Muskoka’s Climate Strategy: How It All Fits Together

Tackling Climate Change, Together

Muskoka’s climate is changing, bringing new challenges to our environment, infrastructure, and way of life. The District of Muskoka is taking action through a multi-faceted approach that combines investment, collaboration, and community engagement.

In December 2020, Muskoka District Council declared a Climate Emergency, strengthening the District’s commitment to reducing emissions and protecting Muskoka’s natural environment.

How Does It All Connect?

Our efforts fall under the New Leaf Climate Strategy, which is made up of six interconnected components. Together, these initiatives drive our climate action, protect Muskoka’s natural environment, and support a sustainable future.

Muskoka’s Climate Change Action Plan (MCCAP)

The MCCAP is the District’s corporate climate plan, outlining 112 actions to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
Actions fall under five key pillars: Natural Environment, Governance, Economy, Infrastructure, and Community.
Example of action: Energy upgrades in District-owned buildings (like McVittie Place) to reduce GHG emissions.
Learn more: Muskoka's Climate Change Action Plan

Corporate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Initiative

Developed in 2020, the GHG Inventory and Emissions Reduction Strategy tracks GHG emissions from District operations, including fleet vehicles and facilities.
Sets reduction targets and identifies projects to cut our carbon footprint.
Examples of action:

Investing in electric vehicles and energy-efficient building retrofits;

Learn more: View the GHG Inventory and Emission Reduction Strategy

Muskoka Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan (CEERP)

A community-wide plan to cut emissions in Muskoka by 50% (below 2018 levels) by 2030.

Focuses on municipal and community-led actions to reduce energy use.
Example of action:

Encouraging residents and businesses to make energy-efficient upgrades

Climate Heroes Program (coming soon!)
Learn more: Muskoka Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan

Outreach & Education

District staff deliver public education programs and engage residents in climate action.
Encourages waste reduction, shoreline protection, and sustainable choices in daily life.
Example of actions:

Learn more: Outreach and Education - Engaging Muskoka in Climate Action

Partnerships

The District collaborates with local, regional, and national organizations to advance climate initiatives.
Long-standing partnerships include the Muskoka Watershed Council, Lake Associations, various provincial Ministries and schools.
Example of action:
- Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan (working with 5 of Muskoka’s area municipalities (Towns of Huntsville, Bracebridge and Gravenhurst and Townships of Muskoka Lakes and Lake of Bays) to create climate change adaptation plans.
- Clean Muskoka Together;
- Muskoka Watershed Council;
- Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre Partnership;

Investments & Funding

The District commits funding through its budgeting process to advance climate initiatives.
Since 2018, a full-time staff member has been dedicated to climate action.
The District actively seeks provincial and federal funding to support sustainability projects.
Example of action:

Making Waves: Integrated Watershed Management Projects
Floodplain Mapping
A $1M Climate Reserve Fund was established in 2024 to support corporate climate action and GHG reduction efforts, with additional contributions planned.

Learn more: 2025-2026 Budget

What Can You Do?

Muskoka’s climate efforts rely on everyone doing their part. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or visitor, there are simple steps you can take:

Subscribe to our Climate Corner newsletter for monthly tips on how you can support climate action.
Participate in our Climate Heroes Program (coming soon!)
Reduce waste and learn where it goes!
Improve home energy efficiency
Protect shorelines and natural areas
Use sustainable transportation options, explore local community transit options.
Visit our Outreach and Education page for upcoming community engagement opportunities!

What Causes Climate Change?

Greenhouse gases (GHGs), including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur oxide and chlorofluorocarbons, are the primary cause of climate change.

The quantity of GHGs emitted into the atmosphere from human-caused activities has significantly increased over the past century. As concentrations of GHGs increase, they act like a blanket around the earth, trapping solar energy that gradually increases the temperature of the atmosphere, known as the greenhouse effect. Climate change causes a variety of life-altering impacts like extreme weather (heat waves, droughts, flooding, extreme precipitation, etc.) that we have begun to see around the world and locally right here in Muskoka.