For information on registration of Birth or how to obtain a Birth Certificate visit Service Ontario.
Applications, Licences and Permits
Click on the categories below to review more information about the applicable licenses, permits and applications.
If you are submitting an application via email, please review the Electronic Signatures Policy to review requirements surrounding your submission.
Life Events
Death Registrations and Certificates
How to Register a Death
For deaths occurring in Bracebridge, a funeral director usually prepares the Statement of Death (Form 15), which includes information about the deceased.
The physician or coroner present at the time of the death also completes the Medical Certificate of Death (Form 16), which contains information on the cause of death.
The funeral director forwards both forms to the Town Division Registrar (Clerk). Once recorded by the Town, the forms are sent to the Office of the Registrar General (Thunder Bay, ON) for registration.
Any information about deaths must be directly requested from the Office of the Registrar General.
How to Obtain a Death Certificate
You can get a Death Certificate Application from Service Ontario, or by downloading the Request for Death Certificate Form from their website.
Contact our Corporate Services Department for more details about the Town's Death Registration process.
Or, detailed information may be obtained by visiting the Office of the Registrar General's website or calling 1-800-461-2156.
Before getting married in the Province of Ontario you need to get a Marriage Licence. The Town of Bracebridge issues marriage licences by appointment only (see below).
The 2025 Fee for a Marriage Licence is $165.00.
The Town is participating in a new provincial initiative to receive marriage licence applications online in addition to the in-person application process already being offered. The processes are outlined below.
NEW: Electronic Application Process
The application takes about 25 to 30 minutes to complete and requires both parties to be present to provide their personal information and certify the online form, which can be found as a blue button partway down the page under the Apply for a Licence Online section at https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-marriage-licence-online.
You will be asked to provide:
- Information related to both parties,
- The wedding date, and
- Photographs or scans (jpg, png or pdf) of two pieces of government-issued identification (front and back) with at least one being photo identification (ID), for each application (four total).
Note: There is a choice to electronically upload ID and supporting documents or provide originals in-person to the Town when picking up the licence. By uploading online, you bring less documents in-person to the Town and save time during your visit, while also making sure you have the correct ones.
Additional supporting documents that may be required include:
- Photographs or scans of divorce or annulment decree or judgement, or a certificate of divorce (if either party is remarrying after a divorce or annulment in Canada). Note that a divorce order is not acceptable.
- Foreign Divorce or Annulment Authorization (if either party was divorced or had an annulment outside of Canada).
- A death certificate, funeral director’s statement of death or Court Order declaring spousal death (if either party is remarrying after the death of a spouse).
Once you complete your online application form you will receive a confirmation email that will verify that your application has been received. Staff in the Corporate Services Department at marriage@bracebridge.ca will then contact you to schedule an appointment within two business days (48 hours).
One party to the marriage picking up the licence must bring one piece of photo ID to confirm their identity. You may also be required to bring original copies of any supporting documents that may be required that were not uploaded during the application process.
In-Person Application Process
- Applications can be picked up at the Municipal Office at 1000 Taylor Court.
- Contact Staff in the Corporate Services Department at marriage@bracebridge.ca to make an appointment to complete the process and receive your marriage licence.
You must submit the form at the Municipal Office and bring in two pieces of ID (one must be photo) for each of the parties, plus any additional supporting documents that may be required.
You can then schedule a date and time to come back in to pick up your completed licence, and pay the required fee.
Only one party to the marriage is required to attend the appointment to pick up the licence, and they must bring in one piece of photo ID.
Applying for a Marriage Certificate
A marriage certificate contains the details of a marriage that was performed in Ontario. You will need the certificate in order to change your name, process a divorce or record your family history.
Marriage Certificates are issued by the Government of Ontario.
Officiant and Civil Marriage Services
The Town of Bracebridge does not perform civil marriage services. A List of registered marriage officiants is published by the Government of Ontario (search Bracebridge after downloading the spreadsheet - XLS)
Business
If you are looking to operate a business in Bracebridge you may require a business licence. In Bracebridge, the Town licenses the following types of businesses:
- Refreshment vehicles
- Temporary Vendor
For all other types of business licenses or permits including a Provincial Master Business Licence/Business Name registration, visit the Muskoka Small Business Centre or call at 705-646-9021. Staff will assist you in identifying your requirements for licenses or permits to operate your business in Muskoka.
If you operate your business in other communities you may need a separate licence. Only those businesses outlined in the business licensing by-law requires a licence from the Town of Bracebridge. Business licence requirements may be different in other municipalities.
If you are boarding, breeding, grooming or training dogs on your property, you may be required to obtain a Dog Kennel Licence.
To obtain a kennel licence complete and submit the Business Licence Application Form. The application fee of $125 is an annual fee.
There are certain zoning requirements and standards for kennels as outlined in By-Law No. 2007-043.
Before building any type of kennel structure contact By-law Enforcement Staff at 705-645-6319.
