As cottagers and waterfront property owners, we all enjoy a range of activities in Muskoka. That includes listening to live music and taking in the beauty of Muskoka on the patio of a local restaurant. The MLA supports musicians and businesses that play a role in Muskoka's thriving tourist economy and history.

The MLA, representing its 2,200 member families and 3,000 supporters, has been working to ensure that the right balance is struck in new regulations to keep noise from commercial

establishments at a reasonable level that won't negatively impact the surrounding community, for the common good of all those who enjoy Muskoka

in a variety of ways. We believe that in the spirit of good neighbours we can work together to find solutions that allow us all to continue to enjoy the best of Muskoka, however we celebrate it.

Why is this a problem now?

Until recently, liquor licences also regulated noise levels and were generally more restrictive than municipal noise by-laws. However, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has recently stepped back, leaving noise regulation to local municipal by-laws. The MLA's position is that the draft by-law being proposed by the Township of Muskoka Lakes, while strong, would benefit in the future by actions that would address this gap to serve the interests of the entire community.

What does the MLA recommend?

We believe there should be a balance between the interests of the business community that operates these venues and property owners within hearing range.  We are concerned that the draft by-law does not achieve this balance by allowing noise to rise to a ‘nuisance’ level, which is a level that substantially and unreasonably interferes with a person’s right to peace and comfort, before a complaint can be filed. We raised these concerns in our recent letter, sent to Council.

We asked that Council consider our concerns, however we did not ask for outdoor music to be banned entirely. It's unfortunate that our letter has been misinterpreted as the MLA seeking a ban on outdoor music. What we support is ensuring that permitted outdoor music does not disturb and/or interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life in Muskoka.