Survey Highlights Growing Concerns on Muskoka-area Lakes

The Safe Wakes Coalition reports that people are concerned about enhanced wakes and safety on the water

A recent survey presented to Lake of Bays Council highlighted growing concerns on Muskoka-area lakes, in the July 14th meeting.

The Safe Wakes Coalition presented findings from its 2025 Lake Experience Survey including concerns about lake safety, enhanced wakes, noise and shoreline impacts while outlining science-based recommendations aimed at improving the boating experience.

The coalition said the survey drew more than 7,100 responses from lake users across Muskoka, Georgian Bay and Haliburton, making it one of Canada's largest inland boating and lake experience surveys. Similar surveys were also conducted in 2013, 2017 and 2021.

Survey findings indicate respondents believe lakes are becoming busier and noisier, with traffic and noise increasing since 2013. While overall perceptions of lake quality and safety dipped in 2021 before recovering, the coalition said the overall lake experience continues to deteriorate.

Top concerns identified by respondents included personal watercraft and powerboats not following boating rules, excessive speed, dangerous wakes, unwanted noise and safety risks for swimmers, paddlers and people using docks.

The survey also found broad agreement among lake users that protecting lakes is a shared responsibility. According to the presentation, 92 per cent agreed people have a responsibility to preserve lakes in their natural state, 88 per cent said motorboat operators have greater responsibility to ensure the safe coexistence of different lake activities, and 85 per cent said they value hearing natural sounds while on the water.

Enhanced wakes were identified as an emerging issue, with respondents expressing concerns about shoreline erosion, damage to docks, impacts on loon and waterfowl nests, and safety for canoeists, kayakers and other lake users.

The coalition's recommendations include keeping wake-enhanced activities at least 250 metres from shorelines, docks and structures, operating in water at least nine metres (30 feet) deep, and ensuring sufficient open water.

The coalition said its work focuses on public education, research, advocacy and partnerships with municipalities, lake associations, the OPP and boating organizations to promote safe, responsible boating and practical, evidence-based solutions.

Council members discussed the issue of sediment disturbance and increases caused by wakes, and whether it contributes to algae blooms, thus impacting lake health, and potential efforts towards increasing regulations.

Coalition representatives, Rob Bosomworth, advised them that they can apply to the Federal government’s Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR) application process to establish restrictions on specific bodies of water.

Council members also discussed the possibility of collaborating with local lake associations to gather information and studies, however, indicated that enforcement would remain an issue, especially given limited funding to get OPP out on the water.

Mayor Terry Glover expressed that they’ve already been advocating to get the OPP on the lakes. He added, “That’s where some effort has to be put in.”