Applications, Licences and Permits

Birth Certificates

For information on registration of Birth or how to obtain a Birth Certificate visit Service Ontario.

Death Registrations

How to Register a Death

For deaths occurring in the Town of 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.

Marriage Licence

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 – 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 provide 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 2 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

1.    Applications can be picked up at the Municipal Office at 1000 Taylor Court.

2.    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 2 pieces of ID (1 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 1 party to the marriage is required to attend the appointment to pick up the licence, and they must bring in 1 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, and more information can be found on their website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-get-copy-ontario-marriage-certificate-online 

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)

For more information, visit the Building Services page.

Business Licencing (General)

If you are looking to operate a business in Bracebridge you may require a business licence.  In Bracebridge, the Town licences the following types of businesses:

• Refreshment vehicles
• Temporary Vendor

For all other types of business licences 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 licences 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 licencing by-law requires a licence from the Town of Bracebridge. Business licence requirements may be different in other municipalities.

Community Improvement Application

The Town of Bracebridge has a number of programs under the Community Improvement Plan that can help building and property owners make needed improvements.  These programs are administered through the Planning and Development Department.  For additional information visit the Community Improvement Grants and Loan information page.

Facility Rentals

The Town has a number of facilities that can be rented for special events, meetings and personal gatherings.  

Visit the Facility Rental information page for details on available rental facilities.

Visit the Meetings and Conferences information page for detailed information on hosting your meeting or conference in Bracebridge.

Filming Permits

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.

Outdoor Patio Application

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

Outdoor Patio Policy

Application for an Outdoor Patio

Refreshment Vehicle Licence

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.

Please read our By-law on Refreshment Vehicle Licences and Regulations to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements.

Also, please read the public information brochure on refreshment vehicles. 

Review, fill out and submit the Business Licence Application Form to apply for your Refreshment Vehicle Licence.  For additional information contact the By-law Enforcement Branch or call 705-645-6319.

Sign Permit Application

To maintain an attractive appearance in the community and to ensure a safe environment, the Town regulates the use of signs in an effort to avoid visual clutter and for traffic and pedestrian safety.

Signs that require a permit

 Please note:

1. Do not place signs on park benches, streetscape furniture, utility poles, or trees. (Sec. 16.19 of Bylaw No. 2012-009)
2. Remove Event Signage within 2 days following your event. (Sec. 28.1.1 of Bylaw No. 2012-009)
3. Animated Sign Applications are not available at this time pending a review by the Town.

Sign Variances

If your proposed sign is not permitted under the sign by-law, you may need to apply to the Town for a variance to the Sign By-law.

Resources

Sign By-law

Sign permit application

Sign permit fees (Appendix "G")

Sign by-law variance application

Contact the Building Services Branch at 705-645-6319 ext. 3543 for further details or if you have questions.

Special Event Permit

Starting a Business

If you are starting a business in Bracebridge and Muskoka and need business information, contact the Muskoka Small Business Centre. For additional business information in Bracebridge, view our Starting a Business information page.

Temporary Vendor Licence

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.

Licence of Occupation

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:

Licence of Occupation Application

Comprehensive Land Policy

Shore Road and Road Allowance Closing Application

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:

Shore Road and Road Allowance Policy and Application Form

Comprehensive Land Policy

Fees and Charges By-law

Tax Sales

Visit the Town's Tax Sale page for information on upcoming tax sales.

Liquor Licence

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.

Select one of the following for more information on:

Lottery Licence

The Town issues lottery licences to eligible charitable organizations.

Is your organization holding a raffle or hosting a Bingo event?

A lottery licence is required if all of the following exists:

• A prize
• A chance(to win the prize)
• A consideration or a fee

Commemorative Program

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.

How to apply for a Commemorative Bench or Tree?

1. Fill out a Commemorative Bench or Commemorative Tree application
2. Submit your completed application form to the Public Works Office in person or by email

Resources:

Commemorative Program Guidelines

Commemorative Bench Application

Commemorative Tree Application

Trail Use Alteration

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.

How to apply for a Trail Use Alteration?

1. Fill out a Trail Use Alteration Application Form
2. Submit completed application form to the Public Works Office in person or by email.
3. Staff will review the request to determine if it is eligible as outlined in the Trail Use Alteration Policy.

Community Volunteer Recognition Award Nominations

Each year Bracebridge Town Council, through the Bracebridge Community Recognition Advisory Committee, recognizes and celebrates residents for their volunteer contributions and outstanding achievements at an annual Awards Ceremony. Nominations are typically sought during the first quarter of every year.

Nomination forms for Sport Awards and Provincial Awards are available by visiting the Community Recognition webpage or by making contact with the Recreation Department.

Special Event Permit

Driveway Entrance Permit

When do I need a driveway entrance permit?

Property owners or their representatives must apply to the Public Works Department for a permit when:

• A temporary access is required;
• An entrance is desired to vacant property where no entrance exists;
• A new building is to be constructed on vacant land; and
• A property owner is requesting a change to an existing entrance.

For more information on Driveway Entrance Permits, refer to the Engineering Design Criteria and Standards Manual.

How to apply for a permit?

• Please complete an online permit application.

Fees

The fee for a permit is $410, which includes a $300 security deposit.

