Top Five Things You Should Know
Some, but not all, of the changes that we think will affect many property owners in the Township
Revised Official Plan Available for Public Review
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.
📃 Final Official Plan
The Final Official Plan is now available for public review and input. We invite you to take a look at the included Top Five Things You Should Know About the New Official Plan section. Share your comments, and join us at one of the upcoming public meetings at Council.
🔴 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.
-
Services needed to accommodate future growth
-
Community improvement initiatives
-
Location of housing, shops, industry and offices
-
When, where, and in what order growth will occur
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.
✉️ Subscribe
🗨️ Leave a Comment
🗓️ Engagement Events
-
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
Recording and Presentation Slides Now AvailablePast Event
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.
-
Open House Dwight
Past Event
Wednesday August 13, 2025 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.The 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.
-
Open House Baysville
Past Event
Saturday August 16, 2025 1:00 p.m - 4:00 p.mThe 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.
-
Council Presentation: Draft Official Plan
Past EventRecording Now AvailableAugust 25, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. (ET)
Following the Public Open Houses, a presentation will be made to Council at a Special Council (Planning Matters) meeting. This will provide an opportunity for both the public and Council to offer comments on the proposed Draft Official Plan.
-
Public Meeting
Learn moreApril 28, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. (ET)
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.
-
Public Meeting
To Be DeterminedBased upon the request for additional information at the previous Public Meeting, the Township will host a subsequent public meeting to present the final draft Official Plan for Council to formally adopt the new Official Plan.
