Planning a summer project? What you need to know about tree cutting in Bracebridge
BRACEBRIDGE, ON (June 8, 2026) – As residents begin planning outdoor projects for the summer months ahead, the Town of Bracebridge is reminding the community of its new Tree Cutting By-law (2025-103) and introducing a convenient online tool to make compliance easier than ever.
Approved by Council in December 2025, the updated by-law reflects the Town’s commitment to protecting the natural environment while supporting responsible development. The by-law regulates 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.
What Residents Need to Know
The Tree Cutting By-law applies to regulated trees, generally defined as trees larger than 20 cm in diameter, located within specific areas of the community, including:
- 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 prior to removing a tree, apply for a Tree Cutting Permit, or provide supporting materials such as photos or a simple site sketch.
Some exemptions apply, including:
- Trees posing an immediate safety hazard;
- Trees located close to existing buildings or septic systems (notification still required); and/or
- Tree removal associated with an approved building permit under certain conditions.
NEW Tree Removal Reporting Tool
To support residents and help streamline the process, the Town has launched a new online tree removal notification tool. This easy-to-use tool allows residents to upload a photo of the tree with some basic property details for review. Residents will receive a response from Town staff within 24 hours. There is no cost to use the tool or submit a tree removal notification.
Residents are encouraged to review the by-law requirements before removing any tree on their property. Failing to comply may result in enforcement action or fines.
To learn more, submit a notification, or apply for a permit, visit bracebridge.ca/trees.
For questions, contact the Planning and Development Department at 705-645-5264 or email trees@bracebridge.ca.
About Bracebridge – The Town of Bracebridge is located in the Heart of Muskoka, the epitome of Canada’s Cottage Country. With a population in excess of 17,000 permanent residents that doubles during the summer months, the community has a diversified economy that is highlighted by strong construction, hospitality and professional sectors. Bracebridge is the steward of the cottage country brand and is teaching the world the power of living the Muskoka lifestyle in its spirit, the arts, food, home and recreation. The Town is positioned on the 45th parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, and is recognized as Santa’s summer home.
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