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. 

MUSKOKA LAKES OFFICIAL PLAN UPHELD: MUSKOKA LAKES ASSOCIATION AND

PARTNERS WELCOME OLT DECISION

March 17, 2026 - The Muskoka Lakes Association and partners welcome the Ontario Land

Tribunal's decision to once again rule in favour of our motion to dismiss the appeal of the

Township of Muskoka Lakes Official Plan (TML OP) by a group of developers and dismiss the

appeals in part by two aggregates industry participants.

Said Ken Pearce, MLA President, "This ruling is a victory for everyone who treasures Muskoka's unique environment. It preserves our clean water and natural shorelines by ensuring development is responsible. Our lakes and forests are a precious resource and must be protected."

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.  The appeals would have resulted in the removal of longstanding policies protecting the unique environment of Muskoka, including limits on lot coverage and a 2,000-meter buffer zone from lakes for aggregate pits and quarries.

In its ruling, the Tribunal agreed with the Lake Associations that the developer group did not

state how the TML OP was inconsistent with the Provincial Planning Statement or how it failed

to conform with the District of Muskoka's Official Plan, which was the basis of its appeal.

Appeals of the aggregates policies by Miller Paving and Lippa Quarry were also dismissed in

part for the same reasons. The groups were seeking to overturn an earlier ruling in favour of the MLA and partners in support of the plan.

“The Leonard Lake Stakeholders Association (LLSA) is pleased with the Ontario Land

Tribunal's decision. After an exhaustive public consultation process, the TML OP, which

focuses on the environment and responsible development, will take effect. We would like to

thank the MLA for leading the defence of the TML OP and look forward to our continued

partnership to protect Muskoka.” said Mark Scarrow, President of the Leonard Lake

Stakeholders Association.

                   

Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization Co-President Jeff Crocker said, "The OLT’s decision

reaffirms that the Township's OP was created in an open and fair process. While we're pleased that the developer group’s appeals were dismissed, we're disappointed that the appeals by aggregates industry players Lippa and Miller Paving were only dismissed in part, unlike the original ruling which dismissed them entirely. We're confident that the Township will prevail in its efforts to protect our most precious assets - our lakes, our environment, our water. The SLCO stands ready to support that effort."

The TML OP was passed by the Township of Muskoka Lakes Council in October 2022 and was adopted by the District of Muskoka in November 2023, following an extensive, four-year

consultation process that heard from the public, including lake associations such as the MLA.

The forward-looking plan is grounded in shared values: protecting the environment, supporting responsible development and preserving Muskoka’s unique character.

The MLA and partners will continue to participate in the TML OP next steps, including the

Comprehensive Zoning By-Law update which implements the plan. The 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. They also thank the District of Muskoka for its support, including District Chair Jeff Lehman.

Location 

Map/Coordinates

Press Release