There are four Muskoka Lakes Towns and Townships that govern different areas of the three big lakes. Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph. Although the Building Bylaws are similar in nature, there are significant differences.

The District of Muskoka

This is the uppermost governing body in the region and its offices are located in Bracebridge.

Phone: 705-645-2231

Address: 70 Pine Street, Bracebridge

Website: District of Muskoka website

The Township of Muskoka Lakes

The largest area of the three big lakes is in this Township.

Phone: 705-765-3156

Address: 1 Bailey Street, Port Carling, P0B1J0

Website: Township of Muskoka Lakes Website

The Town of Gravenhurst

The southernmost Town on the Muskoka Lakes system.

Phone: 705-687-3412

Address: 3-5 Pineridge Gate, Gravenhurst, P1P 1Z3

Website: Town of Gravenhurst website

The Town of Bracebridge

Includes a large swath of the eastern part of mid-Lake Muskoka

Phone: 705-645-5264

Address: 1000 Taylor Court, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1R6

Website: Bracebridge Website

Seguin Township

Has jurisdiction over the most northern parts of Lake Rosseau & Lake Joseph.

Phone: 705-732-4300

Address: 5 Humphrey Drive, Seguin

Website: Seguin Township website

There are many similarities between each jurisdictions rules but also some big differences largely in what you are allowed at the shoreline. Never start a building project without checking the bylaws and getting a Building Permit. Don’t forget to get the Final Permit upon completion.

There are several consumer and heritage groups keeping a watch on our community to protect and enhance the Muskoka experience.

These groups are a great source of valuable information and there are plenty of benefits to joining. They support the community and allow their members to pool their resources, address issues of concern and maximize their influence in the political and environmental realm. Plus, you might just make a few friends along the way!

Muskoka Ratepayers Association

Serving the ratepayers in Muskoka, this worthy group keeps a close eye on the actions of our elected officials and provides members regular updates and areas of concern.

Website: http://www.muskokaratepayers.ca/

Muskoka Lakes Association

The Muskoka Lakes Association was formed in 1894 and is Canada’s oldest cottage association.
Website: www.mla.on.ca

Muskoka Conservancy

The Muskoka Conservancy believes in working with the community to create and support a vibrant Muskoka that honours the traditions of the community and protects our natural spaces.

Website: www.muskokaconservancy.org

Safe Boating on the Muskoka Lakes Private Buoy Regulations are for those whose cottages are located in busy boat traffic areas, therefore it is a good idea to set out private buoys to remind boaters of the rules of speed and safe distance from shore.

If you do, be sure you are adhering to the following regulations.

Private Buoy Regulations: Canada Shipping Act

Statutory Orders and Regulations (SOR) 99-335

1. In these Regulations, “private buoy” means a buoy that is not owned by the federal government, a provincial government or a government agency.

2. These Regulations apply to every private buoy other than private buoys used to mark fishing gear.

Keep a Safe Distance

3. No person shall place in any Canadian waters a private buoy that interferes with or is likely to interfere with the navigation of any vessel, or that misleads or is likely to mislead the operator of any vessel.

4. (1) No person shall place a private buoy in any Canadian waters unless:

(a) the part of the buoy that shows above the surface of the water is at least 15.25 cm wide and at least 30.5 cm high;

(b) the buoy displays, on opposite sides, the capital letters “PRIV” that are

(i) as large as is practical for the size of the buoy, and

(ii) white when the background colour is red, green or black;

(iii) black when the background colour is white or yellow;

Buoy Requirements:

(c) the buoy complies with the requirements set out in Canadian Aids to Navigation (TP 968) published by the Canadian Coast Guard in 1995, as amended from time to time;

(d) the buoy displays, in a conspicuous location and in a permanent and legible manner, the name, address and telephone number of its owner;

(e) the buoy is constructed and maintained in a manner and with materials that ensure that it remains in position and retains the characteristics specified in paragraphs (a) to (d); and

(f) the buoy’s anchor is constructed and maintained in a manner and with materials that ensure that it remains in position.

(2) The owner of a private buoy placed in any Canadian waters shall ensure that the information required by paragraph (1)(d) is accurate at all times.

Visibility

5. If there is a need for increased visibility or better identification of a buoy for safety and the prevention of accidents, the Minister of Transport may order the owner of the buoy to modify it according to the requirements set out in the Procedures Manual for Design and Review of Short-range Aids to Navigation Systems (TP 9677), published in March 1989 by the Canadian Coast Guard, as amended from time to time. SOR/2002-19, s. 1; SOR/2010-27, s. 1.

6. (Previous Version) No person shall place in any Canadian waters a private buoy that has a light unless the light remains lit throughout the night and meets the requirements referred to in paragraph 4(1)(c).

Removal of Buoys

7.  The Minister of Transport may remove from any Canadian waters a private buoy that does not comply with these Regulations.

From: Private Buoy Regulations
Statutory Orders and Regulations
SOR/99-335
CANADA SHIPPING ACT, 2001

Abiding by these Safe Boating on the Muskoka Lakes – Private Buoy Regulations regulations will keep you out of trouble. Happy Boating.

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