Council Repeals Roads License Agreement (RLA) Program

Following a period of public consultation and feedback, the Township of Lake of Bays Council repealed the Roads License Agreement (RLA) By-law on February 11, 2025. At the same meeting, Council adopted a new Unassumed Road Improvement By-law focusing on procedures and policies for those who want to build new driveways or access roads on municipal land.

What This Means for Residents

The repeal of the RLA program and the adoption of the Unassumed Road Improvement By-law means:

• Existing driveways and roads on municipal road allowance or township-owned property as well as those previously approved in Plans of Subdivision will no longer require an agreement.
• New driveways or access roads using municipal road allowance or other township-owned property will require an agreement to make improvements under the new terms of the Unassumed Road Improvement Agreement By-law.

Reimbursement

Members of the public who applied under the program for a previously existing road or driveway, can submit a request to the Township for reimbursement of any fees paid to date, including, but not limited to, the application fee, renewal fee(s), and any other expenses paid in compliance with this agreement. Please note that these requests should be accompanied by proof of payment and all requests for reimbursement will be considered by Council prior to any payments being approved. Requests should be addressed to the Clerk and sent either by:

Regular Mail:
1012 Dwight Beach Road,
Dwight, ON P0A 1H0

Email:
CSykes@lakeofbays.on.ca

Road Purchasing Program

With the repeal of the Roads License Agreement (RLA) program, Township staff are also reviewing necessary changes to the Road Purchasing Program. Staff will present a report at an upcoming Council meeting outlining proposed updates to the policy and procedures. To allow sufficient time for this review, a new moratorium specifically for the Road Purchasing Program has been issued for an additional 60 days.

Next Steps

A letter will be sent to those who were originally notified about the need for an agreement, providing updated information regarding the changes. Residents are encouraged to visit Lakeofbays.on.ca/RLA for further information. Township staff are also available to answer questions or receive further feedback at engage@lakeofbays.on.ca.

Relevant Documents

• Report for February 11, 2025 Meeting: Future of the Roads Licence Agreement Program 
• By-law 2025-033 Unassumed Road Improvement Policy

For more information, contact:

engage@lakeofbays.on.ca