Lake of Bays Council Approves New Clean Yards, Property Standards and Sewage Inspection By-laws

The new by-laws are expected to bring more clarity for property owners

Lake of Bays Council approved new Clean Yards, Property Standards and Sewage Inspection By-laws, April 14, 2026, meeting.

The decision came after staff were directed to follow up about concerns raised in last month's meeting.

The staff presentation raised questions from both Council members and the public, particularly around clarity, composting, and how regulations would apply across urban and rural properties. Residents had submitted letters seeking clarification, while Council noted the need for more objective language and modernized standards that reflect current environmental practices.

In response, staff returned today with a revised approach that separates and updates three key areas: a new Clean Yards By-law, a new Property Standards By-law, and a Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program Policy.

According to the staff report, the Clean Yards By-law establishes updated standards for maintaining private property in a clean, safe, and orderly condition. It addresses issues such as garbage, refuse, inoperative vehicles, and other outdoor nuisances that may impact public health, safety, and the environment. By separating these provisions from structural property standards, the Township aims to improve clarity and streamline enforcement.

The new Property Standards By-law focuses exclusively on building-related requirements, including structural integrity, interior health and safety, and occupancy standards. Removing yard-related provisions from this by-law is intended to reduce overlap and confusion, making expectations clearer for both property owners and enforcement staff.

Council also approved a new Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program Policy, which outlines inspection requirements, roles and responsibilities, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code. The program is expected to begin in summer 2026 and will be supported by an additional Building Official position already approved within the current budget.

Staff explained that the initial focus will be on older systems that are medium to high hazard, between 15 and 30 years old, and that are on or in view of lakes and rivers.

They added that a third-party inspection will be conducted, including flow tests.  Property owners will be responsible for having them dug up as necessary. The Township will use their own inspectors; however, the property owner can use other “list approved qualified inspectors.”

Councillors expressed the importance of communicating with the public regardless of whether an inspection requires ongoing steps.

Mayor, Terry Glover, advised that it may be a good idea to create a pamphlet with information about maintaining septic systems.

Staff also reported that these changes are to enhance enforcement consistency, improve environmental protection, and provide clearer guidance to residents. While enforcement will continue to be complaint-driven, updated definitions, offence provisions, and potential penalties aim to support more effective compliance.

The report adds that the updated by-laws and new policy represent a more structured and transparent framework, reflecting both Council direction and community feedback received over the past month.

Councillor, Rober Lacroix. expressed concerns about mentions in the maintenance standards by-law about “uniform colour” requirements, which staff indicated was primarily a graffiti related issue.

Councillor, Nancy Tapley, said, “Then say graffiti because people may want different colours.”

Residents maintaining Township boulevards was another issue raised by Lacroix, who said, “I don’t understand how we can tell people to keep boulevards clean when we own the property.” He inquired about how it can be enforced when the property is owned by the Township.

Staff advised that they “have the power to request or deal with that…through the by-law and Municipal Act.” They added that situations arising are rare and usually resolved with discussions with property owners.

Other concerns raised included enforcing people to remove the snow from their roof, and the ability to approach residential “occupants” (rather than property owners) about property standards.

Staff advised that they deal with snow issues upon being called about situations such as where it isn’t being removed from a roof. They added they will pursue occupants in situations where the owner is not responsible for repair situations, such as where it’s indicated in a lease agreement.