Noise Control By-law Update

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UPDATE (May 1, 2026) | The updated draft Noise Control By-law will return to Planning Committee for a Public Meeting on Thursday, May 14 at 9:00 a.m. ET. Participate or watch in person or virtually by Zoom. Details in the 'Updates' section below.

Ahead of the Public Meeting, review the updates here:

About the by-law

In 2005, the Township of Muskoka Lakes adopted Noise Control By-law 2005-83. Since then, no major updates have been made and it’s time for a refresh! We’re inviting community members to share their input and help modernize the by-law to better reflect the needs of all who live, work, and visit Muskoka Lakes.

The Noise Control By-law 2005-83 defines and regulates specific types of noise within designated zones, such as residential, waterfront, and rural areas. It includes restrictions on activities like the use of amplified sound between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., and provides exemptions for certain businesses, including tourist entertainment operations.

The by-law is enforced using a point-of-reception approach, where a violation occurs if noise is heard beyond the property line during the established prohibited time as set out in the by-law.

In 2023, Council prioritized a review of the bylaw, to follow the completion of the Short Term Rental Accommodation Licensing By-law.

Other noise concerns

Survey Results

Legal Authority

The operation of airplanes, float planes, and helicopters are noisy, especially on lakes.

Implement noise regulations for the operation, use, practices, and noise related to aircrafts, aerodromes, and airports.

The Township has no authority to create by-laws that regulate the operation, use, practices, and noise that relate to aircrafts, aerodromes, and airports. The Federal Government of Canada has sole jurisdiction of these matters, which are governed by Transport Canada

The following vehicles are too noisy:

  • General traffic on highways
  • Beepers from reversing vehicles
  • Motors on off road vehicles including snowmobiles, ATVs, dirt bikes, and UTVs
  • Motors on boats, sea doo’s, and other pleasure craft
  • Speakers on pleasure craft operating on waterways

Implement noise regulations for moving vehicles including general traffic, delivery vehicles, off road vehicles, all boats and boat speaker systems.

The Township has no authority to create noise regulations for any type of moving motor vehicle. This includes noise from general traffic, delivery vehicles, off road vehicles, and all boats and boat speaker systems. The Federal Government of Canada and Ontario Government have varying authority over these matters.

Farm animals and farm equipment is too loud for adjacent properties.

Implement noise regulations for loud farm animals and farm equipment.

The Township has no authority to create noise regulations for farm animals and farm equipment. These issues are considered normal farm practices, which are protected by the Farming and Food Production Protection Act and governed by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Private sport courts are noisy and too loud for adjacent properties.

Implement requirements for owners of sport courts to install sound reducing barriers.


The Township’s Zoning By-law imposes requirements for the installation of sport courts to reduce impacts to adjacent waterbodies and properties. These requirements include minimum setbacks from property lines and the high water mark, as well as restrictions for sport courts on undersized lots. Implementing additional requirements on sport courts through a Noise Control By-law may have undue impacts on sport court owners, especially for those that have legal non-conforming sport courts. Requirements such as sound reducing barriers could be considered through the site plan control process for new courts.


How to get involved

Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback through the initial survey. We welcome ongoing input throughout the update process and invite you to share your comments by emailing bylaw@muskokalakes.ca or contacting your local Councillor.

UPDATE (May 1, 2026) | The updated draft Noise Control By-law will return to Planning Committee for a Public Meeting on Thursday, May 14 at 9:00 a.m. ET. Participate or watch in person or virtually by Zoom. Details in the 'Updates' section below.

Ahead of the Public Meeting, review the updates here:

About the by-law

In 2005, the Township of Muskoka Lakes adopted Noise Control By-law 2005-83. Since then, no major updates have been made and it’s time for a refresh! We’re inviting community members to share their input and help modernize the by-law to better reflect the needs of all who live, work, and visit Muskoka Lakes.

The Noise Control By-law 2005-83 defines and regulates specific types of noise within designated zones, such as residential, waterfront, and rural areas. It includes restrictions on activities like the use of amplified sound between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., and provides exemptions for certain businesses, including tourist entertainment operations.

The by-law is enforced using a point-of-reception approach, where a violation occurs if noise is heard beyond the property line during the established prohibited time as set out in the by-law.

In 2023, Council prioritized a review of the bylaw, to follow the completion of the Short Term Rental Accommodation Licensing By-law.

Other noise concerns

Survey Results

Legal Authority

The operation of airplanes, float planes, and helicopters are noisy, especially on lakes.

Implement noise regulations for the operation, use, practices, and noise related to aircrafts, aerodromes, and airports.

