The Muskoka Lakes Association warmly welcomes the decision by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Divisional Court) to dismiss the latest challenge by a developer group of the Township of Muskoka Lakes Official Plan (TML OP) and its important environmental and responsible planning provisions.
In denying the developer group’s appeal, the court also awarded the highest level of costs possible for a Divisional Court appeal of $7,000 to the District of Muskoka and the Muskoka Lakes Association and $5,600 to the Township of Muskoka Lakes. The MLA, which incurred significant costs in defending the plan, expressed its deep gratitude for the generosity of its donors whose passion and environmental stewardship made its work possible.
“This is a major victory that ensures strong protection for things that make Muskoka special – its clean water and natural shorelines,” said Cindy Forbes, MLA President. “Our donors and members overwhelmingly want responsible development and environmental protection in Muskoka, as does everyone who loves the lakes. The TML OP is a critical part of that vision.”
The MLA partnered with the Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization and the Leonard Lake Stakeholders Association to support the Township of Muskoka Lakes and the District of Muskoka in upholding the TML OP.
Mark Scarrow, President of the Leonard Lake Stakeholders Association welcomed the news. “The decision is a vote of support for the TML OP and its forward-looking environmental protection policies,” he said.
This is the third time the developer group’s appeal has been dismissed. The plan faces one more challenge before the Ontario Land Tribunal in February by an aggregate group seeking to reduce longstanding environmental policies, including shrinking the buffer zone that protects lakes from pits and quarries from 2,000 to 500 metres. The Township is vigorously defending the plan in the case.
Said Jeff Crocker, Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization Co-President, “While the fight against the aggregate industry isn’t over, the ruling strengthens our ongoing efforts to protect our lakes from the damaging effects of overdevelopment.”
The TML OP was passed by the Township of Muskoka Lakes Council in October 2022 and was adopted by the District of Muskoka in November 2023, following an extensive, four-year consultation process that heard from the public, including lake associations such as the MLA.
The MLA will continue to participate in the TML OP next steps, including the Comprehensive Zoning By-Law update which implements the plan, to ensure its provisions are defended. That process is currently underway and members of the public can stay informed by visiting the TML website.
The MLA and partners thank TML Mayor Peter Kelley and Council for their leadership in creating and defending the landmark plan as well as the District of Muskoka for its support, including District Chair Jeff Lehman.
