What We’re Asking For

We, the residents and neighbours in the North Muskoka Canyon Heritage Area along the North Branch of the Muskoka River from High Falls to Wilson’s Falls, are asking Bracebridge Town Council to pause the review and decision regarding current zoning application (D14‑03/26) until the community has been properly informed and all environmental, safety, and planning concerns have been fully reviewed.

This is not about stopping development forever. It’s about making sure decisions that affect our river, our homes, and our safety are made fairly, transparently, and with complete information.

Why We’re Concerned
The application still has unanswered questions about:

• Flood safety
• Shoreline stability
• Fish and wildlife habitat
• Whether an Official Plan Amendment is required
• Whether the Environmental Impact Study is complete
• Whether the proposal meets the Town’s own planning rules

Additionally, at last week's Planning & Development Committee Meeting, a new addition to the application was made without proper notification to the community. When the rules change mid‑process — or when key information is missing — the public loses its chance to participate meaningfully. That’s not how planning decisions should be made.

Why a Pause Is Necessary
A pause is needed so that:

• Proper notice can be given regarding this application to the community
• Environmental studies can be updated to include otter, beaver, and other ecological functions that were left out
• Flood‑fringe safety requirements can be fully addressed
• Residents can understand what is actually being proposed
• Council can make an informed decision based on complete information

This stretch of the Muskoka River is a sensitive, fast‑moving, narrow section that plays a major role during spring flooding. Decisions made now will shape the shoreline and river health for decades.

What We Want Council To Do
We respectfully ask Council to:

• Pause the zoning decision until all outstanding issues are addressed
• Update and expand the Environmental Impact Study
• Ensure the proposal meets flood‑fringe safety rules
• Give residents a fair chance to participate in a transparent process

This is not opposition to all development. It is a request for responsible development that respects the river, follows the rules, and includes the community.

SIGN OUR COMMUNITY PETITION!

By signing, you are asking Council to slow down, follow proper procedure, and ensure that decisions about our river are made with care.

Our river is part of who we are. We paddle it, swim in it and live beside it. We deserve a planning process that respects:

• Environmental protection
• Public safety
• Transparency
• Community involvement

Let’s make sure this decision is made the right way — with full information, proper notice, and respect for the community and the environment.