Muskoka resident Amanda Beaumont is raising an alarm about the District of Muskoka’s upcoming official plan review and changes proposed to its floodplain mapping.
She is concerned that the District of Muskoka (DMM) is planning to significantly change floodplain zoning on properties in low-lying areas across its 5,000 square kilometres of territory. “If adopted, these changes will halt any and all future plans for development on these lands,” she notes, adding that the communication regarding proposed changes has been poor.
Beaumont, who lives in Bracebridge, said that while she understands there are concerns about an increase in flooding incidents, which officials attribute to climate change, she questions where the responsibility for managing the watershed lies.
“Yes, the climate is changing absolutely. Has it changed that much in 13 years? Absolutely not,” said Beaumont, who also questioned how the Ministry of Natural Resources is managing the watershed.
“Instead of bringing the MNR to the table and holding their feet to the fire and making them responsible for the mismanagement of the watershed, they’re just going to put these restrictions in place on the property owners immediately. Which, I mean, is putting the cart before the horse. Let’s deal with the management of the watershed, and if there’s truly an issue and the runoff has truly changed, and that’s actually required, then fine, we can look at expanding the floodplain a little bit, but not what they’re doing. What they’re proposing is extreme,” she said.
“We’re fifth generation on land that the Beaumonts have been on and farmed since 1895. If this passes, this means that the land that our ancestors and five generations have protected, my son will not be able to live on our farm. He will not be able to sever a piece of property, build on it, and be part of the group of people who have protected and been on our land for more than 100 years. This is insane,” she said, adding that the floodplain mapping lines are being significantly impacted under the proposed amendment all over Muskoka, and people in and around water should sit up and take notice.
The newly proposed floodplain mapping can be reviewed here: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/4aefea73e8684812a2e3d0bf8006ca50/page/2D
Key Components of OPA 61
- Component 1: Growth Strategy: Focuses on housing supply, complete communities, and directing future development.
- Component 2: Resort Development: Updates policies for economic vitality in the tourism sector.
- Component 3: Environmental Resiliency: Strengthens policies on climate action, watershed management, and floodplains.
- Component 4: Lake System Health: Implements more rigorous, science-based policies for water quality protection.
- Component 5: Consolidation of the above, along with policy updates for provincial consistency.
The consolidated draft of OPA 61, including updated schedules and appendices, was made available in April 2026. You can find the District link HERE.
The District Municipality of Muskoka is holding a statutory public meeting to receive and consider comments on OPA 61 amendments on May 21, 2026, at 9 a.m. in its council chambers at 90 Pine Street, Bracebridge. More details on this meeting are available at: https://muskoka.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/44855/?preview=44856
More information regarding proposed updates and amendments to the District Official Plan can also be found at: https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/muskoka-official-plan
Muskoka’s OP has not been updated since 2019.
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