The Town of Bracebridge does not have a formal application process for those wishing to film in the community. The Town does require insurance certificates for companies wishing to film on municipal property. There are also requirements from the District of Muskoka for agreements when filming on District properties including District road allowances.
If you are filming in the community, contact the Town's Economic Development Branch who will guide you in order to meet Town or District regulations and will assist you with your project.
Restaurants and coffee shops in the Downtown BIA area that extend their place of business by placing tables and chairs on public sidewalks require approval from the Town in accordance with the Outdoor Patio Policy. Approval is required in advance of utilizing public sidewalks and liability insurance is required.
For additional information contact the Economic Development Branch in the Planning and Development Department.
Resources
Also referred to as chip wagon, mobile barbecue, refrigerated bicycle cart, etc., and that serve food such as hot dogs, french fries, ice cream, and the like.
Review, fill out and submit the Refreshment Vehicle Licence Application Form to apply for your Refreshment Vehicle Licence. For additional information contact the By-law Enforcement Branch or call 705-645-5264 ext. 3250.
Resources:
- By-law on Refreshment Vehicle Licences and Regulations
- Refreshment vehicle public information brochure
Temporary Vendors are also known as temporary sales, hawkers, pedlars, etc., and may be operated from a fixed location or at various locations within Bracebridge.
Please read our Temporary Vendor Business Licence By-Law (By-Law 2018-031) to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements.
Review, fill out and submit the Business Licence Application Form to apply for your Temporary Vendor Licence.
Contact our By-Law Enforcement Staff at 705-645-6319 ext. 3250 for more information.
Land Acquisition and Disposition
A Licence of Occupation is a formal agreement signed between the Town and the property owner authorizing the temporary occupation and use of Town land for such a period of time, and under such terms and conditions as the Town determines to be appropriate.
The intent of the Licence of Occupation is to formally recognize and clearly establish the specific terms and conditions specific to the encroachment or use, if it is permitted to remain or continue. The Town is not required to enter into a Licence of Occupation for the use of any shore/road allowance or Town property.
A Licence of Occupation is issued to an individual or corporation, not a property, though they are limited to owners of the adjacent property. These licences are non-transferrable, meaning if you sell your property they are no longer valid. For information on an application for a Licence of Occupation contact the Corporate Services Department.
Resources:
Shore Road and Road Allowance Closing
The Town will consider applications from abutting landowners to close and sell all types of unused highways including Road Allowances and Shore Road Allowances.
Road Allowances were originally laid out for roads by Crown surveyors generally 20 metres (66 feet in width). Many of these were never developed into travelled roads and they remain unopened in public ownership.
The primary reasons for closing a portion of highway (road allowance or shore road allowance) are:
- There is no present or anticipated future public use for the highway
- The highway does not serve as the sole vehicular access to any property
- The closure does not conflict with Town by-laws, policies, or practices
All road closures are at the discretion of Council.
Do I own my waterfront?
It is the responsibility of the property owner to verify and confirm whether or not they own the Shore Road Allowance in front of their property.
Often waterfront property owners do not own property rights to the water's edge unless the Shore Road Allowance was stopped up, closed and sold to the owner (or previous owners).
If the application was approved, the road allowance or Shore Road Allowance would have merged in title with the applicant's property.
In many cases, property owners have encroached onto these allowances with the construction of entire buildings, parts of buildings, boathouses, docks, garages, landscaping, etc. Adverse possession (squatters rights) on Road Allowances or Shore Road Allowances are not permitted without formal approval from the Town.
How do I apply to purchase a road allowance or shore road allowance?
If you are interested in applying to purchase any type of road allowance:
- Review the Road Allowance and Shore Road Allowance Closing Procedures and Application Form
- Contact the Corporate Services Department to discuss your interest
- Submit your application and required fees
For licensing (leasing) inquiries please contact the Land and Agreements Coordinator in the Corporate Services Department.
Resources:
Visit the Town's Tax Sale page for information on upcoming tax sales.
Lottery and Liquor Licences
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) governs and manages liquor licensing in Bracebridge. The Town provides letters of non-objection for licence extensions.
Liquor licences are required is you are;
- Planning to serve alcohol in your restaurant, bistro, pub, etc., you must get a Liquor Licence from the AGCO
- Expanding your business and want to provide liquor services on those newly assigned or constructed grounds you must get an Extension of your existing Liquor Licence
As part of the approvals process you will need to obtain completed Agency Letter of Approval Forms from:
- Building Services Branch, 2016 Fees for New Applications are $150; Renewals $75
- Bracebridge Fire Department
- Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
Additionally
- Municipal Information Form (Fill out Section 1 only) addressed to: Town of Bracebridge, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk and submit your fee of $26 along with the form.
Notes:
- Once received by all Agencies, you must include these Forms with your Application to the AGCO.
- It takes at least 1 week for the Town to obtain comments from all departments and to be able to complete your request.
