Muskoka Rd. 117, Baysville - A 'Muskoka Main Streets' Initiative
Baysville Main Street Community Upgrades
March 31, 2026 Update:
Baysville is Open for Business!
During construction on MR 117, the businesses that make Baysville such a special destination remain open and ready to welcome you. Whether you're stopping in for a meal, picking up supplies, or exploring local shops, your favourite Baysville businesses will be accessible throughout the project.
We know construction can feel disruptive, and we appreciate your patience as we work to build a better main street for everyone. As part of the project, wayfinding signage will be installed to help drivers better find available overflow parking areas.
Supporting local businesses during this time makes a real difference to the community. Plan a visit, grab a coffee, and see the progress firsthand; the end result will be a more beautiful, walkable, and welcoming Baysville for residents and visitors alike.
March 23, 2026 Update:
Spring is around the corner, and so is the next phase of construction on MR 117
Construction crews will be returning to the MR 117 project site this week to prepare for the 2026 construction season, which kicks off in early April. This phase will take the project from Bridge St. all the way to Bay St., with the full section expected to be complete by the end of 2026.
Staff will share more updates as the project moves forward. Thank you for attending the Construction Cafés with your questions, patience and support as we work to improve this important corridor in the community.
March 3, 2026 Update:
Understanding Roundabouts
What is a roundabout?
A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic flows continuously counter-clockwise around a central island. No stop signs or traffic signals are needed.
Roundabouts offer some great benefits for our community:
🚙 Safer intersections: Fewer conflict points and naturally slower speeds make roundabouts significantly safer than traditional intersections.
🚦 Smoother traffic flow: No more sitting at a red light when there's nobody coming. Traffic keeps moving, which is great news on busy summer days.
💲 Lower operating costs: No electricity costs and less maintenance than traffic signals make roundabouts a smart long-term investment for the community.
🌎 Better for the environment: Less idling means fewer emissions. Small improvements add up across thousands of vehicles a day.
Our traffic engineers carefully study each intersection to find the best solution for that specific location, whether that's a roundabout or a traditional traffic signal.
How to safely navigate a roundabout
⚠️ Approaching the roundabout:
* Slow down as you approach the yield line
* Watch for pedestrians and cyclists who may be crossing
* Stay in your lane – don't change lanes while approaching
* Yield to traffic already in the roundabout – vehicles in the circle always have the right-of-way
* Look for a safe gap in traffic before entering
⚠️ Entering the roundabout:
* Check for pedestrians crossing at the entrance and yield to them
* Look for cyclists and other vehicles
* Enter when there's a safe gap in the circulating traffic
* Travel counter-clockwise, keeping to the right of the central island
* Signal any lane changes you need to make
* Keep moving – once you're in the roundabout, maintain your speed and don't stop
⚠️ Exiting the roundabout:
* Signal right before your exit
* Watch for pedestrians and cyclists at the crosswalk
* Exit smoothly and continue on your way
A few things to keep in mind
🚛 Large vehicles: Please give trucks, buses, and other large vehicles extra space.
🚶♀️ Pedestrians: Never cross to the central island. Always use the designated crosswalks, wait for gaps in traffic, and only cross when it's safe to do so.
🚴 Cyclists: Experienced cyclists can ride through the roundabout alongside other vehicles. If you're riding through, move to the centre of your travel lane before entering and stay there until you've exited. Less experienced cyclists should dismount and walk their bikes through the crosswalks, following the same rules as pedestrians.
🚒 Emergency vehicles: If you hear sirens and haven't entered the roundabout yet, pull over to the right and let the emergency vehicle pass. If you're already in the roundabout, continue to your exit, then pull over to the right. Never stop inside the roundabout—this blocks traffic and delays emergency response.
Oct. 28, 2025 Update:
One of the main questions we heard at the first Construction Café session was in regards to roundabouts and people not being familiar with how they work. We found a great article that helps explain common myths and truths about roundabouts:
Discover how roundabouts really work — fact vs. fiction
This blog from the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) breaks down common myths and truths about roundabouts, including how vehicle speeds drop, conflict points shrink, and pedestrian safety improves.
