Unstaffed dumpster sites

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The District Municipality of Muskoka’s Bin Site Transition Plan is an ongoing initiative to transition Muskoka’s previously unstaffed and unsupervised dumpster sites to long-term, alternate waste collection service that is licensed and environmentally sustainable.

With guidance given by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), this transition involves replacing community bin sites with Ministry-approved waste collection alternatives, such as curbside and lakeside waste collection, along with the establishment of new drop-off depots.

Through this initiative, we seek to achieve several key objectives:

Discover more about our Bin Site Transition Plan and how we’re re-shaping waste collection services in Muskoka by viewing our Waste Collection Alternate Servicing Study Terms of Reference, which highlights:

  • How our plan aligns with the District’s Waste Management Strategy
  • Insights into Muskoka’s diverse bin sites and their unique environments
  • The process behind implementing alternative services
  • The crucial role community consultation plays in shaping our approach

Have your say!

Waste Collection Surveys are crafted to gather your valuable input on the bin site transition process, enabling us to deliver efficient, sustainable waste collection services considering the unique needs of each community. We also work closely with marinas and cottage associations to shape future waste servicing. Your contribution makes a difference!

Surveys currently open for feedback include:

  • Campbell's Landing Marina and Villas Marina Bin Sites Survey (Coming soon)

Current lakeside waste collection and existing services

Some communities have already made the transition away from dumpster bins to new lakeside waste collection servicing. Learn more about which community is receiving Lakeside waste collection and the collection event schedule for each community.

You can also learn more about curbside garbage collection for eligible properties, green bin organics and recycling.

Active consultation updates

Consultation has begun and is ongoing with stakeholders. Final transition dates and alternate servicing continue to be investigated. Learn which communities are currently being consulted with:

Allport Marina, Pride of Muskoka and Spirit Bay (Bracebridge)

Milne Road, Rignalls Road, Bird Lake Road and Black River/Clear Lake Road (Bracebridge)

  • The District’s long-term planning team is considering area preferences for a permanent drop-off depot for the Highway 118 community.
  • View the Highway 118 Community Survey Summary for the site. Results have been reviewed by stakeholders.

Fish Lake Road at Maws Road (Huntsville)

  • Preliminary meetings have been held with key stakeholders.
  • Consultation is continuing with the Township of Perry.

Campbell's Landing Marina and Villas Marina (Muskoka Lakes)

  • Preliminary meetings have been held with key stakeholders.
  • Given the large number of islanders accessing bins on both the southwest/Gravenhurst side of Lake Muskoka and the southeast/Bracebridge side of Lake Muskoka, the long-term planning team continues to develop comprehensive final servicing plans.
  • Transitions on both sides of the lake will occur together.

East Bay Landing and Bala Cove Marina (Muskoka Lakes)

  • Preliminary meetings have been held with key stakeholders.
  • The long-term planning team is investigating alternate servicing options.

Township of Georgian Bay

  • Consultation is continuing with the Township of Georgian Bay.

New drop-off depot updates

New public drop-off depots are being established to support communities once serviced by bin sites. The depots will be licensed, fully secured, and staffed by an on-site attendant during operational hours, in accordance with MECP regulations.

View the latest updates to new depots or view the most recent District Staff Report around the new depots’ development to learn about facility updates:

Housey's Rapids Depot

  • Supports the Riley Lake Road community in Gravenhurst.
  • Construction has begun with tree removal in February 2024. Work (such as construction and fencing) will continue over the next few months to prepare the site for the new depot.
  • The District continues to work with the Town of Gravenhurst to finalize approvals required for the site, such as the Site Plan Approval and License of Use agreement.
  • Final Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) was issued in May 2023. View more details in the Neighbourhood Notification – Housey’s Rapids Depot letter to area residents.

Southwood Depot

  • Supports the Nine Mile Marina community in Muskoka Lakes.
  • A Site Plan and Design and Operations Report are currently being developed and submission of the ECA application is expected in 2024.
  • Consultation with local stakeholders is currently underway.

Beaumont Depot

  • Supports the Lake Muskoka community.
  • A Site Plan and Design and Operations Report are currently being developed and submission of the ECA application is expected in 2024.
  • Consultation with local stakeholders is currently underway.

Other depot sites

  • The District is investigating the development of new depots to support the Skeleton Lake community and Beaumont Drive community (including Allport Marina, Pride of Muskoka and Strawberry Bay).
  • Site Plans, Design and Operations Reports and consultation with stakeholders took place in 2023 in support of the ECA application.

Transition status for community bin sites

View the transition status and consultation opportunities for each community using our Bin Site Locations and Status Chart (coming soon).

