To: Dysart et al Municipal Council
From: Concerned Residents, Lake Associations, and Stewards of Haliburton County

 
Why This Matters
Dysart et al Council is proposing changes to the Official Plan (OP) and Zoning By-Law (ZBL) that would weaken existing shoreline protections — allowing more structures within the shoreline setback such as sheds, saunas, gazebos, and hot tubs.

These proposals risk undoing decades of thoughtful, community-driven environmental planning that has helped keep Dysart’s lakes healthy, beautiful, and natural.

Since the early 2000s, Dysart’s OP and ZBL have provided some of the strongest shoreline protection policies in Haliburton County. They were created through broad community consultation and strong environmental leadership, and have succeeded in preserving:

Natural vegetation that filters runoff and prevents nutrient loading
Healthy fish and wildlife habitat
The scenic, undeveloped shorelines that define our lakes and our local economy
The water quality and ecosystems that support tourism, recreation, and property values
 
What’s Changing
In late 2023, Council began discussing loosening these restrictions — mainly to address complaints from new waterfront property owners about “non-conforming” structures discovered after property transfers. Rather than enforcing existing rules and protecting the public interest, some Council members are proposing to legalize more shoreline development to satisfy a small number of new owners.

This would open the door to permanent shoreline structures within the 30-metre setback — a decision that would have lasting consequences for our lakes, watersheds, and community character.

 
What We’re Asking
We, the undersigned, urge Dysart et al Council to:

Maintain the current shoreline setback restrictions in the Official Plan and Zoning By-Law.
Reject any amendments that would permit new permanent structures within the shoreline setback.
Reaffirm the municipality’s commitment to protecting natural shorelines, clean water, and healthy lake ecosystems.
Engage openly with lake associations and environmental organizations before considering any policy changes affecting the shoreline.
 
Why We Must Act Now
A second public open house is expected around November 25th, 2025, and decisions could follow shortly after. We need to make our voices heard before November 20th to ensure Council understands that residents overwhelmingly support strong shoreline protection — not rollback.

 
Add Your Voice
Protecting natural shorelines protects all of us — our environment, our economy, and our shared quality of life. Please sign and share this petition to help us send a clear message:

Keep Dysart’s Shorelines Natural.
Keep Them Protected.
Keep Them for Future Generations.
 
Signed,
Concerned Residents, Lake Associations, and Stewards of Dysart et al