Township and District
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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

Township and District meetings held electronically during COVID-19. Township By-Law Officer appointed. Moon River dock will not be available for use again this summer. Beaumaris Bridge in need of repairs. Penalties on late property taxes deferred to May 31st, 2020. Township operational activities and COVID-19. Should boat launches be closed during COVID-19? Will the grass runway at the Muskoka Airport open this year? An update from the District on solid waste management ~ curb side pick up, transfer stations and unstaffed bin sites. Draft 1 of the Township 2020 budget returned to staff for cuts.  -  Read more about Township Watch - April 2020

Safe Quiet Lakes launches pilot project for wake and speed on the Indian River and Mirror Lake. Should Community Centre rental fees be waived for community groups? MPAC residential assessments to be mailed May 4th, full assessment refresher attached. New meeting schedule and Council/Committee structure approved. Full report of round-table discussion on the Community Safety and Policing Act. MNRF not willing to say there will be no flooding. Restrictions on sports courts and recreational areas on the waterfront.  -  Read more about Township Watch - March 2020

Muskoka Ratepayers not in agreement with comments made on bubbler use. Township Treasurer no longer with the Township. Your public garbage bin is being removed by April 2023. Township meeting schedule changed. Council defers acceptance of Strategic Plan draft. Sports courts draft by-law not accepted by Council. Lake plans are good for the Township. Brief General/Finance meeting. Official Plan discussion paper presented to Planning Committee. Recommendations to be made to the District on Mary Jane Lake subdivision. 2019 planning department activity report. 2020 District budget passed.  -  Read more about Township Watch - February 2020