Township and District
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New Planner II and Deputy Treasurer hired at the Township. It’s more than just a library. Update on Township asset management. MP Scott Aitchison speaks to Council. Strategic Plan approved by Council. New dentist in Port Carling Health Hub. Our Muskoka Stakeholders Association introduce themselves. Leonard Lake – Lake Plan. Changes requested to the Official Plan Amendment in Minett. Letter of concurrence for cell tower on Camel Lake Road. Special Council meeting for public input on the 2021 budget Tuesday, February 2nd at 4 PM.  -  Read more about Township Watch - January 2021

“A working group” to be established for the Torrance Barrens. Safe Quiet Lakes work hard on reducing wakes and speed, as well as a “Decibel Coalition”. Active Transportation route requested on Muskoka Road 169 from Torrance to Gravenhurst. Municipal operating update during COVID19. Condominium agreement reached between the Township and Legacy Cottages. Three lake plans submitted for consideration in the Official Plan. Servicing in Minett Official Plan update.  -  Read more about Township Watch - December 2020

Councillors receive mid-term training from the Township Integrity Commissioner. Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce Annual Report to the Township. Township forecasting a small financial surplus in 2020. Minett Firefighters Association receive a donation. Remembrance Day. Township receives a clean audit in 2019. New Chief Building Official promoted. New Parks Use By-law approved by Council. No Parking Zone on Milford Bay Road. Proposal cell tower on the Joseph River. Will your property rights change with changes to grandfathering provisions? New Manager of Planning. Speed reduction for two kilometres on Peninsula Road. Committee follows District staff recommendation to not circulate Official Plan Amendment 49 for Minett.  -  Read more about Township Watch - November 2020

Is habitable space permitted in the first storey of boathouses? Staff recognized for their hard work. New regulations on park usage coming to the Township of Muskoka Lakes. New budget guiding principles policy put in place. 2021 Township budget guidelines set. Legacy Cottages condominium agreement negotiations continue. Five Township Community Centres to re-open. The Township continues to work on their Official Plan. Does the Township enforce their by-laws or is it perceived that they do not ~ staff undertake a functional review. Minett Official Plan Amendment continues to be in the hands of the District.  -  Read more about Township Watch - October 2020

Township to review reserve targets for future budgets and establish protocols for multi-year budgets. Winter initiative being put forth for those in Muskoka Lakes. Which community centres will re-open following COVID-19 closures and how. StratCorp provides Council with refined values, goals and key performance indicators. Some feel public safety is still a concern at the power plant in Bala. Township appoints an Acting Chief Building Official. Camel Lake subdivision agreement passed unanimously. Legacy Cottages condominium agreement moved forward to Council with no discussion as period for court appeal still open. Two proposed new cell towers in Muskoka. Julie Stevens appointed Chief Administrative Officer of the District of Muskoka. Manager of Planning at the Township resigns.  -  Read more about Township Watch - September 2020

Restoration of Portage Landing Park delayed to spring 2021. Speed sign requested for Bala. The KEE withdraws outdoor events request. Township of Muskoka Lakes re-opens cautiously. The Barrens are being mis-used. Township Commercial Resort Policy to be reviewed concurrently with the District, not jointly. Are boathouses being used for more than marine storage? Township new Strategic Plan meetings reviewed. Port Sandfield bridge being closed nightly and for a two week complete closure.  -  Read more about Township Watch - August 2020

Discussions resume regarding parking on Currie Street in Bala. Deferral of late fees on property taxes not extended. Fire Department has an average response time of 15 minutes and 16 seconds, and other satistics. Request to remove resort commercial applications from District staff. Council votes to support the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit mask mandate. Strategic Plan meetings to resume via ZOOM. Township to remain status quo with meeting being held electronically as they re-open. Application for outdoor events at The KEE deferred. Committee votes to add “resort policies” to the Official Plan Review. Standard “conditions” suggested on all condominium agreements within the Township of Muskoka Lakes. Township loses further staff members.  -  Read more about Township Watch - July 2020

Township embarks on an asset management plan. Closure of the Port Sandfield bridge. Littering by-law to be researched. The KEE to Bala “contingency plan” for the summer of 2020, includes many outdoor events. Swift River Energy Limited to terminate lease of Township lands. Curbside pick-up in Port Carling defeated. Joint Official Plan policy review for Minett update & $30,000.00 approved for a consultant. Delegation of consent approvals to staff defeated. Township staff ~ new hire, new title and those leaving. Grass runway at the Muskoka Airport closed for 2020. Michael Duben resigns as District CAO.  -  Read more about Township Watch - June 2020

Committee of the Whole met to deliberate the 2020 budget. Council passes 2020 budget with a levy of 2.14%. Penalties on unpaid property taxes wavied. Condominium agreements carried with Mist Opportunities Inc. & Villas of Lake Muskoka Ltd. Director of Financial Services hired. COVID-19 update from the Commissioner of Health Services at the District of Muskoka.  -  Read more about Township Watch - May 2020