Official Plan

Official Plan Review

Media Release: Township Continues Official Plan Review and Public Engagement

The Township of Lake of Bays is undertaking a review and update of its Official Plan. Municipalities review their Official Plans on a regular basis to ensure they remain up-to-date, reflect current provincial policy, and represent the long-term vision of the municipality.

Since the current Official Plan was adopted, there have been a range of initiatives, investments, and projects to contribute to the growth, quality of life, and vibrancy of our community. The new Official Plan is meant to build on the goals, objectives, and policies of the current Official Plan, while also adapting to the changing needs of the Lake of Bays community.

2016 Official Plan

Information Session

What is an Official Plan?

An Official Plan describes the Township’s policies on how land in your community should be used and is prepared with input from your community to ensure it meets your specific needs. An Official Plan deals with land use planning issues such as:

When, where, and in what order growth will occur

Services needed to accommodate future growth

Community improvement initiatives

Location of new housing, shops, industry and offices

The Process

Project timeline: Currently at phase 2. Background Research

The intent of this update is to review the existing planning framework to reflect new policy direction with recent changes to provincial legislation and align with the updated District of Muskoka Official Plan.

Phase 1 - Project Initiation (Spring/Summer 2024)

Notice of Project Commencement – project initiation presentation at July 30th Council (Planning Matters) meeting
Presentation of project overview to Council and general public

Phase 2 - Background Research (Fall/Winter 2024)

Review of background reports, studies, plans to inform the new Official Plan
Preparation and presentation of a series of discussion papers consolidating the findings of background research:

Initial public engagement activities – public information session, stakeholder focus groups, Council presentation

Phase 3 - Proposed Policy Direction (Winter/Spring 2025)

Preparation and presentation of recommended directions for new Official Plan for Council’s consideration and direction

Phase 4 - Draft Official Plan (Spring/Summer 2025)

Preparation and presentation of draft Official Plan
Ongoing public engagement activities – public open house
Circulation of Draft Official Plan to the public, agencies, and stakeholders

Phase 5 - Final Official Plan (Summer/Fall 2025)

Incorporation of public, agency, and stakeholder feedback into draft Official Plan
Presentation of final draft Official Plan for Council’s consideration of adoption
Final public engagement activities – public meeting
Approval of adopted Official Plan by District of Muskoka

Opportunities for Public Engagement

Stakeholder Focus Groups

Three stakeholder focus groups will be held in the first quarter of 2025. Direct invitations will be sent to members of the development community, community groups, District and Township staff, and the Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table (MAILT).

Public Information Session

The Township is hosting a public information session to share details about the project and provide an overview of the background research that will shape the new Official Plan.

Date: January 29, 2025
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Location: Online via Zoom

Registration:

Please register for the webinar to reserve your spot.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the webinar.

Council Presentation: Discussion Papers

Following the Public Information Session, the Township and its consultant, J.L. Richards & Associates, will present to Council on the results of the preliminary background research and key themes emerging from feedback gathered to date. Members of the public are invited to attend to view the presentation.

Date: February 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM (Eastern Time)
Location: In-person or via Zoom

Township of Lake of Bays Council Chambers
1012 Dwight Beach Rd, Dwight, ON

Council Presentation: Policy Directions Report

The project team will present specific recommendations as to the content and format for the new Official Plan, based on the feedback received from the public and key stakeholders, as well as the findings from background research. Members of the public will be invited to attend the regularly scheduled meeting of Council (Planning Matters) to view the presentation.

Public Open House

The Township will host a public open house to seek input from members of the public on the draft Official Plan. The open house will consist of a short presentation outlining the content and format of the new Official Plan followed by a question and answer and commenting period.

Public Meeting

The Township will host a public meeting to present the final draft Official Plan for Council’s consideration and for Council to formally receive any written or oral comments from members of the public. Based on the input at the meeting, Council may choose to formally adopt the new Official Plan, or defer adoption to a subsequent meeting based upon a request for additional information.

Subscribe to Mailing List

If you wish to receive notification of future public engagement events and other matters related to the Official Plan Review, please send an email to the Director of Planning Services, April Best-Sararas, requesting to be added to the project mailing list.

Add Me to the Mailing List

Timeline

🟢 Phase 1 - Project Initiation
^{Spring/Summer 2024}

🔵 Phase 2 - Background Research
^{Fall/Winter 2024}

⚫ Phase 3 - Proposed Policy Direction
^{Winter/Spring 2025}

⚫ Phase 4 - Draft Official Plan
^{Spring/Summer 2025}

⚫ Phase 5 - Final Official Plan
^{Summer/Fall 2025}

Resources

Electronic copies of reports and presentations completed as part of the preparation of the new Official Plan.

On this Page

What is an Official Plan?

The Process

Opportunities for Public Engagement

Timeline

Resources

Discussion Papers