Contact(s)
The Town of Bracebridge is committed to environmental planning. Learn what we're doing to reduce our impact on the environment and how you can help by exploring the topics listed below.
Climate Change |
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In March 2023, Council approved a Bracebridge Action Plan and Implementation Schedule, the town-specific portion of the District Municipality of Muskoka’s Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan (ReCAP), which outlines the actions that each Muskoka municipality plans to take to address the most urgent and threatening impacts of climate change. The Town of Bracebridge Action Plan and Implementation Schedule is comprised of 30 action items grouped under five themes:
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Energy Management |
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The Town of Bracebridge is active in conserving and improving energy efficiency across the Municipality. The Town encourages energy efficient building and landscaping design. This includes wind, solar and renewable energy systems.
The Town uses computerized heating and air conditioning systems to reduce energy consumption in municipally-owned buildings, by installing timers or sensors on lights at recreational facilities such as parks and tennis courts. Facilities are monitored on a regular basis to ensure that that energy consumption is minimized throughout the year. To support alternative energy production, in 2014, a solar photovoltaic system was installed at the Annie Williams Memorial Park Pavilion for connection to the Ontario Power Authority microFIT program. Projects and Programs:
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Environment Clubs, Groups, Organizations and Government |
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Listing of environmental and nature-related clubs, groups, organizations and government: |
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Environmental Studies |
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In order to protect the environment, the Town undertakes various programs and studies to protect our natural environment.
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Events, Programs and Initiatives |
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The Town promotes a number of programs to support improvements in water and air quality, or parks and green spaces, among others:
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Fleet |
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The Town of Bracebridge operates and maintains more than 50 plus vehicles and pieces of equipment that provide a range of services for our roads, facilities, emergency services and programs. As part of our commitment to environmental protection, we purchase fleet components that reduce pollutant discharge. |
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Graffiti |
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Graffiti is any writing, etching, drawing or symbol applied to any public or private property without the consent of the owner. Graffiti is an act of vandalism and considered a crime. The most common type of graffiti is "tagging". A tag usually includes the person's signature or repetitive painting of a word, name, symbol or acronym that may or may not contain letters, numbers, or symbols. Graffiti can be in the community etched on bridges, buildings, walls, utility boxes, mailboxes, vehicles, and in parks. It can ruin the natural beauty of a town, and can often be profane, obscene and offensive. Removing and Reporting GraffitiAs a resident, you can help manage graffiti where you live by recording, reporting and removing the graffiti. To report incidents of graffiti on public property, please contact the Public Works Department at 705-645-5264. Please provide as much information as possible with regard to the location of the graffiti. |
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Invasive Species |
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Invasive species are organisms (including plant, animal, insect and pathogen species) that are not native to an ecosystem and can harm the environment. They have the ability to outcompete native species for resources and space. Invasive species often lack their natural predators or population controls, which allows them to reproduce and spread rapidly. They are often very adaptable and have the ability transform entire ecosystems. Learning to identify invasive species and plants in Bracebridge can be challenging. If you are uncertain about a specie you have found, access help through one these resources:
Invasive Species ManagementThe Town of Bracebridge provides management, administration and treatment of invasive species within the geographical area for common invasive species such as: Japanese Knotweed, Poison Ivy, Giant Hogweed, Purple Loosestrife, Emerald Ash Borer, Gypsy Moth and Phragmites, amongst others. Residents looking to manage an invasive species on their property can visit the Ontario Invasive Plant Council to discover helpful resources such as landowner guides to managing and controlling invasive plants and species specific best management practices. What can you do to reduce the impacts of invasive species?
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Trees |
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The Town of Bracebridge is committed to protecting and supporting our trees because they are a precious natural resource for our area.
If you believe someone is violating the Tree Cutting By-Law and would like to file a complaint, please contact the Planning and Development Department at 705-645-5264.
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Yards |
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The Town of Bracebridge requires every property owner within the municipality to maintain their property to a minimum standard. Properties that are not maintained in a clean, clear and safe condition not only detract from the overall beauty and character of the community but also have the ability to negatively impact property values as well as posing a safety hazard in some cases. The Clean Yard By-Law contains a number of regulations that apply to all properties:
To report a Clean Yard issue, contact the By-Law Department at 705-645-5264. |