Connections and Locates

Prior to connection to services, all new customers require completing the Application for Water and/or Sewer Billing Services and an approval of financial credit background.

Customers who are unable to demonstrate that they have a good payment history will be required to pay a deposit.

The District's billing clerks will estimate the initial deposit amount based upon the type of occupancy (average consumption) and billing period. If a deposit amount is not received in advance, the predetermined deposit amount will be applied to your first user fee bill.

Customers who can demonstrate that they are a good credit risk and enroll in one of the payment options listed below, may have their deposit amount reimbursed.

A variety of Applications and Forms are available for download.  Please select the dropdown box below Connection Permits.

Connection permits are required and must be obtained prior to any work commencing to connect to the municipal water and/or sanitary sewer system.

There is a $71.00 fee associated with each permit, as well as the cost of a water meter. Additionally, there may be a cost associated with the provision of water and sanitary sewer laterals to service the property.

Connection permits are available by telephone or email appointment only. Please email us or call us at 705-645-2100 to secure an appointment. 

Applications

• New Customers: Water and/or Sewer Billing Services
• Loan Application Form for Water and/or Sewer Connection Costs (for Residential Mandatory Connection properties only)
• Landfill/Lagoon Site Usage Credit Application - Commercial Only
• Mandatory Connection - Request for Extension

Forms

• Pre-Authorized Debit Agreement
• Procedure for Connecting to a Municipal Water Service
• Procedure for Connecting to a Municipal Sanitary Service
• Initial Acceptance Checklist (Subdivision)
• Final Acceptance Checklist (Subdivision)
• Initial Acceptance (WM Services under 100mm)
• Final Acceptance (WM Services under 100mm)
• Certificate of Substantial Performance
• Deficiency Summary Sheet
• Inspection Summary Sheet
• Drawing Review Checklist 

Local improvements of municipal water and sanitary sewer construction are either customer driven where at least 50% of the property owners expressing opinion must agree, or Council driven to address health or environmental issues, community development, road reconstruction or other utility construction.

Property owners are billed when the work is completed, and can pay in lump sums or over time as taxes. Property owners arrange and pay for connection, and private systems must be disconnected.

Any and all works from the curb stops (water service connections) and the shut off valves (sanitary sewer service connections) are private works and are the sole responsibility of the property owner.

As with most by-laws, those persons who contravene the by-law by not connecting to municipal services within the specified period, are guilty of an offence and upon conviction shall be subject to a fine of up to $15,000 exclusive of costs. Such fines will be recoverable under the Provincial Offences Act.

The only exception to the 24 month mandatory connection timeline is in the case of a failed septic system. In such case, an immediate connection is required. There is also the opportunity to apply for a 2 year extension period for the connection. Such extension will be subject to the approval of both the Commissioner of Finance and Corporate Services, and the Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works, and is only available if there is either a demonstrated financial hardship or intent and plan to connect.

Appeals for extensions must be forwarded in writing to The District Municipality of Muskoka Engineering and Public Works Department:

• Email mandatoryconnections@muskoka.on.ca
• By mail to 70 Pine Street, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1N3

Please see under Forms for instructions on how to connect to municipal services. If you are considering applying for the loan option, upon final inspection of the connection please forward the completed Loan Application Form with proof of payment to the District's Finance Department.

A finance representative is available to assist with the completion of the application and will advise the property owner of the annual payment that will appear on their tax roll.