Plan Muskoka

Call Directions Website Contact the business

Plan Muskoka Plan Muskoka provides professional planning services for Muskoka, Algonquin Highlands, Parry Sound,

Plan Muskoka provides professional planning services for Muskoka, Algonquin Highlands, Parry Sound, Haliburton, and surrounding areas. We offer a wide range of professional consulting for all types of Planning Act approvals for land development purposes, including services for residential, commercial, and industrial land uses, waterfront residential and resort development, aggregate resource licence approvals, and renewable energy zoning certificates. Plan Muskoka offers a unique mix of planning consulting and design services including site design, conceptual subdivision design and landscape design. Although newly formed in 2015, Plan Muskoka’s Principal, Savas Varadas, MCIP, RPP, brings over 11 years of experience working in the private sector to the company and offers great customer service, professionalism, experience and versatility to your land development project.

Ontario’s rental rules changed on September 21, with updates under Bill 60 and Bill 97 that affect both landlords and te...
09/22/2026

Ontario’s rental rules changed on September 21, with updates under Bill 60 and Bill 97 that affect both landlords and tenants.

Key changes include a shorter seven-day repayment period following an N4 notice, a requirement for tenants to pay 50% of alleged arrears to raise other issues at an LTB eviction hearing, and a formal definition of “persistent late payment.” Landlords using a 120-day personal-use eviction notice no longer owe compensation or an alternative unit, but the intended occupant must move in within 60 days or the eviction is presumed to be in bad faith.

The province says the changes will restore balance and address LTB backlogs. Landlord groups question whether hearings will move faster, while tenant advocates say the changes weaken tenant protections.

The practical planning takeaway: as Ontario encourages more ARUs, four-unit lots and mid-rise housing, rental rules are part of project feasibility, not just project approval. Owners and developers should consider operating requirements, servicing, zoning and design together when assessing development potential.

Read the CBC story: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/residential-tenancies-act-updates-9.7349885

Ontario’s Bill 139 (Homes You Can Afford in the Communities You Love Act, 2026) has passed First Reading. While it’s a p...
08/07/2026

Ontario’s Bill 139 (Homes You Can Afford in the Communities You Love Act, 2026) has passed First Reading. While it’s a private member’s bill and may change, its proposed direction is worth watching.

If enacted, the bill would require settlement-area official plans to authorize:
• Up to four residential units per residential lot
• Multi-unit residential buildings up to four storeys
• Midrise housing (6–11 storeys) on major streets in municipalities with 100k+ people

For Muskoka’s smaller communities, the midrise rules wouldn’t apply, but the four-unit and four-storey provisions could impact zoning, setbacks, parking and design. The bill also proposes restricting minimum lot sizes, floor-area ratios and parking requirements for these units, with no appeals except by the Minister.

The real question isn’t just what’s allowed, but how these rules fit with local servicing, terrain and shoreline character.

At Plan Muskoka, we help property owners navigate evolving legislation and assess development potential. Get in touch to see what your property can support!

There’s nothing more iconic than a Muskoka boathouse, but if you’ve been following the updates to the Muskoka Lakes Offi...
06/19/2026

There’s nothing more iconic than a Muskoka boathouse, but if you’ve been following the updates to the Muskoka Lakes Official Plan, you know the rules are a hot topic.

The big debate: What exactly counts as ‘habitable space’?

Navigating shoreline structure rules can feel like a maze. Between floor area limits and specific definitions of what constitutes a dwelling unit, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The Township is working hard to balance development with the natural beauty that brings us all here in the first place, but for property owners, it often means more red tape.

I’ve always loved the challenge of finding a path forward for these projects. At Plan Muskoka, we specialize in helping you understand the 'as-of-right' permissions versus what might require a minor variance or an amendment. We bridge the gap between technical planning and design, ensuring your vision fits the character of the lake.

If you’re looking to build or renovate on the water, let’s make sure your plans are solid before the first pier is driven.

Photo credit: Foreshew Design.

Big news for Muskoka property owners: OPA 61 (Component 3) has seen some major shifts after significant public pushback....
06/16/2026

Big news for Muskoka property owners: OPA 61 (Component 3) has seen some major shifts after significant public pushback.

If you’ve been following the new floodplain mapping, you know the initial "strict prohibition" on Lake Muskoka and Georgian Bay had many worried. The latest District staff report has moved toward a "general prohibition" instead.

What does this mean for you? It’s a transition from a hard "no" to a "path to yes." While new primary buildings in the flood hazard limit are still restricted, there is now a framework for exceptions. Navigating this path requires meeting a specific set of criteria including flood-proofing and professional planning evidence to prove your project won't impact public safety or the environment.

Additionally, Lake of Bays residents saw a significant correction, with static flood elevations dropping by 2 metres after a wave uprush error was identified.

These changes are complex, but they offer the flexibility needed for unique waterfront properties. We’re here to help you navigate these new requirements and find the development potential in your land.

Planning a project in Bracebridge? Before you bring out the chainsaw, it is worth a quick check of the local Tree-Cuttin...
06/13/2026

Planning a project in Bracebridge? Before you bring out the chainsaw, it is worth a quick check of the local Tree-Cutting By-law.

Protecting the natural shoreline character is a priority in Muskoka, and Bracebridge has specific rules you need to know. If you are working within 60 metres of the water, you likely need to clear it with the Town first.

The general rule of thumb? Any tree with a diameter of 20 centimetres or more (measured at 1.37 metres above the ground) is protected. Cutting without a permit or notification can lead to significant headaches and fines that are easily avoided with a bit of front-end due diligence.

