The Town of Bracebridge issued a reminder to residents about the new Tree Cutting Bylaw as they begin planning outdoor projects for the summer months ahead.
The bylaw was approved in December of 2025 to reflect the Town’s commitment to protecting the natural environment while supporting responsible development.
The town said the bylaw aims to regulate the injury and removal of trees in sensitive and developed areas to preserve Bracebridge’s tree canopy, shorelines and ecosystems, and applies to both residential and commercial tree cutting.
The bylaw states that no person shall permit or cause the injury or destruction of a tree without first obtaining a permit, including boundary trees, trees required for the construction or maintenance of a recreational trail, and invasive trees.
Town staff said the new by-law applies to regulated trees, generally defined as trees larger than 20 cm in diameter located within specific areas of the community. These include lands within 60 metres of a waterbody, properties within the urban boundary or Muskoka Falls, lands near Highway 11, and environmentally sensitive or flood-prone areas.
Depending on the situation, residents may be required to submit a notification on the Town’s website prior to removing a tree, apply for a Tree Cutting Permit, or provide supporting materials such as photos or a simple site sketch.
Town officials said that while there are some exemptions, residents are encouraged to review the by-law requirements before removing any tree on their property. Exemptions include trees posing an immediate safety hazard and trees located close to existing buildings or septic systems.
To support residents and help streamline the process, the Town of Bracebridge launched a free online tool.
Town staff said the system allows users to upload a photo and basic property details, with a guaranteed response from staff within 24 hours.
For more information about the online tool, click here. To learn more, submit a notification, or apply for a permit, click here.
