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

Since being approved, the plan has been appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal by a small group of developers appealing over 500 policies including critical waterfront protections. This includes an appeal of rules which limit building coverage of lots to 10%, a decades old cornerstone policy.

In addition, aggregate industry players Lippa and Miller Paving are challenging the long-standing policy requiring new pits and quarries be at least 2,000 meters from the lakes.

If successful, these appeals roll back long-standing development policies and environmental safeguards that protect our lakes and water quality.

These appeals threaten the community consensus on the plan, which was achieved through extensive public consultation by many local groups, including the MLA.

The MLA strongly supports our political leaders in their defence of the TML OP and has party status in the OLT's hearings. For more on the status of the appeal, watch NewsBites for updates. You can also search the Ontario Land Tribunal Case Update page.

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