Go Back

Muskoka Official Plan Review

Share Muskoka Official Plan Review on Facebook Share Muskoka Official Plan Review on Twitter Share Muskoka Official Plan Review on Linkedin Email Muskoka Official Plan Review link

The Muskoka Official Plan (MOP) is being updated to be consistent with Provincial policies and respond to issues across the District of Muskoka. Read more about Official Plans, what is being updated, and how you can be involved below.

Public consultation plays an essential role in updating the MOP to reflect the current needs of Muskoka. There are several proposed updates the MOP. As such, there will be several public consultation opportunities. Subscribe to this project page to stay informed of future public consultation opportunities.

What is an Official Plan? And why is it being reviewed now?

An Official Plan is a policy document that guides the short-term and long-term development in your community. An Official Plan sets out a vision and goals and ensures that new development and growth considers a broad range of policies to protect the natural environment, align growth and development with municipal infrastructure, and promote complete, safe, accessible and inclusive communities.

The Muskoka Official Plan (MOP) covers:

  • Environmental protection

  • Water quality

  • Resource Management

  • Housing

  • Growth and settlement patterns

  • Community vision and objectives

  • Economic development

  • Tourism and resorts

  • Transportation

  • Services and utilities

  • Implementation

The purpose of the Muskoka Official Plan is to provide direction and a policy framework for managing growth and land use decisions.

The Planning Act requires that municipal Official Plans be updated every 5 years. The last update to the Muskoka Official Plan was in 2019. As such, the Muskoka Official Plan is undergoing a review this year.

What components of the Muskoka Official Plan are being reviewed?

A number of projects and policy reviews have been in the works since the last Muskoka Official Plan update in 2019. These projects are related to:

  • Archaeological Master Plan

  • Watershed Management Initiatives and Lake System Health Policies

  • Climate Action

  • Growth Strategy

  • Resort Development Policies; and

  • Mapping Updates.

Additionally, housekeeping and Provincial Policy updates will also be implemented.

How to Participate

There will be a number of consultation opportunities through public open houses and meetings. Please see the Key Dates and Notice of Public Meetings on the right sidebar of this webpage for more information. Additionally, feedback can be submitted through the form below, or by submitting comments by:

  • Sending an email to:

Cassie Emms, Planner, District Municipality of Muskoka

Email: MOP@muskoka.on.ca

  • Mailing a letter to:

The District Municipality of Muskoka

70 Pine Street Bracebridge, ON

P1L 1N3

Attention: Cassie Emms

To be notified of project updates and future public consultation opportunities, join our courtesy notice list by subscribing this project and receive updates right to your inbox. From the project home page, locate the "Stay Informed Tool" (Just look for the big megaphone on the top right-hand side of your desktop computer, or scroll down on your mobile device). Enter your email address and hit subscribe!

The Muskoka Official Plan (MOP) is being updated to be consistent with Provincial policies and respond to issues across the District of Muskoka. Read more about Official Plans, what is being updated, and how you can be involved below.

Public consultation plays an essential role in updating the MOP to reflect the current needs of Muskoka. There are several proposed updates the MOP. As such, there will be several public consultation opportunities. Subscribe to this project page to stay informed of future public consultation opportunities.

What is an Official Plan? And why is it being reviewed now?

An Official Plan is a policy document that guides the short-term and long-term development in your community. An Official Plan sets out a vision and goals and ensures that new development and growth considers a broad range of policies to protect the natural environment, align growth and development with municipal infrastructure, and promote complete, safe, accessible and inclusive communities.

The Muskoka Official Plan (MOP) covers:

  • Environmental protection

  • Water quality

  • Resource Management

  • Housing

  • Growth and settlement patterns

  • Community vision and objectives

  • Economic development

  • Tourism and resorts

  • Transportation

  • Services and utilities

  • Implementation

The purpose of the Muskoka Official Plan is to provide direction and a policy framework for managing growth and land use decisions.

