A motion brought forward by District Councillor Tatiana Sutherland, and seconded by Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock, will be discussed at the April 20th District Council meeting. The motion asks the Province to recognize Muskoka’s unique circumstances as it considers changes to how regional governments are structured, including respecting the right of Muskoka Council to choose its own, locally-responsive and accountable Chair.

At the core of the discussion is how Muskoka fits within a broader provincial approach that has largely focused on more densely populated regions.  Local leaders say Muskoka’s structure and geography set it apart. Spanning thousands of square kilometres of lakes, forests, and small communities, the District operates across a mix of serviced centres and rural areas, creating different service delivery realities within a single region.

At the same time, local officials point to the challenges of building in Muskoka. Canadian Shield bedrock, environmental considerations, and higher servicing costs all play a role in shaping how growth can occur, often requiring a more tailored, locally responsive approach.

There are also operational pressures unique to the region. In recent years, Muskoka has faced multiple extreme weather events that required coordinated responses across municipalities, emergency services, and provincial partners—highlighting the need for strong local collaboration.

As Council prepares to discuss the motion, the conversation is expected to centre on how Muskoka is fundamentally different from the Greater Toronto Area, and a request for the Province to respect local decision-making.

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Council approved what’s called a ‘minutes of settlement’ document at its meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

Spearheaded by the Rosseau Development Corporation, the Starboard development is slated for privately held land off Cherokee Lane in the Muskoka Wharf area.

“This proposal will result in mixed-use development in our serviced settlement area,” Mayor Heidi Lorenz said. “In our Official Plan, the land has been identified for intensification and growth for several years, and this was reiterated in our recent Wharf Revitalization Plan. This project will round out the existing development in the area and will contribute to the overall economic health of our community.”

The project will involve the construction of an urban serviced condominium building, commercial space, two boathouses, and various outdoor amenities, including a boardwalk.

Background 

As required by the provisions of the Planning Act, the development application went through an extensive public consultation process prior to council’s deliberations. These formal and informal consultations identified a number of questions and concerns, ultimately resulting in several adjustments to the proposal.

In August 2023, council considered an official plan amendment and a zoning bylaw amendment related to the amended proposal. The proposal was defeated by council and subsequently appealed by the applicant.

Based on a variety of considerations (e.g. legal advice, financial implications, policy compliance), council agreed to enter into a settlement agreement with the developer that would allow the project to proceed as previously amended.

Next steps 

The minutes of settlement require final approval by the Ontario Land Tribunal, and unless another party takes on the appeal, the project can then move forward.

The project would be subject to the town’s site plan approval process that contains environmental, traffic, stormwater, and other requirements, as well as legislated building permit processes and related inspections.

Resources 

• Town of Gravenhurst Starboard information page.
• Rosseau Development Corporation page.

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Council members approved the strategic plan during a special meeting at the Centennial Centre on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

“This new plan will help us build on Gravenhurst’s strengths and serve as a guiding document as we make decisions about how best to move our community forward,” Mayor Heidi Lorenz said. “I thank council members, staff, and our community for helping create the plan.”

Scott Lucas, chief administrative officer for the Town of Gravenhurst, echoed the mayor’s comments.

“This has been an important exercise for council, staff, and residents. I am grateful to everyone who participated. Through this project, we have been able to identify the areas we need to focus on over this council term and beyond,” he said.

Work on the plan started in March with assistance from Strategy Corp.

Based on consultation with council, staff, and the community, the 2023-2027 strategic plan has three main pillars.

Each pillar includes specific goals, planned initiatives for achieving them, and performance measures to monitor and track progress.

The three pillars are:

• Community vibrancy
• Sustainable growth
• Effective municipal services

“As the town continues to grow and attract new residents due to our beautiful lakes, vibrant arts scene, and rich cultural heritage, we will need to work to balance the protection of these attributes with the economic prosperity, cultural richness and spirit of opportunity that growth brings,” Mayor Lorenz said.

At the same time, the mayor noted, the town is wrestling with the challenges facing many municipalities: housing availability and affordability, economic inflationary pressures, healthcare system pressures, and the continuing threat of climate change.

“Our strategic plan is a roadmap that will help us navigate these challenges as we work towards our vision of building a community where everyone can thrive,” Lorenz said.

CAO Lucas noted the plan is a ‘living document’, meaning it must be tracked, evaluated, and, when required, updated.

