LOBA Updates, Fire Rating HIGH, and more ....

NewsFlash

August 22, 2025

LOBA Comments on Draft Township Official Plan

LOBA has been actively participating in the Township of Lake of Bays’ Official Plan review process. In consultation sessions early in 2025, we advocated for a balanced approach to development that protects the natural shoreline. In response to an initial report from the Township's consultants in March, LOBA was pleased to see emphasis on issues of importance to LOBA's members and submitted this letter.

In a May 2025 letter, LOBA commented on the Official Plan Policy Directions Report highlighting:

The importance to consider both new development and redevelopment that involves the retention and enlargement of existing structures equally when it comes to retention of vegetation, avoidance of tree removal, construction of accessory structures, roads and driveways and other manmade features.
Our concerns about the proposal to introduce smaller lot areas for waterfront backlot development to 1 ha (2.5 ac).

Representatives from LOBA's Planning, Development & Government Relations team attended both Official Plan Open Houses last week and have submitted comments on the draft Official Plan. The draft plan and comments will be presented at a Special Council (Planning Matters) meeting on Monday August 25 - click here for the agenda and report.

Read LOBA's submission about the draft Official Plan>

You can keep up to date on the Official Plan Review at the township's Engage Lake of Bays site.

LOBA will continue to participate in the Township Official Plan consultations. Any input from members is gratefully received at i nfo@loba.ca.

LOBA Water Quality Samplers

on the Lake Tomorrow

LOBA's team of water quality samplers will be on the lake tomorrow, Saturday August 23, collecting samples for the final time this summer. If you see one, give them a big wave of thanks for their commitment and hard work!

You can see Water Quality reports going back to 2001 and up to last year here.

photo: Stephan von Buttlar filtering a sample

Safety Warning

The navigation light on Seagull Rock (north of Point Ideal, opposite Green Point and Long Point Roads) is intermittently out.

After a member alerted us, LOBA reported the outage to the Coast Guard and they have issued a NAVWARN. The Coast Guard informed us that this Navigational Aid is scheduled for full replacement and until that happens, a temporary red spar buoy with a lantern operating at night and reflective tape will be installed.

Muskoka Fire Danger Rating
Lowered to HIGH

The Muskoka Fire Danger Rating has been reduced to HIGH following recent rainfall across the region. While conditions have improved, the risk of wildfire remains elevated, and residents are reminded to use caution.

Extreme caution must be taken with all open flames. Small fires are permitted in most rural areas of Muskoka keeping in mind that NO DAYTIME BURNING (8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.) is allowed. You must have adequate tools and water to extinguish the fire if the need arises and you must be with your fire at all times. Consult with your local By-Law Department for outdoor burning regulations in your municipality.

Read the Township of Lake of Bays Outdoor Burning By-law>

From the Township of Lake of Bays:

Splash Pad Update - Township adds enhancements to water management after feedback from community.

More information>

Township of Lake of Bays and Town of Huntsville to Establish Independent Fire Departments - This decision reflects an understanding that the two communities are diverging in their fire service needs, and initiates an 18-month transition period during which time both municipalities will prepare to operate independent fire departments tailored to their community.

More information>

District and Lake of Bays to Partner on Improvements to Muskoka Road 117 in Baysville - the first Muskoka Main Streets project.

More information>

From the District of Muskoka

Tackling the Housing Crisis - Muskoka chair says head lease program could help create affordable homes.