View the Bin Site Transition Plan 2023 Annual Report for updates on:

  • Sites already transitioned
  • Sites planned for consultation and community engagement
  • Proposed 2024 activities
  • Transition of remaining bin sites

View updates on current bin sites that are in the process of being transitioned or have been recently completed:

North Muldrew Lake Road and South Muldrew Lake Road (Gravenhurst)

Rowanwood Road (Huntsville)


Sign up to be notified when your community is being surveyed.

The District Municipality of Muskoka’s Bin Site Transition Plan is an ongoing initiative to transition Muskoka’s previously unstaffed and unsupervised dumpster sites to long-term, alternate waste collection service that is licensed and environmentally sustainable.

With guidance given by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), this transition involves replacing community bin sites with Ministry-approved waste collection alternatives, such as curbside and lakeside waste collection, along with the establishment of new drop-off depots.

Through this initiative, we seek to achieve several key objectives:

Discover more about our Bin Site Transition Plan and how we’re re-shaping waste collection services in Muskoka by viewing our Waste Collection Alternate Servicing Study Terms of Reference, which highlights:

  • How our plan aligns with the District’s Waste Management Strategy
  • Insights into Muskoka’s diverse bin sites and their unique environments
  • The process behind implementing alternative services
  • The crucial role community consultation plays in shaping our approach

Have your say!

Waste Collection Surveys are crafted to gather your valuable input on the bin site transition process, enabling us to deliver efficient, sustainable waste collection services considering the unique needs of each community. We also work closely with marinas and cottage associations to shape future waste servicing. Your contribution makes a difference!

Surveys currently open for feedback include:

  • Campbell's Landing Marina and Villas Marina Bin Sites Survey (Coming soon)

Current lakeside waste collection and existing services

Some communities have already made the transition away from dumpster bins to new lakeside waste collection servicing. Learn more about which community is receiving Lakeside waste collection and the collection event schedule for each community.

You can also learn more about curbside garbage collection for eligible properties, green bin organics and recycling.

Active consultation updates

Consultation has begun and is ongoing with stakeholders. Final transition dates and alternate servicing continue to be investigated. Learn which communities are currently being consulted with:

Allport Marina, Pride of Muskoka and Spirit Bay (Bracebridge)

Milne Road, Rignalls Road, Bird Lake Road and Black River/Clear Lake Road (Bracebridge)

  • The District’s long-term planning team is considering area preferences for a permanent drop-off depot for the Highway 118 community.
  • View the Highway 118 Community Survey Summary for the site. Results have been reviewed by stakeholders.

Fish Lake Road at Maws Road (Huntsville)

  • Preliminary meetings have been held with key stakeholders.
  • Consultation is continuing with the Township of Perry.

Campbell's Landing Marina and Villas Marina (Muskoka Lakes)

  • Preliminary meetings have been held with key stakeholders.
  • Given the large number of islanders accessing bins on both the southwest/Gravenhurst side of Lake Muskoka and the southeast/Bracebridge side of Lake Muskoka, the long-term planning team continues to develop comprehensive final servicing plans.
  • Transitions on both sides of the lake will occur together.

East Bay Landing and Bala Cove Marina (Muskoka Lakes)

  • Preliminary meetings have been held with key stakeholders.
  • The long-term planning team is investigating alternate servicing options.

Township of Georgian Bay

  • Consultation is continuing with the Township of Georgian Bay.

New drop-off depot updates

New public drop-off depots are being established to support communities once serviced by bin sites. The depots will be licensed, fully secured, and staffed by an on-site attendant during operational hours, in accordance with MECP regulations.

View the latest updates to new depots or view the most recent District Staff Report around the new depots’ development to learn about facility updates:

Housey's Rapids Depot

  • Supports the Riley Lake Road community in Gravenhurst.
  • Construction has begun with tree removal in February 2024. Work (such as construction and fencing) will continue over the next few months to prepare the site for the new depot.
  • The District continues to work with the Town of Gravenhurst to finalize approvals required for the site, such as the Site Plan Approval and License of Use agreement.
  • Final Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) was issued in May 2023. View more details in the Neighbourhood Notification – Housey’s Rapids Depot letter to area residents.

Southwood Depot

  • Supports the Nine Mile Marina community in Muskoka Lakes.
  • A Site Plan and Design and Operations Report are currently being developed and submission of the ECA application is expected in 2024.
  • Consultation with local stakeholders is currently underway.

Beaumont Depot

  • Supports the Lake Muskoka community.
  • A Site Plan and Design and Operations Report are currently being developed and submission of the ECA application is expected in 2024.
  • Consultation with local stakeholders is currently underway.

Other depot sites

  • The District is investigating the development of new depots to support the Skeleton Lake community and Beaumont Drive community (including Allport Marina, Pride of Muskoka and Strawberry Bay).
  • Site Plans, Design and Operations Reports and consultation with stakeholders took place in 2023 in support of the ECA application.

Transition status for community bin sites

View the transition status and consultation opportunities for each community using our Bin Site Locations and Status Chart (coming soon).

