Noise Control By-law Update
UPDATE (MAR 6, 2026) | Planning Committee directed staff to prepare a revised draft Noise By-law based on recommendations presented by the Chief By-law Enforcement Officer (see Staff Report DSES-2025-051). The revised draft is now being brought to Planning Committee on March 12, 2026 for further review and discussion. Following this, a public meeting will be held to gather community feedback before the by-law is finalized.
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:
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.
Who's Listening
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Phone 705-765-3156 x280 Email bylaw@muskokalakes.ca
