: Swimming Lesson Registration
Whether your young ones are just starting out or you're looking to build confidence and skills in the water, there’s a program for everyone.
✔ Lessons for all ages and skill levels
✔ Certified instructors
✔ Fun, safe, and supportive environment
See the schedules and register here: Swimming Program
NEW THIS SUMMER | The SplashFit class encourages kids to stay active, build confidence in the water and have a blast with water games and fitness activities!
Muskoka Lakes Fire Recruitment
Muskoka Lakes, meet your Volunteer Firefighter Recruit Class of 2026!
Over the past 10 weeks, 24 recruits completed hands-on training, including live fire exercises, personal protective equipment (PPE), ice water safety and rescue, HAZMAT operations, and more.
MLFD was also proud to welcome four firefighters from Moose Deer Point First Nation to participate in this training, strengthening partnerships and supporting our neighbouring communities.
Congratulations to all recruits. Welcome to the MLFD team!
Township Tips:
Rent & Report Responsibly
Whether you’re a resident, a current visitor, or planning a stay in a short-term rental, you can now:
Verify licensed properties with our interactive map
Report a concern (24/7):
Switch to Dark Sky Friendly Fixtures
Full-cut-off outdoor light fixtures help reduce light pollution and protect the night sky.
If you own a waterfront property, now is a great time to review your outdoor lighting and ensure it meets Dark Sky By-law requirements by June 1, 2027.
Discover Muskoka Lakes
Explore some of the best views in Muskoka Lakes with our self-guided View the Lakes Chair Tour.
Make sure you have your phone and camera ready, take lots of pictures as you visit all ten chairs for an unforgettable trip!
Tag us in your adventures (@muskokalakestwp) and #ViewTheLakes
The Projects Corner
Explore the capital projects planned for this year in the 2026 Municipal Budget.
Upcoming Projects:
- Hanna Park Playground Updates
- Port Sandfield Washroom Renovations
- Windsor Park Dock Rehabilitation
- Hazelwood Trails Resurfacing
- Bala Town Dock Enhancements
- Arena Rehabilitation
- Zoning By-law Updates
- Economic Development Strategy (2026-2030)
- And more!
Sign up for engagemuskokalakes.ca to follow and engage with your favourite projects.
Recent Project Highlights:
Windermere Village Playground: Now Open!
We’re celebrating this brand-new addition and you’re invited! Join us on Monday, July 13 at 4:00 p.m.
More details will be posted to Our Community webpage in the coming weeks.
Windermere Beach & Dock Updates: Completed!
Swim, relax and enjoy the views at Windermere Park (2510 Windermere Rd.)
Click here for directions (Google Maps)
Beaumaris Dock Upgrades: Finishing Touches Are Underway!
We’ve made improvements to the infrastructure, come check them out at 1216 Beaumaris Rd. (Updated photo coming June 9)
Projects Underway:
Noise Control By-law Updates
Your feedback has helped shape updates to our Noise Control By-law over the past few months - thank you!
We’re reviewing the latest version with Planning Committee before it moves forward to Council (expected this Summer).
Stay up to date by subscribing to the project page on engagemuskokalakes.ca
Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
The CIP is expanding to offer housing support programs for the Township and Committee approved the latest updates, check those out here.
Next, its off to Council to seek final approval.
See if your next project could be eligible for the next intake window opening this Summer 2026, review the project details here: Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
Park Development Plans (PDP)
In the next phase of the PDP, we're shifting our focus on rehabilitating Hanna Park, and we want your input!
Follow the project page to be the first to know about ways to get involved in this process: Park Development Plans | Engage Muskoka Lakes
This playground holds a special place in our community. We’ll be working closely with the selected vendor to preserve as much of the original structure as possible.
Summer Road Work
Summer is a busy time on our roads! As we complete important improvements across Muskoka Lakes, please drive with caution, be patient, and help keep our roads safe for everyone.
Explore the capital road projects slated for 2026 here: Roads and Sidewalks
For the DIYers:
See current and completed building permits and planning activity across Muskoka Lakes on the Muskoka GeoHub interactive map.