View the Bin Site Transition Plan 2023 Annual Report for updates on:

  • Sites already transitioned
  • Sites planned for consultation and community engagement
  • Proposed 2024 activities
  • Transition of remaining bin sites

View updates on current bin sites that are in the process of being transitioned or have been recently completed:

North Muldrew Lake Road and South Muldrew Lake Road (Gravenhurst)

Rowanwood Road (Huntsville)


Sign up to be notified when your community is being surveyed.

  • Wood Lake Water-Access Summer Servicing

    The District is working with the Wood Lake Cottagers’ Association and Wood Lake Islanders’ Association to provide summer collection for Wood Lake water-access residents beginning in spring 2023. If you are a Wood Lake water-access resident provide your email address to receive updates about service for water-access residents

    Wood Lake Water-Access Signup Form
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  • Lakeside Waste Collection Survey - Villas Marina, Campbell's Landing Marina and Lakeshore Landing Marina

    Lakeside Waste Collection is coming to Villas Marina, Campbell's Landing Marina and Lakeshore Landing Marina! 


    To help us plan for effective waste servicing after the dumpsters are removed from Villas Marina and Campbell's Landing Marina, we're looking to gather information on your waste collection habits, and potential need for year-round servicing. 


    Thank you for completing the Lakeside Waste Collection Survey. Your feedback is valuable as we plan for the transition of these bin sites. To learn more about current collection visit www.muskokarecycles.ca or download our Muskoka Recycles mobile app.


    Personal information is being collected pursuant to Section 28 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and will be used for the purpose of garnering public input into the Bin Site Transition Project and to respond to inquiries regarding this process. Comments and input provided may form part of the project documentation and therefore be subject to disclosure pursuant to MFIPPA or other applicable legislation. Should you have questions regarding this collection, please contact the District at waste@muskoka.on.ca or by calling (705) 645-2100. 

    Take Survey
    Share Lakeside Waste Collection Survey - Villas Marina, Campbell's Landing Marina and Lakeshore Landing Marina on Facebook Share Lakeside Waste Collection Survey - Villas Marina, Campbell's Landing Marina and Lakeshore Landing Marina on Twitter Share Lakeside Waste Collection Survey - Villas Marina, Campbell's Landing Marina and Lakeshore Landing Marina on Linkedin Email Lakeside Waste Collection Survey - Villas Marina, Campbell's Landing Marina and Lakeshore Landing Marina link

  • Georgian Bay - Community Waste Disposal Survey

    The way Georgian Bay residents dispose of waste is changing! 
    We're looking for your feedback.


    In 2019, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks directed the District to align all 'dumpster' sites with regulatory standards in the Environmental Protection Act. We have been working with key stakeholders on sustainable waste management alternatives that best serve Georgian Bay. With this service transition, we can increase the lifespan of our landfill by diverting more waste streams, including the expansion of our organics collection program, and preserving our natural environment by ensuring hazardous waste is disposed of properly.  
      

    To help us plan for effective waste servicing after the dumpsters are removed across the Township of Georgian Bay, we are looking for feedback from residents around your waste disposal habits. 

    Thank you for completing the Georgian Bay - Community Waste Disposal Survey. Your feedback is valuable as we plan for the transition of these dumpsters. To learn more about current collection visit www.muskokarecycles.ca or download our Muskoka Recycles mobile app.


    Personal information is being collected pursuant to Section 28 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and will be used for the purpose of garnering public input into the Bin Site Transition Project and to respond to inquiries regarding this process. Comments and input provided may form part of the project documentation and therefore be subject to disclosure pursuant to MFIPPA or other applicable legislation. Should you have questions regarding this collection, please contact the District at waste@muskoka.on.ca or by calling (705) 645-2100.

    Take Survey
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  • Housey's Rapids Depot - Hours of Operation Survey

    As the Housey's Rapids Drop-off Depot (waste transfer station), located at 1990 Housey's Rapids Road, Gravenhurst, nears its opening in Fall 2024, we are seeking your feedback on the depot's hours of operation that would be most convenient for waste customers.

    Three options for operating hours have been determined. Please rank the most suitable options that work for your typical waste drop-off schedule from 1st (most convenient) to 3rd (least convenient).

    As a reminder, the Housey's Rapids Drop-off Depot will:

    • Be enclosed by a fence and gate, with an entrance and exit to the site
    • Be staffed by an attendant during operating hours to help direct customers and manage site operations
    • Contain various bins to collect and temporarily store waste materials until they are ready to be transported off-site for further processing or final disposal
    • Not be accessible to the public outside of normal hours of operation

    This survey will be open until end of day, Wednesday, Aug. 28. Please be sure to complete it prior to closing.

    Take Survey
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Page last updated: 25 Jul 2024, 03:25 PM