👉 Read A well-rounded approach: Facts vs fiction about roundabouts
We enjoyed being able to interact directly with residents and business owners.
Oct. 3, 2025 Update:
Stage 1 starting soon: Construction on the new curb and sidewalk along Muskoka Rd. 117 from south of University St. to Brunel Rd. will begin the week of Oct 6.
Building Better Communities, Starting Here
Subject to District Council approval of the project award, the District of Muskoka and the Township of Lake of Bays are working together on the first ever 'Muskoka Main Streets' project, starting in Baysville. This initiative was created to strengthen the places where residents live, work, and connect, because main streets are more than just roads. They’re community gateways, economic corridors, and shared spaces.
Beginning in October 2025, this project will redevelop a 780-metre section of Muskoka Rd. 117 through the Community of Baysville. In addition to upgrading the existing road surface, the project will improve traffic flow and enhance safety for both pedestrians and drivers through traffic calming features, with a modern roundabout and pedestrian crossings. It will also add active transportation infrastructure, including a new multi-use trail and a sidewalk.
The Lake of Bays - Community Improvement Plan (External Link) was shaped by two surveys with nearly 500 responses, as well as multiple public information sessions. A key theme from the community's feedback was the need to improve the section of Muskoka Rd. 117 in Baysville.
Baysville was chosen as the first project for this program, making it a model for future initiatives across Muskoka that improve walkability, support local business, and enhance public space.
Project Purpose & Goals
This project responds directly to community feedback gathered through two public surveys and multiple engagement sessions. This investment also reflects a broader goal to develop consistent, high-quality, main street experiences across Muskoka's communities.
Residents called for:
* Safer pedestrian and cycling routes,
* Slower traffic through town,
* A more attractive and welcoming streetscape, and
* Better connectivity for local businesses, residents, and visitors.
What to Expect During Construction
🚧 New Traffic Patterns
Expect temporary adjustments as construction moves forward, with clear timelines and minimal disruption.
⚠️ Clear, Simple Signage
Watch for easy-to-navigate signs to help guide both drivers and pedestrians safely through the area.
🛑 Safety Barriers
Short-term barriers will help protect pedestrians and workers while work is underway.
🌦️ Built for Muskoka's Weather
Our upgrades are designed with all four seasons in mind. Construction will pause during the colder months and resume in Spring 2026.
🔁 Designed to Evolve
This project is built to grow with Baysville, improving how we live, move, and connect.
What to Expect After Construction
🚗 Traffic Calming Features
New design elements will encourage safer, slower driving to support a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
🚶♀️ Raised Pedestrian Crossings
These visible crossings will help prioritize pedestrian safety and improve walkability throughout the area.
⚪ Modern Roundabout
A new roundabout will support better traffic flow while making intersections safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
/┆\ Enhanced Streetscape
Expect thoughtful landscaping, durable materials, and weather-ready features built to look great year-round.
| Improved Safety | A roundabout reduces the risk of serious crashes by slowing down vehicles and eliminating dangerous left turns and head on collisions. |
| Better Traffic Flow | A roundabout keeps vehicles moving. This helps reduce congestion and delays, especially during busy times or tourist seasons. |
| Support for Local Development | This feature can help manage increased traffic from new housing, businesses, or recreational areas, making it easier for drivers to enter and exit side streets safely. |
| Gateway Feature | A roundabout can act as a visual “gateway” into the community, signalling to drivers that they’re entering a populated area. It encourages slower speeds and can be landscaped to reflect local identity. |
| Environmental Benefits | Because vehicles don’t idle as long, they can reduce fuel use and emissions, supporting sustainability goals. |
Why Now?
This project is part of a long term commitment to build safer, more vibrant communities across Muskoka. With regular updates, clear signage, and transparent communication, we'll keep you informed every step of the way.
Building Better Communities Together
This project represents a meaningful investment by the District of Muskoka and the Township of Lake of Bays. By enhancing existing roads and building new infrastructure, we’re strengthening the foundation of our communities, supporting local economic growth, improving safety for all road and sidewalk users, and creating inviting spaces for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
If you have any comments or questions please fill out our Comments or Questions Form below.