“As we go forward, staff will report to council on the progress made under the plan and we will also share this information with our residents,” he said.

Additional Resources 

Town of Gravenhurst Strategic Plan 2023-2027.

Quick facts

• The strategic plan was created with input from the public, council, and town staff.
• Input was collected in a variety of ways: one-on-one meetings, small group meetings, and through an online survey.
• The strategic plan is for the period 2023 to 2027.
• There are three pillars to the plan: community vibrancy, sustainable growth, effective municipal services.
• Each pillar includes specific goals and planned initiatives.
• Staff will review the plan regularly and report to council.
• The plan is available on the town website.

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During the project period, expected to run until the end of November, meetings normally held in the council chamber will take place at other locations in the community. See details below. As always, these meetings are open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend.  

“We are very excited to see this renovation work beginning after significant research and planning. This exercise means several improvements that will benefit our community for years to come,” said Kayla Thibeault, director of legislative services for the Town of Gravenhurst.  

The project involves the installation of a new audio-visual system that will provide improved livestream picture quality and better sound. 

“We have heard from the public over the years that audio of our meetings is less than ideal at times, particularly in the gallery, so this new system will address those concerns. We thank everyone for their patience while we’ve worked on this issue and we look forward to using the new system,” Thibeault said. “We will also have new display screens in the room that make it easier for people to see PowerPoint-type presentations, council agendas, and voting. We are excited about using these new tools to modernize the council meetings.” 

The technical upgrades will also allow for seamless virtual participation in meetings for council and public participation, should council wish to use this option. 

The installation of a new council table, purchased through local custom woodwork company Rock Paper Scissors, is another element of the renovation project. The new table replaces an existing one at the end of its lifespan. The new table will allow for better sightlines for council members and the public.  

Funding the project is a $100,000 Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program grant for livestreaming equipment, plus $60,000 in municipal funding, approved as part of the 2023 budget, for the new council table.  

New meeting locations 

While the renovation work is taking place, meetings typically held in the council chamber will be held at one of the following locations:  

• The Terry Fox Auditorium at the Centennial Centre, 101 Centennial Dr.  
• Meeting Room at the Centennial Centre, 101 Centennial Dr.  

• The Gravenhurst Public Library boardroom, 180 Sharpe St. W.  
• Gravenhurst Opera House, 295 Muskoka Rd. S.
  

All council meetings will continue to be available for viewing on the town’s YouTube channel. 

Information about upcoming meetings, including their location and start time, is available on the town website and social media channels. 

The town will be sharing updates on the council chamber renovation project as work proceeds. These will be available on our social media channels.  

Council and staff look forward to welcoming the public back to the council chamber once the renovation project is complete.  

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Tuesday, Gravenhurst council members approved the plan, which includes short, medium, and long-term recommendations to meet the needs of the community over the next decade.

“Planning for our future is important and this document will help guide us as we go forward,” Mayor Heidi Lorenz said. “I want to thank our residents, community organizations, council members, and town staff for their input into creating the plan.”

Council, during the 2022 capital budget process, earmarked funding for the development of the plan.

Following a request for proposals process, the town hired Monteith Brown Planning Consultants to oversee the project.

The plan, of which a draft was presented to council in March, includes 73 recommendations.

“Priority and timing have been identified for each recommendation, which has a phased implementation to ensure the plan is financially achievable,” said Shawna Patterson, interim director of recreation. “Many recommendations involve creating or updating policies and practices. Several recommendations will have cost implications which we will address through the annual budget process. The plan is a living document and will be reviewed and adapted annually to remain current.”

There are five goals for council and staff to keep in mind during the implementation of the plan:

1. Inclusive recreation for everyone.
2. Outdoor opportunities year-round.
3. A connected and engaged community.
4. Healthy, green, and sustainable.
5. Innovation and service excellence.

“These goals are designed to reflect the expectations shared by the community during our public consultation,” Patterson said. “In addition, staff will continue to engage with the public throughout the implementation of the recommendations where communication and input are required.”

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The budget includes critical funding for essential infrastructure, investments in long-term care, health services and support programs, and services for our community including funding to combat the homelessness crisis.

As a result of the approved 2023 Tax-Supported Operating Budget and the amendments considered, property owners will see a tax increase of 4.15%  over last year, resulting in a tax increase of $37.08, based on a property assessed at $300,000.

