Tree Conservation and Site Alteration

Lands Subject to Both the Tree Conservation and Site Alteration By-Laws Include:

1. All lands within 300 ft. of a navigable waterway in the Waterfront as designated in the Official Plan;
2. All lands within 200 ft. of a navigable waterway in the Urban Centre or Community as designated in the Official Plan;
3. All lands zoned Environmental Protection in the Township Comprehensive Zoning By-Law; 
4. All lands zoned Scenic Corridor in the Township Comprehensive Zoning By-Law; and
5. All lands on an island within the Township, beyond those areas listed above, except in the case of Tobin Island, Acton Island, Tondern Island, Royal Muskoka Island, and Bala Park Island. 

When owners have obtained a building or septic permit, or have obtained site plan approval, owners are permitted to alter their property or remove trees within the building envelope(s) and the associated buffer zone(s) as stated in the by-law.

Tree Conservation

The Tree Conservation By-Law is put in place to conserve, prohibit, protect, restrict and regulate the possible harvesting, removal, injuring, damaging and destruction of trees on private property in the Township.

Some Exemptions Include:

• The removal of dead trees
• The removal of trees that are heavily damaged by weather events and pose a health and safety threat
• The removal of trees that are less than 1 inch diameter at breast height

For a full list of exemptions, please refer to the Tree Conservation By-law

A Tree Cutting Permit is required if an owner does not fall under any of the exemptions and the trees are located within the lands subject to the by-law. Complete the Tree Cutting Permit Application online. 

Site Alteration

The Site Alteration By-Law is put in place to regulate and prohibit modifications being made to the landscape on properties in the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

Some exemptions include:

• The alteration of grade for the installation of stairs and paths as long as they do not exceed 6 feet in width and are water permeable. Trees are not permitted to be removed for the installation of stairs or paths. 

For a full list of regulations and exemptions, please refer to the Site Alteration By-law. 

A Site Alteration Permit may be required for the placing or positioning of fill, the removal of soil, or the alteration of the grade of land. Complete the Site Alteration Permit Application online. 

Learn more about these By-Laws and improving your property in this webinar.

Frequently Asked Questions