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Muskoka Official Plan Review

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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 blue 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 blue 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!

  • Lake System Health Survey

    Lakes in Muskoka are vital to our community, environment, and economy. Maintaining their health is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration and informed decision-making. The District of Muskoka has “Lake System Health” policies for waterfront development that are based on science and evolving stressors to balance development and environmental protection.

    Through the Muskoka Official Plan Comprehensive Review, the District of Muskoka is working to update the Lake System Health policies to address emerging challenges, such as climate change, water quality concerns, and shoreline development.

    Whether you live, work or play on lakes in Muskoka, your input is essential to this process. By sharing your perspectives, you help ensure the updated policies are grounded in community needs and priorities. This survey is anonymous, and you’re welcome to skip any questions you prefer not to answer. Thank you for contributing your voice to this important work.


    Privacy: The information collected will only be used for the purposes of informing the Lake System Health policy update. If at any time you do not wish to continue, you are under no obligation to participate. Participation in this survey is voluntary. Information gathered as part of this survey process is done so under the authority of Section 28 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). 

    Inclusion Statement: We are here to help and are committed to ensuring that everyone can participate, contribute, and be heard. If you require assistance or need a different survey format, please contact Cassie Emms at 705-645-2100 ext.4467 or MOP@muskoka.on.ca 

    Take Survey
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Page last updated: 16 Dec 2024, 11:04 AM