Every day, our communities use District programs and services, many available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is important residents know what the District is responsible for, and how the Budget investments help keep Muskoka a great place to live and work. It’s what we do.

Infrastructure: Investments to Support Safe and Accessible Communities   

Maintaining and improving the District’s infrastructure is a critical part of the budget – with our growing population, it’s essential to keep pace with the needs of our community. Muskoka District Council is committed to building and preserving infrastructure that our residents can trust.

Infrastructure Investment Highlights:

• $3.8 Million – bridge improvements and rehabilitation work to ensure the safe connection between communities
• $18.4 Million – road maintenance and improvement projects to preserve, protect and keep roads safe and to keep Muskoka moving
• $1.6 Million – community housing renewal and rehabilitation projects to ensure the ongoing safe operation of our housing units

Health Care: Supporting the Health and Wellbeing of Our Community

Muskoka District Council is committed to investing in the health and well-being of our residents, with a commitment to high quality care. Critical funding to support the future of our hospitals, long-term care homes and paramedic services is key to ensure our commitments can be delivered, and those in need are supported. Muskoka District Council is committed to supporting community initiatives that will make a positive impact on the lives of its residents.

Health Care Investment Highlights:

• $94 Million – Fairvern Long-Term Care Home transition, “Moving Home” in 2025 to a state-of-the-art 160 bed Home
• $1.4 Million – saving to support Hospital redevelopment in Huntsville and Bracebridge
• $5.7 Million – new Paramedic Station in West Muskoka

Combatting Homelessness: Muskoka Cares

The heartbreaking reality of homelessness in our community demands attention, and commitments have been made to take action. Muskoka District Council is committed to investing in initiatives to address this crisis and support our most vulnerable populations – these are priorities to contribute to a brighter future for all.

Homelessness Investment Highlights:

• $573 Thousand – investment in programs and services to support and address the increase in those experiencing or at risk of homelessness since the start of the pandemic,
  
• Enhanced collaboration with community organizations and agencies to ensure our vulnerable residents are aware of, and can access available supports and resources

The Environment: The Reason We Live Here 

As a community surrounded by natural beauty, we are blessed to live in Muskoka – but this comes with great responsibility to ensure the environment is protected. A firm commitment to recognize and consider the environment in all projects is a priority. Muskoka District Council is supporting the promotion and awareness of education throughout the community, including initiatives to encourage sustainable practices and partnerships to protect the environment, together.

Environment Investment Highlights:

• $781 Thousand – programming and resources to advance Environmental and Watershed initiatives and various climate actions
• $250 Thousand – additional flood plain mapping to improve flood management response and help everyone understand their flood risk
• Continued support for Muskoka Watershed Council and ongoing support for Integrated Watershed Management initiatives, including various other environmental projects and processes

2023 Budget: Putting Our Community First, It’s What We Do

The approval of the 2023 Tax-Supported Budget reflects Muskoka District Council’s commitment to investing in Muskoka’s infrastructure, environment and community initiatives. These investments will keep Muskoka moving and ensure all residents and visitors have access to safe and sustainable resources.

“Putting together the Budget is a complex task that requires careful consideration and extensive research. We understand the budget has a profound impact on our community, that’s why we work hard to examine every dollar spent. We strive to make sure this is not just a financial plan – but a blueprint for a prosperous, vibrant and thriving community. The residents of Muskoka deserve nothing less than our best efforts, and we continue to work to ensure our budget reflects that commitment.”
– Julie Stevens, Chief Administrative Officer – District of Muskoka

“We’re facing new and demanding realities, including increased inflation and the fact that everything costs more. This well-crafted budget allows us to maintain our infrastructure, prepare for the future, and address challenges we continue to face. Staff have prepared a budget that maintains service levels, responds to growth-related pressures, and includes investments that have a meaningful impact to all members of our community. I’m proud to say this budget achieves all of this, while staying below current inflation.”

– Suzanne Olimer, Commissioner, Finance and Corporate Services – District of Muskoka

“Muskoka District Council has approved a budget that is not just a collection of numbers and figures – but a reflection of our commitment to our community.  I think we’ve struck a balance between our immediate priorities and needs for the future, and actions to tackle the more challenging issues we are facing, such as the housing crisis.  District Council is taking some really important steps here to invest in health care capacity, the environment, housing, and other priorities we have heard about from our residents.”