Summer Stories Start Here
Port Carling Branch (69 Joseph Street)Summer is the perfect time to discover something new! Whether you’re picking up a new skill, diving into a good book, or exploring a favourite topic, the Muskoka Lakes Public Library has something for every summer day.
- Enjoy the outdoors with hiking poles, binoculars, and pickleball sets, or pick up a book or audiobook to enjoy outside.
- Borrow a park or museum pass and plan your next outing.
- Get creative or learn something new at one of our programs, there’s something for all ages!
- Summer showers have you trapped inside? Check out Yoto bundles or cards, or explore DVDs, games, puzzles, and more.
To learn more, place holds, renew items, or access eResources 24/7 visit Muskoka Lakes Public Library.
Upcoming Event:
Muskoka Lakes Volunteer Appreciation Event (August 13)
Volunteers of Muskoka Lakes, this one’s for YOU! If you’ve volunteered in our community in any way, we want to celebrate you this summer.
Join us on Thursday, August 13th at the Milford Bay Community Centre from 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. for the Muskoka Lakes Volunteer Appreciation Event, hosted by the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
Enjoy free food and drinks, activities, prize basket draws, and more!
Learn more and see how your organization can get involved at www.muskokalakes.ca/our-community or call 705-765-3156.
Stay in the know on community events, subscribe to the calendar here: Events | Township of Muskoka Lakes
Around The Council Table
Resolution Passed: Muskoka Watershed Flooding
On May 13, 2026, the Township of Muskoka Lakes Council passed a resolution on the 2026 Muskoka Watershed Flooding. This resolution has been forwarded to select provincial and regional agencies, as well as all first nations and municipalities within the Muskoka River Watershed.
Click here to view the resolution
Was your property impacted by flooding? Find flood recovery information including best practices on water testing, building permits, debris disposal and more on our dedicated webpage here: Flood Information or call us at 705-765-3156.
📅 Upcoming Meetings:
June
- Monday, June 8 – Committee of Adjustment
- Wednesday, June 10 – General/Finance Committee (9am) + Council (1pm)
- Thursday, June 11 – Planning Committee (9am)
July
- Monday, July 13 – Committee of Adjustment
- Wednesday, July 15 – General/Finance Committee (9am) + Council (1pm)
- Thursday, July 16 – Planning Committee (9am)
- Wednesday, July 29 – Council (9am)
August
- (No meetings – enjoy the summer!)
September
- Monday, September 14 – Committee of Adjustment
- Wednesday, September 16 – General/Finance Committee (9am) + Council (1pm)
- Thursday, September 17 – Planning Committee (9am)
For meeting details, agendas and more, visit our Government Portal
2026 Municipal Election
The Safety Brief by the Muskoka Lakes Fire Department
Checking Smoke Alarms
Working smoke and CO2 alarms are an important part of keeping your home, cottage, and family safe. Early detection gives everyone more time to respond in the event of a fire.
Take time to:
- Test smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are working properly
- Check the age of alarms and replace them according to manufacturer instructions
- Ensure alarms are installed on every level of your home
- Consider the needs of everyone in the household, including individuals who may require accessible alerting options due to hearing, vision, or other needs
Learn more at: Home Fire Safety
Water Safety: At Shore & On The Boat
Whether you’re boating, paddling, swimming, or spending time near the water, preparation is key.
Before leaving shore:
- Ensure everyone has access to a properly fitted Canadian-approved life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD)
- Confirm your boat has the required safety equipment on board
- Check weather conditions before heading out
- Know your location in case you need to call for help (911)
Click here to download Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide
911 Signs & Unit Numbers
A clearly visible 911 sign helps emergency responders locate you quickly when every second matters.
Need a replacement?
Contact Public Works:
pw@muskokalakes.ca
705-765-3156
Know Before You Burn
Safe burning practices help reduce the risk of wildfires and protects our community.
Before you burn, know the rules:
- No daytime burning without a permit
- Small campfires only between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.
- No burning during high winds or a Fire Ban
- Always make sure fires are cold to the touch before leaving them
Whether you are enjoying a recreational fire or clearing brush from your property, it is your responsibility to burn safely.
Apply for a Burn Permit here: https://tml.burnpermits.com/
Reference: Burning By-Law 2023-034
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