Bracebridge approves review of shore road allowances in north Muskoka canyon area

The review focuses on environmental protection and preventing unauthorized waterfront development

Bracebridge General Committee approved a review of shore road allowances in north Muskoka canyon area, in the June 2, 2026, meeting.

According to the staff report, the project was approved for inclusion in development of the Mayor's 2027 Budget and Business Plan aimed at reviewing the natural heritage site and the retention of Original Shore Road Allowances (OSRAs).

The review will include an evaluation of public ownership as a regulatory tool to strengthen shoreline protection, mitigate environmental degradation and prevent unauthorized waterfront development.

The report notes that the 2027 budgetary impact remains to be determined, with the project expected to be completed by the third quarter.

The project was brought forward by Councillor, Don Smith, and is linked to the Town's environmental stewardship priorities under Bracebridge's Strategic Plan.

Committee members discussed the potential to include a broader area in the review, rather than “just a small piece of it,” and complaints regarding alterations of municipal shoreline road allowances.

Councillor, Barb McMurray, indicated that she received complaints from residents about people not owning shoreline allowances that “opted to cut down the trees and build docks” and that those responsible should be required to re-tree the area and make necessary improvements for wildlife at the riverbank.

Staff advised, “We don’t go out and police shared allowances,” and it would involve more costs and “better tools in the planning processes” rather than creating and engaging in enforcement processes that could involve legal action.

Councillor, Debbie Vernon, concurred with McMurray and expressed that she was “curious” and would take a paddle in that section of river where there is talk about a commercial property “that has done substantial clearing of trees set up a campground,” resulting in residents noticing an increase in sand and silt.

She added that a more thorough review “would give the Town some teeth” regarding the damage to Town property.

Staff advised that as the project rolls out, they can engage an environmental expert to evaluate the designated area which they can use to “engage in a larger review of what are your best measures to protect this area consistently with the designation.”

They also discussed that the Town has a variety of tools in place if a property is privately rather than municipally owned, which creates challenges with enforcement because they must determine who did the alteration “and other mechanisms not as specifically defined as would be in a site plan arrangement.”

Smith indicated, “It would be valuable to have that information.” He added that it’s only one of many examples, “so what we do here will inform other areas we have concerns with in the Town.”

He continued, “We need to do what we can,” as other municipalities are. “There are so many different pieces. This is something we can do in Bracebridge right now to look at this aspect… It doesn’t just inform one area. There are a number of areas, and it may inform what happens in other areas in the District. We need to move on something we can move on.”

Staff advised that they would include resources needed for the recommendations and Council can make decisions about them moving forward.

Further details and analysis expected to be brought forward as the review proceeds.