– Jeff Lehman, District Chair – Muskoka District Council

The District of Muskoka’s 2023 Tax-Supported Budget documents are available online at www.muskoka.on.ca/budgets, including a copy of the presentation and a link to the webcast.

Tax Facts

• The District’s taxes are collected through the lower-tier municipal property tax bill. There is a greater efficiency having one point of collection, rather than having each of us bill you separately. It also saves you making two separate payments – we work together with our area municipalities to make this easier for our property owners.
• Moody’s Investor Service rating for the District has improved from Aa2 to Aa1. Improving this rating, decreases the cost of borrowing in the open market for the District and area municipalities. Moody’s Investors Service’s ratings system assigns ratings from Aaa to C, with Aaa being the highest quality and C the lowest quality. Aa1 is the second highest rating.

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Based on a $300,000 residential assessment, the 4.5% tax rate amounts to an increase of $62 per household or about 17 cents per day for the delivery and support of essential services including the maintenance of trails and parks, snow removal, fire services, recreational programming and more that the community relies on. The Town of Bracebridge is focused on maintaining essential service delivery while planning for future growth and opportunity.

The 2023 budget also includes contributions to initiatives that will support community wellness for decades to come including the continued construction of the generational Muskoka Lumber Community Centre and ongoing support for the Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s hospital capital planning process. The Town also continues to invest in reserve funds to support a fiscally responsible future.

Significant highlights of the 2023 budget:

• $33.4 million to support the development of the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre, to be funded by debentures, reserves and provincial grants;
• $230,000 in contributions to a dedicated reserve that will support the Town’s future investment in the construction of new hospitals in Bracebridge and Huntsville;
• $3 million towards the annual road improvement program;
• $1.6 million to fund infrastructure investments including several large bridge and culvert projects, funded in part by provincial grants; and
• $1.3 million in capital investments to support the Town’s natural landscape and large network of parks and trails, including improvements to Bracebridge Bay Wharf and pathway, funded in part by provincial grants.

Each year, the Town of Bracebridge’s budget identifies priorities, goals and initiatives that support the community. Through extensive preparation, staff deliver recommendations that support these priorities but are also respective of residents and the current economic impacts.

“The Town of Bracebridge is committed to strengthening our community. This budget supports the services our town relies on for development, infrastructure and public safety, while also contributing to the resources that will support our future. The Muskoka Lumber Community Centre and new hospital are both generational projects that will provide residents with the vital health resources needed to thrive for decades to come.”
– Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge

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Committee’s endorsement supports an increase of $1,361,124 in capital and operational investment for 2023 and an increase to the 2023 tax rate of 5.29%, which equates to an increase of $21 per $100,000 of assessment for the year on the Town portion of the property tax bill. Factoring in general upper tier and educational levies, it is expected that the overall impact to the tax bill will be approximately 3.44% higher than 2022.

“Recognizing the challenges we all face with inflation, rising interest rates and Covid-19 recovery, bringing forward a budget that balances affordability and strategic investment is important. The 2023 budget reflects fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency to support community wellbeing,” stated Denise Corry, CAO.

The 2023 Budget supports current services levels, and objectives in Huntsville’s operational plans and strategies as well as critical infrastructure improvements.  In addition, it supports new committees such as Active Transportation and Public Transit, Community Services Master Plan, Waterfront Strategy as well as Environment and Climate Change, which will help support future Council decisions.

In addition to the Town of Huntsville tax portion, the Local Share contribution for the redevelopment of the hospital will be included in the final budget. The “local share” is the portion of the total cost of the hospital project that must be funded by the community the hospital serves and is a requirement by the Ministry of Health for any new application for hospital projects. For 2023, the Town of Huntsville has committed $230,000 toward Huntsville’s contribution to the Local Share.

“The 2023 Budget supports the services our community requires now and the growth that is forecast in our future. We have made critical strategic plans which include the creation of new committees that will focus on enhancing the quality of life for our residents and future generations. Our infrastructure plans focus on renewal of our assets as well as setting strategy for future sustainability. I am very proud of the work Committee and Staff have done on the development of the 2023 Budget, which sets the foundation for a vital and healthy community,” notes Huntsville Mayor, Nancy Alcock.