The Township has no authority to create by-laws that regulate the operation, use, practices, and noise that relate to aircrafts, aerodromes, and airports. The Federal Government of Canada has sole jurisdiction of these matters, which are governed by Transport Canada

The following vehicles are too noisy:

  • General traffic on highways
  • Beepers from reversing vehicles
  • Motors on off road vehicles including snowmobiles, ATVs, dirt bikes, and UTVs
  • Motors on boats, sea doo’s, and other pleasure craft
  • Speakers on pleasure craft operating on waterways

Implement noise regulations for moving vehicles including general traffic, delivery vehicles, off road vehicles, all boats and boat speaker systems.

The Township has no authority to create noise regulations for any type of moving motor vehicle. This includes noise from general traffic, delivery vehicles, off road vehicles, and all boats and boat speaker systems. The Federal Government of Canada and Ontario Government have varying authority over these matters.

Farm animals and farm equipment is too loud for adjacent properties.

Implement noise regulations for loud farm animals and farm equipment.

The Township has no authority to create noise regulations for farm animals and farm equipment. These issues are considered normal farm practices, which are protected by the Farming and Food Production Protection Act and governed by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Private sport courts are noisy and too loud for adjacent properties.

Implement requirements for owners of sport courts to install sound reducing barriers.


The Township’s Zoning By-law imposes requirements for the installation of sport courts to reduce impacts to adjacent waterbodies and properties. These requirements include minimum setbacks from property lines and the high water mark, as well as restrictions for sport courts on undersized lots. Implementing additional requirements on sport courts through a Noise Control By-law may have undue impacts on sport court owners, especially for those that have legal non-conforming sport courts. Requirements such as sound reducing barriers could be considered through the site plan control process for new courts.


How to get involved

Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback through the initial survey. We welcome ongoing input throughout the update process and invite you to share your comments by emailing bylaw@muskokalakes.ca or contacting your local Councillor.

  • Public Meeting: Updated Draft Noise By-law Returning to Planning Committee (May 14)

    Share Public Meeting: Updated Draft Noise By-law Returning to Planning Committee (May 14) on Facebook Share Public Meeting: Updated Draft Noise By-law Returning to Planning Committee (May 14) on Twitter Share Public Meeting: Updated Draft Noise By-law Returning to Planning Committee (May 14) on Linkedin Email Public Meeting: Updated Draft Noise By-law Returning to Planning Committee (May 14) link

    Thank you for continuing to follow and provide feedback on the Township’s Noise Control By-law Update!

    What happened last?

    On March 12, Planning Committee reviewed and discussed the draft Noise By-law for the first time since Township staff gathered initial feedback from the community.

    Following that discussion, staff updated the draft by-law, including an amendment to section 5.3 to extend weekday restrictions on construction-related noise from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.

    What’s next?

    The updated draft Noise Control By-law will return to Planning Committee for a Public Meeting.

    Meeting Details
    Township of Muskoka Lakes Planning Committee Meeting
    Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
    Time: 9:00 a.m. ET
    Location: Township Office, Council Chambers
    Virtual Option: Zoom (see details below)

    This meeting offers another opportunity for the community to review the updated draft by-law, ask questions, and share feedback before the by-law is considered for approval.

    The following documents are available for review:

    How to participate

    You can participate in the upcoming Public Meeting in person or virtually by Zoom.

    Because this is a Public Meeting, you do not need to submit a delegation request or public comment form to speak. Anyone who would like to provide comments will have the opportunity to do so during the meeting.

    Joining by Zoom:

    Thank you for continuing to follow and provide feedback on the Township’s Noise Control By-law Update!

    What happened last?

    On March 12, Planning Committee reviewed and discussed the draft Noise By-law for the first time since Township staff gathered initial feedback from the community.

    Following that discussion, staff updated the draft by-law, including an amendment to section 5.3 to extend weekday restrictions on construction-related noise from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.

    What’s next?

    The updated draft Noise Control By-law will return to Planning Committee for a Public Meeting.

    Meeting Details
    Township of Muskoka Lakes Planning Committee Meeting
    Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
    Time: 9:00 a.m. ET
    Location: Township Office, Council Chambers
    Virtual Option: Zoom (see details below)

    This meeting offers another opportunity for the community to review the updated draft by-law, ask questions, and share feedback before the by-law is considered for approval.

    The following documents are available for review:

    How to participate

    You can participate in the upcoming Public Meeting in person or virtually by Zoom.

    Because this is a Public Meeting, you do not need to submit a delegation request or public comment form to speak. Anyone who would like to provide comments will have the opportunity to do so during the meeting.

