Noise Control By-law Update

Share Noise Control By-law Update on Facebook Share Noise Control By-law Update on Twitter Share Noise Control By-law Update on Linkedin Email Noise Control By-law Update link

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.

About the by-law

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.

How to get involved

As we begin the process of reviewing the Noise Control By-law, we’re inviting community members to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Your feedback will help ensure the updated by-law reflects how we enjoy our spaces today.

Here's how you can share your input:

  1. Review the Staff Report DSES-2025-034 and Noise Control By-law 2005-83

  2. Submit your feedback through the survey below by Wednesday, November 5, 2025

    Alternative format: A PDF Print version is saved under 'Documents'. This can be submitted in-person to the Township of Muskoka Lakes municipal office (1 Bailey St, Port Carling).

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.

About the by-law

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.

How to get involved

As we begin the process of reviewing the Noise Control By-law, we’re inviting community members to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Your feedback will help ensure the updated by-law reflects how we enjoy our spaces today.

Here's how you can share your input:

  1. Review the Staff Report DSES-2025-034 and Noise Control By-law 2005-83

  2. Submit your feedback through the survey below by Wednesday, November 5, 2025

    Alternative format: A PDF Print version is saved under 'Documents'. This can be submitted in-person to the Township of Muskoka Lakes municipal office (1 Bailey St, Port Carling).

  • Common Types of Noise Concerns in the Township of Muskoka Lakes

    Share Common Types of Noise Concerns in the Township of Muskoka Lakes on Facebook Share Common Types of Noise Concerns in the Township of Muskoka Lakes on Twitter Share Common Types of Noise Concerns in the Township of Muskoka Lakes on Linkedin Email Common Types of Noise Concerns in the Township of Muskoka Lakes link
    Noise Related Concerns by Topic Description of Limitations of Current Noise Control By-law to Address Concerns
    Sources of noise (construction equipment, conveyances, motor vehicles, etc.) The current by-law has vague definitions and doesn’t cover all sources of noise. Sound regulations pertaining to the discharge of fireworks does not align with the Fireworks By-law.
    Prohibited periods of time for noise sources (construction equipment starting too early on weekends) The current by-law only confines some types of noise to time frames, and time frames have been perceived as both too prohibitive, and not prohibitive enough.
    Noise zones Received delegations for consideration of restructuring established zones, and introducing quiet zones.
    Tourist Entertainment Operations (as defined in the by-law: businesses which provide live or recorded music, and serve alcoholic beverages to the public for consumption) Concerns of current exemptions such as extended hours for music and human noise. May not be consistent with AGCO requirements.
    Animal noise (other than dogs and domestic pets) Received delegations for consideration of noise restrictions on other types of animals, including those within Zoos and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
    Daytime noise Currently there are no restrictions on daytime noise, specifically related to loud human noise and loud music.
    Noise in public spaces Currently there are no restrictions on noise in public spaces such as sidewalks, roads, and for buskers.
    Nuisance noise Currently there are no restrictions on nuisance noises such as amplified sound systems used to deter wildlife and faulty security alarm systems.

    Source: Staff Report DSES-2025-034

Page last updated: 22 Oct 2025, 11:39 AM