Members of the public are welcome to watch the Regular Council Meeting in person or online at Huntsville.ca on February 27, 2023 when the budget will be formally considered for approval. For meeting agenda details visit Huntsville.ca for full details.

For more information on the Town of Huntsville’s Budget and process please visit Huntsville.ca.

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In an effort for the Town to continue to provide the same level of services that are currently offered, due to rising operational costs, the draft budget has been adjusted accordingly to ensure the resources needed to support these services are in place.  Denise Corry, Chief Administrator Officer noted, “We recognize the impact the proposed budget will have on our residents and that this is a difficult time for everyone. However, we can’t lose sight of the importance of services within a community not only for the vitality of the Town but for the well-being of the people in which we serve.  In addition to our core services and infrastructure, services such as the library, recreational facilities and programs are key factors in supporting a healthy community.”

The Draft 2023 Budget Highlight

The Draft 2023 Consolidated Budget brings forward several options for consideration, including the Council approved guideline that targets a budget with a 7% tax rate increase. The budget presented recommends the Town considers commitment to a tax rate that would see an increase of $42 per $100,000 of assessment for the year on the Town portion of the property tax bill. Of the rate increases proposed, Huntsville’s residential rate would continue to be competitive and the lowest Town tax rate in Muskoka at 0.4431%.

Draft 2023 Budget Considerations:

• Current service levels would be maintained, and new desired programming would continue
• Providing the addition of three new committees to address important initiatives: Active Transportation/ Public Transit, Community Services Master Plan, Waterfront Strategy as well as Environment and Climate Change
• Rehabilitation and Renewal of the Town’s Infrastructure and Capital Funding Plans
• New Columbarium at Hutcheson Cemetery
• Fire Rescue Truck Replacement
• Utterson Park and Multi-use Court infrastructure update
• Lighting at McCulley Robertson Recreation Park
• Rehabilitation of the Rotary Skate Park
• Muskoka Heritage Place Historical Rehabilitation
• Various roads preventative maintenance and renewal projects including: 20.15 km of brushing,  9.94 km of ditching and culvert work;  163 meters of sidewalk replacement;  6.45 km of slurry seal, and 1 km of urban renewal

Committee will discuss the recommendations in the Draft 2023 Consolidated Budget at 10:30 a.m. on February 16, 2023 in Council Chambers. The meeting agenda, staff report, and recommendations can be found at huntsville.ca.

Members of the public are welcome to watch the discussion in person or online at huntsville.ca. This Special General Committee meeting will be Committee’s first read of the complete budget, and formal confirmation of the budget will come at a later date.

For more information on the Town of Huntsville’s Budget process please visit huntsville.ca.

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After publication of the budget materials on January 6, 2023, Council deliberated on the details of both the operating and capital budgets over the course of two days – January 31^st and February 1^st.

“2023 will be an exciting year for the Town as Council move towards strategic and long-term plans to shape the community’s future,” said Mayor Lorenz. The long-term capital goals within this budget include plans to address outstanding infrastructure deficits, promote financial stability and address the needs of the community within directed fiscal restraints.

The approval reflects the direction to maintain a status quo operating budget. However, it includes projects for the betterment of the community. New initiatives included commitments to previous projects, such as capital investments, adapting to evolving legislation and supporting the community. Budget project highlights include:

1. A focus on roads, bridges, and storm-water drainage improvements
2. Exterior security cameras for the Opera House, Fire Hall and Town Hall
3. Major overhaul to Gull Lake Rotary Park with tiered seating for community events, such as Music on the Barge
4. Completion of a Communication Strategy
5. Investment in a Climate Change Adaptation Plan
6. Strategic Plan to guide direction for the corporation and community

Chief Administrative Officer Scott Lucas stated that staff worked diligently to ensure the budget presented to Council stayed within Council’s guidelines given inflationary pressures.

The impact on the Town property tax bill would see an increase of $14.82 per $100,000 of assessment on the Town-share of the Gravenhurst property tax bill. The median single-family residence will see on their 2023 Property Tax Bill a 3.3% increase for urban properties and 3.1% increase for rural properties.

With an investment of approximately $9.3 million in Town assets and related studies, 72 projects will get underway in 2023, financed largely through capital reserves and internal borrowing.

Full details of the approved 2023 budget can be found at www.gravenhurst.ca/budget.

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