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In effect for the Muskoka River until May 13, 2026.
Lifting May 25, 2025 on Township roads.
The Township of Muskoka Lakes is responsible for ensuring that its publicly travelled roadways are kept in a safe and passable condition for roadway users. With respect to the roadside environment, the Operational Services Department undertakes a regular program of brushing of the Township road allowances to achieve this mandate.
The Township aims to complete approximately 25 to 30 kilometres of brushing each year. Subject to resource availability, the following roads have been identified for the 2026 brushing season:
Additional spot brushing may also be completed at other locations throughout the season, as required.
Brush control involves the removal of undesirable, naturalized woody vegetation using a combination of manual, mechanical and chemical techniques.
Roadside brushing is undertaken to:
Overall, brush control helps extend the life of the Township’s roadway infrastructure and maximizes the value of the Township’s investment in its road network.
The Township acknowledges that the mechanical methods of brush control can seem particularly harsh and will leave the road allowance appearing somewhat unsightly immediately after the activity is completed. The use of mechanical brushing techniques is used extensively throughout Ontario and causes no lasting harm to otherwise healthy trees. Experience has shown that brushed areas regenerate quickly and typically return to a green, natural appearance within one to two growing seasons.
At a minimum, the Township brushes to the back of the ditch line and overhead to maintain:
In some cases, brushing may extend to the edge of the municipal road allowance in order to achieve minimum sight distance requirements. These situations are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Brushing is typically carried out using manual methods, such as chainsaws and pole saws, and mechanical equipment, such as brushers and mower heads. Chemical treatment is used only in limited circumstances and is restricted to certain invasive species that cannot be effectively managed through other approaches.
To report an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Submit a question or concern through our online form. These submissions are reviewed during regular office hours. If your concern requires immediate attention, please call the municipal office at 705-765-3156. After operating hours, you will speak with our after-hours messaging service who will contact a staff member if necessary.
Contact Us
Township of Muskoka Lakes
1 Bailey St., P.O. Box 129,
Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0
T: 705-765-3156 F: 705-765-6755
Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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