The good news is that the Town has introduced a new online notification tool to streamline the process. It’s a pragmatic way to keep your project moving while respecting the environment that makes this region so special.

Navigating these regulations can be tricky, especially when balancing site design with municipal requirements. If you’re unsure how the by-law affects your development plans, we’re here to help you get the approvals you need.

In the world of land use planning, common sense doesn't always come easy: but the recent changes under Bill 98 regarding...
06/09/2026

In the world of land use planning, common sense doesn't always come easy: but the recent changes under Bill 98 regarding "Encumbered Parkland" are a long-overdue win for property owners and developers.

While the concept of encumbered parkland was originally introduced in Bill 23, it has been refined through Bill 98 to offer the clarity we need. If you’ve ever tried to develop a tight lot or a property with challenging rocky terrain in Muskoka, you know the struggle. Parkland dedication requirements used to be quite rigid, often excluding land that had any form of encumbrance. Now, land encumbered by utility easements or even land above underground structures can count toward that dedication.

This is a pragmatic game-changer for our region. Instead of losing usable space because of a necessary utility line or a sub-grade structure, we can now integrate these areas into the overall planning strategy. It respects the unique, often difficult geography of the Canadian Shield while allowing for more efficient development.

At Plan Muskoka, we’re already helping clients leverage these new rules to secure approvals more smoothly. If you're looking to maximize the potential of a site that feels a bit constrained, let’s chat about how Bill 98 works in your favor.

Navigating the shifting sands of Ontario’s planning legislation just got a little more interesting. With Bill 98, the Pr...
06/09/2026

Navigating the shifting sands of Ontario’s planning legislation just got a little more interesting. With Bill 98, the Province has officially rolled back the ability for municipalities to mandate certain "sustainable design" elements through the site plan control process.

What does this actually mean for your next project in Muskoka? In short: less mandatory red tape. Requirements for things like green roofs and EV charging stations can no longer be forced through Site Plan Approval. While this is a pragmatic move to reduce development costs and complexity, it also shifts the responsibility of "green building" back to the property owner.

Whether you're planning a subdivision or a single site development, these provincial changes affect how we design and get approvals. We’re here to help you understand what’s still required, what’s now optional, and how to keep your project moving forward without the surprise "sustainable design" hurdles.

Let’s chat about how these legislative changes impact your land use goals.

Huntsville is moving past the rigid 11-metre height cap. This is a significant shift in how we approach growth in our co...
06/02/2026

Huntsville is moving past the rigid 11-metre height cap. This is a significant shift in how we approach growth in our community.

The Town’s new Height and Density Policy replaces old-school limits with a sophisticated, suitability-based model. By using "Suitability Maps" and identifying "Significant Views," the goal is to allow for essential housing growth without compromising the iconic vistas that define the Muskoka landscape.

It’s a pragmatic approach to a complex problem. Instead of a blanket rule, we now look at how a project fits the terrain. This involves navigating specific performance requirements like building step-backs and visual buffering to ensure new developments respect their surroundings.

For developers and property owners, the path to approval now requires a deeper level of technical and creative design. Whether it’s evaluating density potential or managing community benefit requests, the right planning evidence is more critical than ever.

At Plan Muskoka, we specialize in bridging the gap between technical planning requirements and regional aesthetics.

Thinking about the future of your Muskoka property? You might have heard about the District’s Official Plan Amendment 61...
05/30/2026

Thinking about the future of your Muskoka property? You might have heard about the District’s Official Plan Amendment 61 (OPA 61) and the updated floodplain mapping currently under review.

I know many property owners are feeling a bit uneasy about these changes. Between revised setbacks and new flood hazard limits, it can feel like the goalposts are moving on your development plans. These technical shifts are more than just lines on a map: they directly impact your property’s development potential and what you can or cannot build.

At Plan Muskoka, we’ve been diving deep into these updates to take the guesswork out of the process for you. Whether you’re planning a dream cottage, an addition, or a land severance, we can help you navigate these new requirements with a clear-eyed, pragmatic approach. Our goal is to ensure you understand exactly how these policy shifts affect your land before you start the permit process.

Don't let the paperwork stall your plans. Let’s look at your permissions and see how we can make your vision work within the new framework. Reach out today to chat about a Development Potential Review.

When I mention "condominiums" to clients, their minds often go straight to glass towers and elevators. But in the planni...
05/28/2026

When I mention "condominiums" to clients, their minds often go straight to glass towers and elevators. But in the planning world, a Vacant Land Condominium is a completely different animal: and a very useful tool for development here in Muskoka.

Despite the name, there’s no high-rise in sight. Think of it more like a private subdivision. It’s a planning tool where you own your individual lot (the "unit") just like a traditional house, but you share ownership of "common elements." This usually includes things like private roads, shared docks, or protected open spaces.

Why use this instead of a traditional subdivision? It offers a lot more flexibility. It allows for creative site designs that work with our unique terrain: like building around bald bedrock or preserving a specific shoreline: while ensuring the long-term maintenance of shared infrastructure without relying on the municipality.

It’s about finding the best fit for the land, not just following a cookie-cutter grid. If you're looking at a larger property and wondering how to move forward, this might be the path you're looking for.

Address

22 Northland Lane, Unit 4
Huntsville, ON
P1H1M4

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+17057836300

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Plan Muskoka posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Plan Muskoka:

Shortcuts

Share

Category