About the Project
The Township of Lake of Bays is undertaking a review and update of its Official Plan. Municipalities review their Official Plans on a regular basis to ensure they remain up-to-date, reflect current provincial policy, and represent the long-term vision of the municipality.
Since the current Official Plan was adopted, there have been a range of initiatives, investments, and projects to contribute to the growth, quality of life, and vibrancy of our community. The new Official Plan is meant to build on the goals, objectives, and policies of the current Official Plan, while also adapting to the changing needs of the Lake of Bays community.
🔴 Video
ℹ️ What is an Official Plan
An Official Plan describes the Township’s policies on how land in your community should be used. It is prepared with input from the community to ensure it reflects your specific needs. To learn more about issues addressed in the Official Plan, click on the images below:
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Community improvement initiatives
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Location of housing, shops, industry and offices
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When, where, and in what order growth will occur
📚 Discussion Papers
A series of discussion papers consolidating the findings of initial background research have been published for public review and comment. They focus on Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation, Managing Future Growth, Shoreline Development, and the Natural Heritage in the Township of Lake of Bays.
The Process
The intent of this update is to review the existing planning framework to reflect new policy direction with recent changes to provincial legislation and align with the updated District of Muskoka Official Plan.
Click on each phase above to learn more.
🎯 Policy Directions Report
As part of Phase Three of the project, a Policy Directions Report has been released for the public to review and provide comment on. This Report will serve as a living document to provide rationale and justification to support new and updated policies proposed in the Township’s Official Plan.
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🗓️ Engagement Events
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Stakeholder Focus Groups
Past Event
Four stakeholder focus groups will be held in the first quarter of 2025. Direct invitations will be sent to members of the development community, community groups, District and Township staff, and the Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table (MAILT).
Public Information Session
Recording and Presentation Slides Now AvailablePast Event
January 29, 2025 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM (ET)
The Township hosted a public information session to share details about the Official Plan Review project and provide an overview of the background research shaping the new Official Plan.
Council Presentation: Discussion Papers
Recording and Presentation Slides Now AvailablePast Event
February 25, 2025 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (ET)
Following the Public Information Session, the Township and its consultant, J.L. Richards & Associates, will present to Council on the results of the preliminary background research and key themes emerging from feedback gathered to date.
Council Presentation: Policy Directions Report
May 27, 2025 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (ET)
The project team will present specific recommendations as to the content and format for the new Official Plan, based on the feedback received from the public and key stakeholders, as well as the findings from background research. Members of the public will be invited to attend the regularly scheduled meeting of Council (Planning Matters) to view the presentation.
Public Open House
Coming SoonThe Township will host a public open house to seek input from members of the public on the draft Official Plan. The open house will consist of a short presentation outlining the content and format of the new Official Plan followed by a question and answer and commenting period.
Public Meeting
Coming Soon
The Township will host a public meeting to present the final draft Official Plan for Council’s consideration and for Council to formally receive any written or oral comments from members of the public. Based on the input at the meeting, Council may choose to formally adopt the new Official Plan, or defer adoption to a subsequent meeting based upon a request for additional information.
Contact Us
Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
| Phone | 705-635-2272 |
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| engage@lakeofbays.on.ca | |
| Website | www.lakeofbays.on.ca |
| In writing | 1012 Dwight Beach Rd |