    Joining by Zoom:

  • Post-Meeting Updates | Planning Committee (March 12, 2026)

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    At the latest Planning Committee meeting on March 12, Committee reviewed and discussed the draft Noise By-law for the first time since Township staff gathered initial feedback from the community to begin updates. Under the direction of Committee, staff will amend section 5.3 of the draft by-law to extend the weekday restrictions on construction-related noise from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.:

    5.3 No Person shall cause or permit the emission of any Noise, which is clearly audible at a Point of Reception, on the following days and times, resulting from the operation of Vehicles or Equipment in connection with Construction, or other similar commercial or domestic activities:

    5.3.1 Monday 8:00 pm to Tuesday 7:00 am

    5.3.2 Tuesday 8:00 pm to Wednesday 7:00 am

    5.3.3 Wednesday 8:00 pm to Thursday 7:00 am

    5.3.4 Thursday 8:00 pm to Friday 7:00 am

    5.3.5 Friday 8:00 pm to Saturday 9:00 am

    5.3.6 Saturday 8:00 pm to Sunday 9:00 am

    5.3.7 Sunday 8:00 pm to Monday 7:00 am

    The Township will also be connecting with the OPP on a plan to help address disruptive behaviour following large events in Bala.

    A future Public Meeting will provide another opportunity for the community to review the updated draft by-law, ask questions, and share feedback before the by-law is considered for approval. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by following the project page and reviewing the staff report and draft by-law.

    See the latest report here: Staff Report DSES-2026-012, Draft Noise By-law

    At the latest Planning Committee meeting on March 12, Committee reviewed and discussed the draft Noise By-law for the first time since Township staff gathered initial feedback from the community to begin updates. Under the direction of Committee, staff will amend section 5.3 of the draft by-law to extend the weekday restrictions on construction-related noise from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.:

    5.3 No Person shall cause or permit the emission of any Noise, which is clearly audible at a Point of Reception, on the following days and times, resulting from the operation of Vehicles or Equipment in connection with Construction, or other similar commercial or domestic activities:

    5.3.1 Monday 8:00 pm to Tuesday 7:00 am

    5.3.2 Tuesday 8:00 pm to Wednesday 7:00 am

    5.3.3 Wednesday 8:00 pm to Thursday 7:00 am

    5.3.4 Thursday 8:00 pm to Friday 7:00 am

    5.3.5 Friday 8:00 pm to Saturday 9:00 am

    5.3.6 Saturday 8:00 pm to Sunday 9:00 am

    5.3.7 Sunday 8:00 pm to Monday 7:00 am

    The Township will also be connecting with the OPP on a plan to help address disruptive behaviour following large events in Bala.

    A future Public Meeting will provide another opportunity for the community to review the updated draft by-law, ask questions, and share feedback before the by-law is considered for approval. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by following the project page and reviewing the staff report and draft by-law.

    See the latest report here: Staff Report DSES-2026-012, Draft Noise By-law

  • Draft Noise By-law Coming to Planning Committee (March 12)

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    Since late last year, the Township has engaged with residents, visitors, businesses and other key stakeholders in Muskoka Lakes, to better understand what is working well and what is causing concern when it comes to noise. This feedback has helped staff identify areas where the Noise By-law may need updating.

    On Thursday, March 12, Planning Committee will receive and discuss the draft Noise By-law for the first time. The goal of this meeting is to receive Committee feedback and support to circulate the draft Noise By-law to the community at a public meeting for further community feedback. If supported, the draft Noise By-law will move forward to a Public Meeting. At that meeting, members of the community will be able to ask questions, share concerns, and provide feedback directly to Committee and staff.

    To review the staff report, draft Noise By-law, and presentation ahead of the meeting, visit the Township of Muskoka Lakes Government Portal (available end of day on March 6).

    Since late last year, the Township has engaged with residents, visitors, businesses and other key stakeholders in Muskoka Lakes, to better understand what is working well and what is causing concern when it comes to noise. This feedback has helped staff identify areas where the Noise By-law may need updating.

    On Thursday, March 12, Planning Committee will receive and discuss the draft Noise By-law for the first time. The goal of this meeting is to receive Committee feedback and support to circulate the draft Noise By-law to the community at a public meeting for further community feedback. If supported, the draft Noise By-law will move forward to a Public Meeting. At that meeting, members of the community will be able to ask questions, share concerns, and provide feedback directly to Committee and staff.

    To review the staff report, draft Noise By-law, and presentation ahead of the meeting, visit the Township of Muskoka Lakes Government Portal (available end of day on March 6).

  • Let's Stay In Touch

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    Have feedback?

    Connect with our By-law Department at bylaw@muskokalakes.ca OR reach out to your local Councillor at anytime.

    Have feedback?

    Connect with our By-law Department at bylaw@muskokalakes.ca OR reach out to your local Councillor at anytime.

Page last updated: 11 May 2026, 11:13 AM