Rob Bosomworth

1 – Improvements for TML / Better Community:

All policies of the Township must be viewed through the lens of protecting and enhancing the environment. The natural beauty of Muskoka is the very foundation of our region’s year-round economy. Protecting the environment will ensure a vibrant economic engine which will benefit all residents and business.

2 – Tax Increases / Effective Delivery:

Historically the Council has based its budget on the previous year’s budget. Moving to bottom-up budgeting allows council to reassess all programs and look for opportunities to gain efficiencies. I believe this Council has done a pretty good job at building the budget and this must be continued in the next Council. Tax rates should increase no more than inflation. Increases above inflation should be fully justified and clearly explained to the ratepayers.

3a – Data to Justify Environmental Improvements:

The majority of residents, whether permanent or seasonal believe that the natural environment is Muskoka’s key asset. Clean water, protection of the tree canopy, minimal impact of built form on the shorelines and minimal light pollution everywhere are the key elements of this asset. Council, together with staff has proposed changes to the Official Plan and Site Alteration to reflect the strong desire by most residents to avoid any more Legacys or Sugarloaf Island.  There has also been significant outreach to get public input to the proposed changes and have they received significant feedback from many ratepayers and ratepayer groups. It is Councils job to determine which feedback to adopt in the long-term interest of Muskoka.

The Mayor ran on a platform that included introducing septic inspections. This is a good policy with obvious benefits. Staff is identifying septic systems that are old and/or at risk and I expect that data will completely justify the need for septic inspections.

3b – Financial Impact of Regulatory Environmental Changes:

Councillor provided a single answer to both parts a and b of this question – see above

4 – Affordable Housing:

Council must do all that it can to increase the supply of affordable housing especially in the towns and hamlets.