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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.

The post Muskoka Says One-Size Governance Model Doesn’t Fit – Council To Debate Protecting Muskoka’s Local Voice April 20th appeared first on Muskoka411.

Free Candidate Training Series

To support both first-time and returning candidates, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a ‘Stronger Leaders, Stronger Communities’ online workshop series. 

This interactive program serves as a candidate starter kit, offering practical tools, campaigning basics, peer connections, and strategies to prepare for the nomination period beginning May 1, 2026. Sessions address real challenges candidates face, including explaining why you are running, managing conflict and criticism, balancing personal wellbeing, and turning values into action.

Who Should Attend

• Community members considering a run for municipal office in 2026

• First-time or returning candidates seeking confidence and clarity

• Civic leaders exploring if elected office is right for them

Workshop Schedule

Participants can choose to attend one or more of the following evening sessions:

• March 10, 2026, at 6:30 PM: Session 1 – Leading with Purpose and Authenticity

• April 7, 2026, at 6:30 PM: Session 2 – Managing Conflict and Building Relationships

• April 28, 2026, at 6:30 PM: Session 3 – Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-being

• May 19, 2026, at 6:30 PM: Session 4 – Turning Values into Action

Registration is free, but space is limited and fills quickly. The Township of Lake of Bays urges community members to sign up for the series, gain practical insight into what it takes to run, and consider stepping forward as candidates when nominations open on May 1, 2026.

Learn more and register today through AMO’s Healthy Democracy Project.

The post Considering A Run For Office In Lake Of Bays? Sign Up For AMO’s Free Candidate Workshop Series appeared first on Muskoka411.

“The 2024 Budget responds to a number of challenges that municipalities across the province are facing such as contract increases, rising costs of insurance, growth pressures, and balancing the needs of our community,” said Mayor David Evans. “The township recognizes that our taxpayers are also faced with the rising cost of inflation, which is why Council directed staff to find efficiencies to reach a five per cent blended tax rate that supports township programs, services, and infrastructure. The team here in Tiny responded with a budget that continues to offer great services and programs for our residents and addresses the township’s infrastructure deficit”.

The 2024 Budget has a blended tax rate increase of 5.03 per cent* (*pending final education rate increase announcement) or a municipal tax rate increase of 8.19 per cent (7.15 per cent Operating + 1.04 per cent Capital levy increase) which equates to an increase of $29.86 in the municipal portion of the tax bill for every $100,000 in residential assessment.

2024 Budget Highlights:

Funding for these items was approved in the 2024 Budget.

• $2.8 million invested in paving and road preservation improvements including:
  • 5 kilometres of asphalt, 4 kilometres of tar and chip, 6 kilometres of micro surfaces, and
  • $120,000 invested in climate change projects related to drainage resilience.

• $1.9 million investment in water system infrastructure improvements including:
  • $900,000 for Lafaive System watermain replacement, and
  • installation of residential water meters in Whip-Poor-Will and Cook’s Lake.
• $1.6 million investment in beach and park amenities including:
  • $1 million for construction of the Toanche Pavilion funded in part by the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Grant, which will include a covered natural ice surface, washrooms, and a community room,
  • $130,000 for tennis court enhancement at Parkside Park in Balm Beach comprised of two dedicated pickleball courts, and replacing one of the tennis courts, and
  • $84,000 for the replacement of the playground at Tee-Pee Park.

• $800,000 for major fleet equipment including:
  • purchasing a new loader, tandem plow truck, and ¾ ton plow/service truck.
• Continued financial support for regional priorities including the Economic Development Corporation of North Simcoe, Severn Sound Environmental Association, Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation, Family Physician Recruitment, Community Reach, Wheels for Wheels, Cultural Alliance, and Virtual Care Physicians.

Figure 1 – Allocation of Municipal Tax Dollars

Figure 1: The Township of Tiny 2024 Budget allocation of municipal tax dollars to the township’s various programs and services.

The Township of Tiny 2024 Budget supports the municipality’s strategic priorities, which include:

• Sustainable Long Term Fiscal Management
• Infrastructure Revitalization
• Environment and Public Land Management
• Organizational and Corporate Development

Council of the Township of Tiny remains committed to long-term financial sustainability and fiscal responsibility that supports the services, programs, and infrastructure in Tiny. For more information on the 2024 Budget, please visit www.tiny.ca/budget.

The post Township Of Tiny Council Approves The 2024 Budget appeared first on Muskoka411.

Canadians and their families who are in Israel, the West Bank, or the Gaza Strip and need emergency consular assistance should contact Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre at:

• Telephone: +1 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted where available)
• Email: sos@international.gc.ca
• SMS: +1 613-686-3658
• WhatsApp: +1 613-909-8881
• Signal: +1 613-909-8087

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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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Highlights of the 2023/2024 multi-year budget include strategic investments of:

• $6.2 million for capital infrastructure projects in 2023 and $5.2 million for 2024
• Line 13 North bridge south of Line 15/16 Sideroad – $500,000
• Dunns Line bridge – $500,000

Algonquin Trail in the community of Sugarbush:

• Road rehabilitation and drainage – $600,000
• Upgrades to the Sugarbush Drinking Water System – $900,000
• Hawkstone and Shanty Bay wharf repairs – $350,000
• Creation of a legal contingency reserve – $200,000
• Continuing completion of digital transformation projects across the Township
• Community Centre/Elementary School Partnership in Horseshoe Valley – approximately $7.5 million

Mayor Greenlaw commented that “planning a budget to build Oro-Medonte’s exciting future while maintaining fiscal responsibility was a key focus during preparation of the 2023/2024 multi-year budget. On behalf of Council and staff, I am pleased that we have been able to strike a balance of ensuring strategic investment into infrastructure projects and maintaining service levels while keeping the increase below the rate of inflation. Throughout the budget process, current economic challenges impacting the taxpayers of Oro-Medonte were given thoughtful and careful consideration. The 2023/2024 budget is financially aligned with the Township’s vision representing a balanced and strategic growth of Oro-Medonte.”

SOURCE Township of Oro-Medonte

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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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