The Planning Act requires that municipal Official Plans be updated every 5 years. The last update to the Muskoka Official Plan was in 2019. As such, the Muskoka Official Plan is undergoing a review this year.

What components of the Muskoka Official Plan are being reviewed?

A number of projects and policy reviews have been in the works since the last Muskoka Official Plan update in 2019. These projects are related to:

  • Archaeological Master Plan

  • Watershed Management Initiatives and Lake System Health Policies

  • Climate Action

  • Growth Strategy

  • Resort Development Policies; and

  • Mapping Updates.

Additionally, housekeeping and Provincial Policy updates will also be implemented.

How to Participate

There will be a number of consultation opportunities through public open houses and meetings. Please see the Key Dates and Notice of Public Meetings on the right sidebar of this webpage for more information. Additionally, feedback can be submitted through the form below, or by submitting comments by:

  • Sending an email to:

Cassie Emms, Planner, District Municipality of Muskoka

Email: MOP@muskoka.on.ca

  • Mailing a letter to:

The District Municipality of Muskoka

70 Pine Street Bracebridge, ON

P1L 1N3

Attention: Cassie Emms

To be notified of project updates and future public consultation opportunities, join our courtesy notice list by subscribing this project and receive updates right to your inbox. From the project home page, locate the "Stay Informed Tool" (Just look for the big megaphone on the top right-hand side of your desktop computer, or scroll down on your mobile device). Enter your email address and hit subscribe!

  • Archaeological Master Plan Underway

    Share Archaeological Master Plan Underway on Facebook Share Archaeological Master Plan Underway on Twitter Share Archaeological Master Plan Underway on Linkedin Email Archaeological Master Plan Underway link

    As part of the Muskoka Official Plan (MOP) Comprehensive Review, the District’s Archaeological Master Plan is being updated to refine the MOP’s Archaeological Resource policies by integrating the knowledge, perspectives, and priorities of Indigenous Nations that had a traditional tie or ongoing interest in the lands that now encompass the District. The project also includes updated mapping of significant or potentially significant archaeological resources, cultural heritage sites, ceremonial areas, and sacred sites, while establishing protocols for their protection and management, in addition to the creation of an Indigenous Engagement Plan.

    Staff Report CPS-1-2025-3 has more information about this project.

    Future opportunities for public engagement will be shared on the MOP Review Engage Muskoka Page, as well as through various communication channels including website updates, electronic and social media, and e-newsletters.

    To be notified of project updates and future public consultation opportunities, join our courtesy notice list by subscribing this project and receive updates right to your inbox. From the project home page, locate the "Stay Informed Tool" (Just look for the big megaphone on the top right-hand side of your desktop computer, or scroll down on your mobile device). Enter your email address and hit subscribe!

  • Kick-off Public Meeting Scheduled

    Share Kick-off Public Meeting Scheduled on Facebook Share Kick-off Public Meeting Scheduled on Twitter Share Kick-off Public Meeting Scheduled on Linkedin Email Kick-off Public Meeting Scheduled link

    The first Public Meeting for the Muskoka Official Plan Review has been scheduled to discuss the proposed Work Plan:

    Date: Monday, June 17, 2024

    Time: 9:00 AM

    Location: District of Muskoka Administration Building, Council Chambers

    70 Pine Street, Bracebridge

    Can’t make it to the meeting? Submit your feedback through the form below, or by submitting your comments by:

    • Sending an email to:

    Cassie Emms, Planner, District Municipality of Muskoka

    Email: MOP@muskoka.on.ca

    • Mailing a letter to:

    The District Municipality of Muskoka

    70 Pine Street Bracebridge, ON

    P1L 1N3

    Attention: Cassie Emms

    Click here to see the official Notice of Public Meeting.

    There will be more public consultation opportunities for each proposed update as the Muskoka Official Plan Review process continues.

Page last updated: 25 Mar 2025, 11:21 AM