The District of Muskoka will be installing three new pedestrian crossings in the Township of Muskoka Lakes to make its roads safer and more accessible for all.  

About the Pedestrian Crossing in Port Carling 

A pedestrian crossing with overhead signs and bright flashing lights will be installed at Muskoka Road 118 (Frank Miller Memorial Route) near Stephen Road in Port Carling. Construction is scheduled to start as early as June and the pedestrian crossing is anticipated to be working by late summer. 

About the Pedestrian Crossings in Bala 

A pedestrian crossing with a traffic signal will be installed at Gordon Street at Muskoka Road 169 (Frank Miller Memorial Route) and Portage Street at Muskoka Road 169 (Frank Miller Memorial Route) in Bala. Construction is scheduled to start as early as June and the pedestrian crossings are anticipated to be working by early fall.  

Work for both pedestrian crossings in Bala is anticipated to occur in two phases to minimize community impacts: 

• Initial excavation and installation of physical infrastructure is scheduled for June and will be complete this summer.  
• By the end of phase one, physical infrastructure will be installed. Signals will not be activated until control equipment is installed under phase two. 
• Phase two will take place in late summer/early fall depending on controller availability. At the end of this phase, the signal will be activated and available to the community. Minimal traffic disruptions are expected during this phase. 

“Pedestrian crossings enhance walkability and the public realm as communities grow,” said James Steele, Commissioner of Public Works. “Crossings offer added comfort to pedestrians and vulnerable road users to cross key roadways, while maintaining efficient traffic flow on District Roads.” 

What the Community Needs to Know 

• Traffic Impacts: To maintain safety during construction, there may be times whena lane istemporarily closed, and traffic will move through the area one direction at a time. Signs will be posted to guide drivers and pedestrians safely through the work zone. Municipal511 will be updated to help keep Google Maps and Waze current.  
• Scheduling: Due to the short construction season in Muskoka, work will take place during the summer and drivers may experience delays. All reasonable efforts are being made to reduce impacts. 
• As with all road construction projects, delays may occur due to unforeseen conditions. The District will provide advance notice where possible.  
• Stay Informed: Residents are encouraged to visit www.muskoka.on.ca/roads for project updates.  
• Learn more: Visit www.muskoka.on.ca/en/roads-and-transportation/signs-and-signals.aspx to learn about pedestrian crossings, how to use them and how the District identifies suitable locations.  

The District recognizes construction can be disruptive for residents, motorists, and businesses, and thanks the community for their patience during this important project. 

The post Get Ready For Three New Pedestrian Crossings In The Township Of Muskoka Lakes appeared first on Muskoka411.

Upon arrival, firefighters located a fully involved boathouse fire. The homeowners were not present during the incident.

Marine units from Walker’s Point and Milford Bay Fire Departments battled the blaze from the water, while pumping apparatus from Port Carling and Windermere crews conducted suppression operations from land.

Firefighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading to the nearby cottage and neighbouring properties. There were no reported injuries.

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On Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 10:00 p.m., a Bracebridge OPP officer was conducting general patrols on Muskoka Road 118 near Scarcliffe Rd in Muskoka Lakes Township and became concerned about the driving behaviour of a westbound vehicle. The officer conducted a traffic stop and subsequently arrested and charged 45-year-old Michael Jennings of Muskoka Lakes Township, ON with Impaired Operation and Over 80.

He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on June 16, 2026 to answer to his charges.

In Ontario, when a driver is charged with impaired driving they are subject to an immediate 90 day drivers license suspension and their vehicle impounded. If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1. Police will make every effort to locate the involved vehicle and conduct an investigation, many times, these investigations result in charges and removing impaired drivers from Muskoka roads.

For more information on impaired driving, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.

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On Saturday May 2, 2026 at 4:25 p.m., Bracebridge OPP officers, along with Muskoka Lakes Fire Department, responded to a concern from a member of the public about the well-being of another driver who was stopped at a stop sign on Rosseau Lake Road 2 at Highway 141 in Muskoka Lakes Township.

The driver fled the area prior to police arrival and was located a short time later. Police have charged 40-year-old Mathew Willaims of Rosseau, ON with Impaired Operation and Careless Storage of a firearm, prohibited device or ammunition X 2.

He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice on June 16, 2026 to answer to his charges.

If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle of any kind while impaired, please call 9-1-1. Police will make every effort to locate the involved vehicle and conduct an investigation, many times, these investigations result in charges and removing impaired drivers from Muskoka roads.

For more information on impaired driving, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving.

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At approximately 8:00 a.m., members of the Bracebridge OPP Detachment, Emergency Response Team (ERT), Crisis Negotiators, and Canine Unit responded to a disturbance at a residence. A significant police presence was required to ensure the safety of everyone involved. The situation was safely resolved, and there is no threat to public safety.

Police tell Muskoka411 one male was taken into custody at the scene.

The OPP is thanking members of the community for their patience and cooperation during the response.

The post One Person Taken Into Custody In Port Carling After Disturbance At A Residence appeared first on Muskoka411.

During the winter of 2025/2026, the Muskoka CSCU conducted an investigation into suspected drug trafficking activity occurring throughout the District of Muskoka. On March 25, 2026, with support from Bracebridge OPP officers and the OPP K-9 unit, Muskoka CSCU executed a search warrant at an address on Southwood Road in Gravenhurst and arrested and charged 41-year-old Whitney Wilson of Muskoka Lakes Township with the following:

• Possession of schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – 5 counts
• Possession of property obtained by crime
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime

The accused will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge for a bail hearing on March 27, 2026 to answer to her charges.

The post Muskoka Lakes Resident Faces Several Drug Trafficking Charges appeared first on Muskoka411.