Approval Process

• An inspector will come to review your proposed driveway entrance. Allow for at least 10 business days to receive entrance approval.
• After the entrance has been installed, contact the Public Works Department by email to book a final inspection.
• Once the work has been completed and an inspector has confirmed that the work complies with the approved application, the $300 security deposit will be refunded and a copy of your permit with the final inspection signature will be sent to you.

Oversize/Overweight Load Permit

When do I need an oversize / overweight load permit?

A permit is required for commercial vehicles to carry a load larger or heavier than the maximum limits established in the Highway Traffic Act. Approval is only given for roads under the jurisdiction of the Town of Bracebridge. Depending on the route, approval may also be required from the Ministry of Transportation, the District Municipality of Muskoka and/or other local municipalities.

For details, please refer to the Oversize/Overweight Load Permits Provision and Conditions.

How to apply for a permit?

• Please complete an online permit application.

Fees

The fee for an oversize / overweight load permit is as follows:

• Annual - $200
• Project - $150
• Single Trip - $60

Approval Process

• Allow for 5 days to process.
• Please do not proceed with load transport until approval is received.
• Permit must be carried in the vehicle at all times.

Roadway Occupation Permit

Road occupancy permits are required prior to doing any work on a road, boulevard and right-of-way, which may or may not require a closure and/or restrictions. The Public Works Department is responsible for issuing Roadway Occupation Permits.

When do I need a roadway occupancy permit?

Any person, agency or contractor who is temporarily occupying the municipality's right-of-way, including the road, sidewalk, boulevard, shoulder or ditch) must obtain a Road Occupancy Permit from the Public Works Department.

A permit is required when any construction or other work-related purposes is proposed to be performed within the right-of-way, such as:

• Municipal services installation associated with a site/subdivision plan or servicing agreement
• Placement of temporary scaffolding, hoarding or containers
• Sidewalk obstructions which impact pedestrian traffic
• Temporary or partial road closures
• Utility installation and/or maintenance

How to apply for a permit?

• Please complete an online permit application.

Requests for a Roadway Occupancy Permit within a District right-of-way, contact the District Municipality of Muskoka's Public Works Department.

Fees

The fee for a permit is $100. There is no charge for utility companies.

Approval Process

1. Allow for 7 days to process.
2. After the work or construction is completed, contact the Public Works Department by email to request a final inspection.
3. All work and repairs placed in conjunction with the Roadway Occupancy Permit shall be maintained and guaranteed by the Applicant for a period of 2 years from the date of work completion or 1 year from permanent repair completion, whichever is longer.

911 Signs

Every property in the Town of Bracebridge should have a civic address sign (also referred to as a "9-1-1 number"). This is a standard "blue with white numbers" fluorescent sign.  Emergency responders are trained to look for these types of signs when responding to an emergency.  Two-sided sign are best to ensure a quick response.

Tips on Installing Your Sign

• Place the sign at the end of your driveway approximately three (3) feet from the shoulder of the road - it should not interfere with any road operations
• Mount the sign on a metal sign post (a wooden post will also work) approximately four (4') feet above the ground. The sign blade cannot be placed, on a chain, a rope, tree or a utility pole
• Keep the sign clear of snow, branches and other obstructions at all times
• If your house is within forty (40') feet from the road, and clearly visible from the road in the dark the sign may be mounted on your house or garage or on a sign that is back lite for visibility at night
• If your property is water access only, mount the sign on your dock or very close to it so that it is visible from the lake

Signs and poles are available for purchase from the Planning Services Branch.

Resources

Fees and Charges By-law

Signage Improvement Program

Depending upon where your business is located in the community, your may qualify for assistance under the Town's Signage Improvement Program.  For more information visit the Community Improvement Grants and Loans Information page or contact the Economic Development Branch.

Sign Permits

To maintain an attractive appearance in the community and to ensure a safe environment, the Town regulates the use of signs in an effort to avoid visual clutter and for traffic and pedestrian safety.

Signs that require a permit

 Please note:

1. Do not place signs on park benches, streetscape furniture, utility poles, or trees. (Sec. 16.19 of Bylaw No. 2012-009)
2. Remove Event Signage within 2 days following your event. (Sec. 28.1.1 of Bylaw No. 2012-009)
3. Animated Sign Applications are not available at this time pending a review by the Town.

Apply for a Sign Permit.

Sign Variances

If your proposed sign is not permitted under the sign by-law, you may need to apply to the Town for a variance to the Sign By-law.

Resources

Sign By-law

Sign permit application

Sign permit fees (Appendix "G")

Sign by-law variance application

Contact the Building Services Branch at 705-645-6319 ext. 3543 for further details or if you have questions.

Silver Bridge Banner Permit

The Town installs banners on the Silver Bridge (Ecclestone Drive) on behalf of organizations in the community to promote special events. Banner Permit Applications are approved for display on a "first come, first serve basis".

Banner Dimensions

• Banner dimensions cannot exceed 20 feet in width and 3.5 feet in height.
• The banner should include grommets spaced every 2 feet or less on all sides for the purpose of installation.

How to apply for a permit?

• Please complete an online permit application.

Approval Process

• Once approved, deliver the banner 3 weeks prior to the event to the Public Works Department.
• Staff will contact the organization when the banner has been removed from the bridge and is ready for pick-up.
• The Public Works Department accepts no responsibility for the condition of your banner should it become damaged or worn.