Lake of Bays delays decision on property standards and maintenance by-law

The new by-law would combine, property standards, clean yards and sewage inspections

Lake of Bays Council delays decision about the Building and By-law Services property maintenance proposal, in the March 10, 2026, meeting.

The staff proposal included a combined Clean Yards By-law, updated Property Standards By-law, and a new Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program policy.

They reported that the recommendation is for modernizing the Township's property-related regulations by separating yard maintenance requirements from structural property standards and combining these provisions within a single by-law.

Under the proposal, the Township would introduce a new stand-alone Clean Yards By-law aimed at maintaining private properties in a clean, safe, and orderly condition. The by-law would address issues such as the accumulation of garbage, refuse, domestic or industrial waste, inoperative vehicles, and other nuisances that could affect public health, safety, and the natural environment.

Staff are also recommending the adoption of a revised Property Standards By-law. The updated by-law would remove outdoor yard-related provisions, such as compost and leaves, which would instead fall under the Clean Yards By-law.

The third component of the report proposes a Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program policy, which would outline the responsibilities of property owners, the Township, and qualified third-party inspectors. It would establish an inspection process, hazard designation criteria, and an enforcement framework to ensure sewage/septic systems are properly maintained and comply with the Ontario Building Code.

According to staff, the introduction of the sewage inspection program supports broader efforts to protect public health, the environment, and long-term watershed sustainability. A similar program previously existed but could not be maintained due to limited staffing resources.

With the approval of an additional Building Inspector position in the Township's 2026 budget, staff say the municipality is now better positioned to reinstate and modernize the program, with implementation anticipated to begin in the summer of 2026.

The recommendation has created confusion for property owners and Council.

Community members have sent in letters with questions seeking clarification about various items in the proposal, and Council members expressed confusion and concerns about items like compost, such as only 1 square meter being allowed and location restrictions, and urban versus rural differences.