The MLA supports the environment first approach in the Muskoka Lakes Official Plan. Our lakes, shorelines and wildlands are a finite resource, and growth and development should be approached carefully. The strong policy found in the plan is needed to protect lake system health, enable watershed planning, and incorporate policies for climate change and sustainable development. 

The purpose of the Township of Muskoka Lakes Official Plan (TML OP) is to establish the goals and objectives for development in the Township, and to set out policies for achieving them. As stated in the plan's introduction, the Plan establishes the framework within which sustainable growth and community improvement can take place.

The Township of Muskoka Lakes passed its Official Plan on October 12, 2022.  The plan was modified and approved by the District of Muskoka on December 6, 2023. 

The TML's OP review began in summer 2019 with public input at each stage through community visioning sessions, workshops, open houses and online surveys. The MLA engaged in the OP review through numerous verbal and written presentations (see below).

The MLA strongly supports the plan and its important environment-first approach, which is critical to protect lake system health, enable watershed planning, and incorporate policies for climate change and sustainable development. 

Ontario Land Tribunal Appeal

Appeals of Township of Muskoka Lakes Official Plan dismissed by Ontario Land Tribunal - MLA motion granted

After approval, the plan was appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal by a small group of developers who challenged over 500 policies, including critical waterfront protections, as well as rules which limit building coverage of lots to 10%, a decades-old cornerstone policy. In addition, two aggregate industry players challenged the long-standing policy requiring new pits and quarries be at least 2,000 meters from lakes.

The Muskoka Lakes Association and partners confirmed the Ontario Land Tribunal decision on July 21, 2025  in favour of the MLA's motion to dismiss all of the appeals in their entirety.

LINK TO PRESS RELEASE (FROM WEBSITE FRONT PAGE - please use corrected press release, no Tribubal in the first line/header and one other change)

LINK TO RULING (FROM WEBSITE FRONT PAGE)

The MLA partnered with the Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization and the Leonard Lake Stakeholders Association to support the Township of Muskoka Lakes and the District of Muskoka in upholding the TML OP.

Said MLA President Ken Pearce, "The Tribunal's decision is a clear win for responsible development and everyone who loves Muskoka's unique environment, clean water and natural shorelines. Our lakes and forests are a finite resource and growth and development should be approached carefully."

In its ruling, the Tribunal found the plan's opponents failed to satisfy statutory requirements and, in one case, expanded the issues under appeal from 150 policies in its notice of appeal to over 500 policies, including all of the environmental and waterfront policies. The Tribunal also found the appellants had a fair opportunity to participate in the original process.

The MLA and partners will continue to participate in the next steps, including the Comprehensive Zoning By-Law update which implements the TML OP. This process is currently underway and members of the public can stay informed by visiting the TML website.

The MLA and partners thank TML’s Council and Mayor Peter Kelley for their leadership in creating and defending the visionary plan which will help ensure Muskoka is preserved and enhanced for the future. We also thank the District of Muskoka for its support, including District Chair Jeff Lehman.

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