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.

The post Muskoka Lakes Official Plan Upheld: Muskoka Lakes Association And Partners Welcome Ontario Land Tribunal’s Decision appeared first on Muskoka411.

“This funding highlights our government’s commitment to fire protection for our communities,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “By investing in cancer prevention initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and enhancing emergency response through the Fire Prevention Grant, we are protecting our firefighters so they can continue to keep families safe.”

Funding received through the Fire Protection Grant will help support vital equipment and upgrades for the fire departments in the following communities, including: 

Bracebridge – $32,890

• Contributions to the personal protective equipment exchange program for particulate hoods and gear, to enhance firefighter safety through cancer prevention measures. Eight sets of bunker gear, and firefighter personal decontamination supplies were also purchased.

Georgian Bay – $52,821

• Investments in cancer prevention, including a quantitative fit-testing machine to ensure every firefighter’s Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and N95 mask fits properly, individually assigned SCBA facepieces to reduce cross-contamination, and specialized equipment to thoroughly clean fire hoses after incidents.

Gravenhurst – $51,528

•      Improved access to appropriate personal protective equipment, including flash hoods, boots, bunker gear, gloves and helmets.

Huntsville – $30,320

•  The addition of spare turnout gear and a new extractor to wash dirty equipment. This machine now cleans four suits at a time instead of one, helping to maintain service levels and support operational efficiency.

Lake of Bays – $52,821

•  The addition of three fire service washer extractors, one for each station, to improve gear cleaning after calls and reduce firefighter exposure to contaminants and cancer-causing substances. Seven upgraded sets of firefighting suits will also be purchased to enhance outer protection.

Muskoka Lakes – $164,400

•  Funding will support the purchase of two specialized gear-cleaning extractors to improve routine washing of protective clothing, 28 additional sets of bunker gear so firefighters have a second clean set available, and five nozzles designed to help safely cool lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles during fires.

Together, the Muskoka Area Fire Chiefs remain committed to strong regional collaboration to ensure consistent, high-quality fire protection services across the District. Through regular coordination, shared training initiatives, automatic and mutual aid agreements, and joint emergency planning, the six municipalities work together to strengthen operational readiness and support one another during major incidents. This cooperative approach enhances firefighter safety, improves response capabilities, and ensures residents across Muskoka receive seamless service when it matters most.

Quotes

“Our local firefighters are responding to a larger volume of incidents every year. Less time between calls means less time available to adequately clean their gear to remove the contaminants and carcinogens they encounter when fighting fires. Firefighters play a tremendous role in keeping our community safe, and it’s important they have access to proper, clean gear so they can be protected.”

– Gary Monahan, Fire Chief, Huntsville/Lake of Bays

“This investment directly supports the health and safety of our firefighters as they respond to more calls, more frequently. Ensuring they have modern, properly maintained protective equipment is essential not only for cancer prevention, but for maintaining operational readiness in a growing community.”

– Kevin Plested, Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief, Town of Bracebridge

The post Ontario Investing In The Safety Of Muskoka’s Firefighters appeared first on Muskoka411.

 The Township of Muskoka Lakes (“Township”) is inviting residents, businesses, and community organizations to help shape the municipality’s economic priorities for the next five years, from 2026 to 2030, through an update to its Economic Development Strategy.

Community input will help inform a strategy that responds to changing economic conditions, including workforce challenges, business sustainability, and long-term growth pressures.

“This is an opportunity to hear directly from the people who live, work and do business in Muskoka Lakes,” said James Cox, Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives Officer. “Community input will help guide how we support a resilient, sustainable and year-round local economy.”

The update will build on the Township’s previous Economic Development Strategy, focused on strengthening local infrastructure, supporting businesses and community organizations, and fostering collaboration across Muskoka Lakes.

How to Get Involved

In collaboration with KLB Consulting, the Township is seeking feedback through surveys and facilitated in-person information sessions designed for two groups: business owners and community organizations, and residents of Muskoka Lakes. Engagement materials have been tailored for each group, and participants may take part in one or both options.

Surveys

Two surveys have been developed to gather input, available online or in print. The deadline to complete a survey is February 20, 2026.

Business Owners and Community Organizations
Online Survey: Have Your Say: Muskoka Lakes Economic Development (Business) Survey

Residents
Online Survey: Have Your Say: Muskoka Lakes Economic Development (Public) Survey

Print-ready versions of both surveys can be found on the Engage Muskoka Lakes project page and in print at the Township Office (1 Bailey St., Port Carling, ON). Completed surveys may be submitted in person at the Township Office and addressed to the Economic Development Department.

Information & Engagement Sessions (in-person)

The information and engagement sessions will include a brief presentation and open discussion regarding economic development in Muskoka Lakes. No registration is required.

For business owners and members of community organizations, two sessions are available. Participants are asked to attend one session only, as both will cover the same content.

Session #1

Date: Thursday, February 19

Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Port Carling Community Centre (3 Bailey St., Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0)

Session #2

Date: Friday, February 20

Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Location: Bala Community Centre (1008 Maple Ave. Bala, ON L0K 1E0)

For residents, one session will be held.

Date: Thursday, February 19

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Port Carling Community Centre (3 Bailey St., Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0)

More Information

Feedback collected through the surveys and engagement sessions will be reviewed and used to inform the development of a draft Economic Development Strategy. The draft strategy is expected to be presented to Township Council in late spring or early summer of this year.

For additional information about the Economic Development Strategy update and to access engagement materials, visit: Economic Development Strategy (2026 – 2030) | Engage Muskoka Lakes

For more information regarding this project, please contact:

James Cox
Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives Officer
(705) 765-3156 x279
james.cox@muskokalakes.ca

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