Environment, Trees and Yards

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Energy Management

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:

Green Energy Act Projects - Town Protocol
Bracebridge LED Lighting Initiative that is converting High Pressure Sodium Streetlights to LED to reduce power consumption
Ministry of Energy - Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting - 2017 Data

Fleet

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.

Environment Clubs, Groups, Organizations and Government

Environmental Advisory Committee

The Town's Environmental Advisory Committee provides advice to Council on environmental policy, planning and sustainability. The Committee typically meets monthly. For information on the committees activities visit Town Committees Page.

Here is a listing of other environmental and nature-related clubs, groups, organizations and government:

Environmental Studies

In order to protect the environment, the Town undertakes various programs and studies to protect our natural environment.

Current projects include

Improvements to the Black Bridge: Black Bridge Class EA Schedule B Project File - Final
Public Consultation Related to Siltation at the Mouth of the Muskoka River at Lake Muskoka
The Feasibility of Increasing the Speed Limit on the Muskoka River from Bracebridge Falls (Downtown) to Lake Muskoka

Events, Programs and Initiatives

The Town promotes a number of programs to support improvements in water and air quality, or parks and green spaces, among others:

Earth Hour - March 30, 2019

Annually, the Town asks the community to join millions of people around the world to turn off lights for one hour to demonstrate the commitment to fight climate change. The Town turns off all non-essential lighting and heating in our facilities during Earth Hour.

Annual Compost Giveaway - May 4, 2018

In celebration of Earth Day, the Town gives away Compost that has been generated through the District of Muskoka's Compost Collection Program.

This year's compost giveaway will be taking place on Friday, May 4, 2018. Compost can be picked up at the Public Works Yard (accessed off of Barron Drive) between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Residents need to bring their own shovel and container. Loading availability is limited to 15 minutes per vehicle.

Earth Day - April 22, 2019

The Town of Bracebridge participates in Earth Day joining governments, businesses, community organizations and individuals in exploring ways to reduce energy consumption and protect the environment. Visit Earth Day Canada for more information.

Pitch-In Program

The Town of Bracebridge participates in Pitch-In Canada by sponsoring school groups and other organizations that undertake a community "clean-up" initiative that takes place in the spring.

Rain Barrel Program

The District Municipality of Muskoka's Rain Barrel Program begins May 1, 2018. For more information, please visit www.muskoka.on.ca/rainbarrel

Graffiti

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 Graffiti

As 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.

Invasive Plants and Species

Learning to identify invasive species and plants in Bracebridge can be challenging. If you are uncertain about a specie or plant you've found, access help through one these resources:

Trees

The Town of Bracebridge is committed to protecting and supporting our trees because they are a precious natural resource for our area.

Tree Cutting By-Law protects trees within urban boundary and within the shorelines in water front areas. A Tree Cutting Permit is required subject to the regulations of the Tree Cutting By-Law.

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.

Trees on Municipal Property

The Downtown Urban Tree Management Plan established the condition of trees on public property in the urban core and made recommendations for tree health improvement or hazard removal.

The Town plants about 30 trees on public property each year to replace fallen, hazardous or dead trees. Most of the planting takes place in the fall.

Cutting, trimming or removing a tree on public property is a violation of our Tree Cutting By-Law.

To report a fallen, hazardous or dead tree, call the Public Works Department at 705-645-5264.

Memorial Tree Plantings

There are many ways to celebrate special occasions or honour the memories of your loved ones.

In the Town of Bracebridge, you have the opportunity to dedicate a tree at Annie Williams Memorial Park.

Yards

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:

dumping and littering
composting
garbage storage
graffiti
hazardous conditions
ice and snow
vegetation