- Once completed by the Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, you must include this Form with your Application to the AGCO.
- The information above only speaks to the Town's involvement in the process.
For more information on the process to obtain a Liquor Licence, refer to the AGCO's website.
Liquor Licence Extension/Expansion
To obtain Town comments on your Liquor Licence Extension submit a letter to the Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, by mail or in person at 1000 Taylor Court, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1R6. Include the fee of $26 with your request.
Please submit your written request for a licence extension to the Director of Corporate Services/Clerk by email, by mail or in person at 1000 Taylor Court, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1R6.
Notes:
- It takes at least 1 week for the Town to obtain comments from all departments and to be able to complete your request.
- If favourable comments are received the Director of Corporate Services/Clerk can issue you a letter of non-objection
For more information on Licence Extensions visit the AGCO's website to review the Temporary Extension Application & Guide.
Visit the AGCO's website for more information on Liquor sales and licencing processes in the Province of Ontario.
The Town issues lottery licences to eligible charitable organizations. A lottery licence is required if all of the following exists:
- A prize
- A chance (to win the prize)
- A consideration or a fee
Types of Lotteries
The Town is responsible for the licensing of the following Lottery types:
The Town is responsible for the licensing of the following Lottery types:
- Bingo event (prize boards up to $5,500.00)
- Raffle (prize up to $50,000.00)
- Break Open Ticket Event ("Nevada" Tickets or "pull tabs")
- Bazaar Gaming Event
- Media Bingo
Eligibility
Only charitable organizations can obtain a lottery licence according to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).Your organization must fall within one of these four classifications to be eligible:
Only charitable organizations can obtain a lottery licence according to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).Your organization must fall within one of these four classifications to be eligible:
- The Relief of Poverty
- The Advancement of Education
- The Advancement of Religion
- Other Charitable Purposes Beneficial to the Community
Lottery eligibility packages can be obtained by contacting By-Law Enforcement.
Application Process
- Review the AGCO's Terms and Conditions associated with Lottery Licences before filling out your application.
- View or print any of the Application Forms or Guides for the various Lottery types
- Complete the application and submit the licence fee of 3% to the Corporate Services Department at the Municipal Office, 1000 Taylor Court, Bracebridge, ON
- The completed application package must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the date on which the applicant organization intends to print its tickets.
Reporting
Once your event is complete, a number of reporting requirements must be finalized based on the AGCO's Lottery Licence Terms and Conditions.
Please forward all reporting requirements to By-Law Enforcement within the AGCO's timeframes.
All Funds that are raised by an organization must only be spent as listed on your Application and as prescribed by the Criminal Code of Canada, the Order-in Council, and policies of the Registrar of the AGCO.
Visit the AGCO website for more information on lottery sales in the Province of Ontario.
Parks and Trails
The Commemorative Program provides an opportunity to adopt a bench or tree in memory of a loved one, dedication to a friend or family member or to commemorate a special event. The gift of a bench or tree is a lasting tribute that benefits the park and community as a whole.
Apply for a Commemorative Bench or Tree.
- Fill out a Commemorative Bench or Commemorative Tree application
- Submit your completed application form to the Public Works Office in person or by email
Resources:
The Trail Use Alteration process with the Town of Bracebridge is intended to ensure there is a sound engineering basis along with consistent design including user group engagement to increase opportunities for active transportation within the Town’s trail network.
The Town’s intent is to preserve and enhance mobility within the community for all modes of transportation while achieving appropriate balance among public safety response and quality of life.
The implementation of trail classification change is to create a safer and widely used trail network within the Town by reducing the adverse effects of trail misuse, managing competing interests and promoting a better quality of life while balancing the needs of the community and concurrently encouraging and promoting active transportation.
Apply for a Trail Use Alteration
- Fill out a Trail Use Alteration Application Form
- Submit completed application form to the Public Works Office in person or by email.
- Staff will review the request to determine if it is eligible as outlined in the Trail Use Alteration Policy.
Other
The Town has staff that are appointed Commissioners for taking Affidavits. They may take affidavits and administer other legal oaths, affirmations or declarations within their jurisdiction as outlined in the Commissioning Documents Policy.
In order for a Commissioner to sign your document please keep the following in mind:
- The person making the oath (declarant) must be present
- The declarant must have valid government issued photo identification
- No document will be commissioned without the declarant present
- The document must not be signed by the declarant until they are in front of the Commissioner
There is a $20 + HST fee for this service per related set of documents/per visit.
This service is by appointment only. Please allow sufficient time and call ahead to ensure a Commissioner will be available.
Note: A Commissioner for taking Affidavits is not a Notary Public and cannot notarize your documents. You must contact a Non-Lawyer Notary Public or a Lawyer if you require a document to be notarized.
Resources
Contact Us
Town of Bracebridge
1000 Taylor Court
Bracebridge, ON P1L 1R6
Phone: (705) 645 5264