Residents, property owners, businesses and community organizations will have an opportunity later this month to learn about proposed changes to floodplain mapping and environmental policies that could shape future development across Muskoka.
The District Municipality of Muskoka is hosting a public information session on Thursday, July 23, to present proposed updates to the Muskoka Official Plan as part of its Environmental Resiliency review.
The proposed amendments include updated floodplain mapping and planning policies intended to guide future growth while improving public safety and protecting the environment.
District Chair Jeff Lehman said the revisions are designed to reflect current environmental conditions while addressing community feedback received during the Official Plan review process.
“As we plan for Muskoka’s future, it’s important that our policies reflect today’s environmental realities while also responding to the feedback we’ve heard from our communities,” Lehman said in a news release. “The proposed floodplain mapping and environmental resiliency updates will help guide safer, more informed decisions about development in areas affected by flood hazards, while protecting people, property, and the environment. We encourage residents to attend the information session to learn more about the proposed revisions and what they mean for their properties and communities.”
Updated floodplain mapping
A key component of the proposed changes is the introduction of updated floodplain mapping.
Following several significant flooding events and provincial requirements to better identify natural hazards, the District has revised existing floodplain maps and completed new mapping for previously unmapped areas. In total, floodplain mapping has now been completed for 96 lakes and rivers using modern technology and updated watershed data.
According to the District, the revised mapping is intended to create a more consistent approach to waterfront planning across Muskoka.
Officials emphasized that existing homes and cottages located within identified flood hazard areas would generally still be eligible for repairs, rebuilding and renovations, with some modest additions permitted subject to the required approvals.
The District also said it has revised draft policies affecting Lake Muskoka and Georgian Bay after hearing concerns from the public about proposed restrictions. Staff have incorporated additional flexibility for development within flood hazard limits on those large inland lakes while maintaining consistency with the Provincial Planning Statement.
District CAO Julie Stevens said the changes are not intended to prevent owners from maintaining existing properties.
“Most waterfront properties affected by the updated mapping already have some level of development restrictions in place,” Stevens said. “Existing homes and cottages can generally continue to be repaired, rebuilt, renovated, and, in some cases, modestly expanded, subject to applicable approvals.”
The District says the proposed updates are intended to improve public safety, reduce future flood risks, support informed planning decisions and provide better information for property owners, local municipalities and emergency planners.
Public invited
The public information session will be held:
Thursday, July 23, 2026
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Terry Fox Auditorium
Gravenhurst Centennial Centre
101 Centennial Dr., Gravenhurst
Presentations will begin at 6 p.m., followed by information tables where residents can speak directly with District staff.
Residents are encouraged to review the proposed Official Plan updates before attending the session. The District has also made the June 2026 committee report and supporting materials available online as part of the consultation process.
To learn more about the June 2026 Committee report, visit: https://muskoka.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/45110/?preview=45203
To learn more, review the proposed Official Plan updates, and for more details on the information session, visit: www.engagemuskoka.ca/muskoka-official-plan
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