The Municipality of Dysart et al is reviewing and proposing updates to the shoreline protection policies of the Municipal Official Plan and Zoning By-law. The intent is to permit one building near the shoreline of a waterbody. As part of this process, Council is conducting an enhanced public consultation process to gather feedback that will inform their decision. 

 How does the Dysart et al Official Plan Protect our shorelines? 

Dysart’s Official Plan includes policies which outline the ecological and economical importance of the natural environment. These policies aim to enhance and preserve these environmental qualities which contribute to the attraction of the Municipality.

The objective of the Plan is to protect natural heritage features as well as the natural characteristics, natural state, and visual aesthetics of shorelines. Current policy directs that development in shorelands will be set back from the shoreline to maintain the shoreline's natural characteristics, quality, and integrity, preserve its natural visual characteristics, and protect its natural heritage features.

All owners of shoreline lots are encouraged to leave the lands within the shoreline setbacks substantially undisturbed, up to the full depth of the setbacks where possible.


Additionally, where the shoreline setback has been disturbed by past activities, the owner will be encouraged to restore the setback to a natural state. Soil and vegetation within the setback should be disturbed as little as possible, to preserve the impression from the lake that the shoreline is undeveloped. Clearing should be restricted to the minimum required for access, the safety of residents, and a limited view to the water.

The shoreline setback for an individual lot is defined in the implementing zoning by-law as the "water setback." The minimum water setback is 30 metres. On historic lots, developed prior to March 11, 2004, the water setback is 20 metres.

The setback applies to all waterbodies, including lakes, rivers and streams and applies to all buildings, structures and tile fields.

The information below describes the current policies as they relate to structures permitted within the minimum water setback, as well as the policies being contemplated by Council.
Current Policy in Question
The current policy provides that docks, stairs and small decks are excepted from the water setback. It specifies that other than the aforementioned structures, that the water setback will be strictly adhered to.
Proposed Policy Change

The proposed changes will expand on current exceptions and proposes the addition of one (1) roofed structure within the minimum water setback. The draft policies limit the roofed structure to a shed, gazebo or sauna, while regulating their size (15 m2), height (3.5 m) and setbacks (3 m for sheds and saunas).

The proposed policies require the applicant to own the shore road allowance in front of their property, if the structure will be located on it. The applicants must also obtain a Shoreline Report, with a score of 100% through the Municipal Lake Health Assessment Program.

 

For more information on this amendment process, please review the Active Applications Page.

Questionnaire and Open House

A questionnaire was created to collect perspectives on waterfront development, including structures near the shoreline, natural shorelines and lake health. This questionnaire was made available to the public to complete between May 15, 2025, and June 20, 2025. 

An Open House was held on July 8th to allow members of the public the opportunity to make comment directly to Council on the proposed changes to policies. The results of the questionnaire and the public feedback received to date were presented at this time. Thank you to everyone who participated in this meeting! 

Click here to view the livestream of the Open House 

Click here to view the agenda materials for the Open House

Next Steps

Unable to participate in the initial consultation process? We still want to hear from you! If any member of the public wishes to submit written comments for Council's consideration, please direct them to Jeff Iles, Director of Planning and Land Information, at jiles@dysartetal.ca. 

Council will review the comments received through the public consultation process and direct staff on any changes they wish to make. There will be another public meeting held to review the final draft policy amendments. The date for this meeting will be published on our website and in the local newspaper once it has been scheduled.

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