Rate increases in the works for Bracebridge's new Fees and Charges By-law

The new fees kick in, in 2026

Bracebridge General Committee approved recommended rate increases for the Town’s 2026-2027 Fees and Charges By-law, in the July 2, 2025, meeting.

According to the staff report, some of the changes to the By-law include incremental increases to administration fees based on costs, staff time and comparator rates; a 3% increase to cemetery fees, plus new fees will be added for children under 15; and “increases to the fees for additions to the tax roll, returned payments, arrears notices and tax certificates for 2026 and 2027.”

Planning and Development rates will see increases to be consistent with annual rising costs, plus a new base fee for Routine Disclosure Searches/Document Prep, and a new pre-consultation fee for Radio/Telecommunications towers.

Public Works administration processing for entrance permits will increase to $450 ($150 for the permit and a $300 deposit that will be returned upon inspection).

The Fire Department will implement a property inspection fee, a new response-related fee for extraordinary emergency costs, hydro wire services, natural gas responses, fire extinguisher staff training, the Fire Safety Plan and Risk Management Plan Review, and for standby services for special events.

The Recreation Department will add a 3% monthly compounded late fee for programs, facility bookings and other service charges that are 60 days past due.

The Director of Recreation has also been authorized to use discretion for waiving some or all of accumulated fees in payment negotiations.

The report indicates that the changes in rates have been reviewed against comparator municipalities, including the District of Muskoka, Huntsville, Gravenhurst, Muskoka Lakes, Collingwood, Midland, Orillia and Wasaga Beach.

It adds that where the Town can’t compare fees to other municipalities, “the Town is doing an effective job at separating user-based services from the levy so that the associated costs are borne by the beneficiaries of the services, and not the general taxpayer.”

The Town’s increases will take effect beginning 2026, with additional increases continuing into 2027.

Staff will prepare a new By-law which will take effect on January 1^st of 2026 and 2027.

The Fees and Charges By-law will also be considered in the Mayor’s 2026-2027 Municipal Budget and Business Plans.