Supported in part through the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program, the project will: 

• improve access to online information and services 
• make it easier to find information and complete tasks on the District website 
• reduce confusion about where to go for information and support 
• create a simpler and more user-friendly experience when interacting with the District 

The work includes a new District website, improvements to online services and service standards and ongoing community engagement to help guide future improvements. 

The project will also support rural economic development by helping business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors access municipal information and better understand processes and approvals to support their business goals. 

“Funding through the Rural Ontario Development Program will help improve how people find information and interact with the District,” said Jeff Lehman, District Chair. “Whether you are looking for information, starting a business, applying for a permit, or registering for programs, this work is focused on making it easier for people to find what they need and get things done.” 

“Through the Rural Ontario Development program, our government is supporting projects like Muskoka’s Service Excellence initiative that make it easier for residents, businesses, and visitors to access information and municipal services. By investing in modern, user-friendly tools and improving how people connect with local government, we are helping rural communities strengthen service delivery, support economic development, and build a strong foundation for future growth.” – Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs 

The District’s new website is expected to launch in late 2026, with service improvement work continuing beyond the launch. 

The post District Of Muskoka Making Services Easier To Access appeared first on Muskoka411.

At a special meeting on June 3, councillors endorsed a resolution outlining the qualities they believe are essential for the role. The recommendations emphasize municipal leadership experience, a strong and ongoing connection to Muskoka, the ability to build consensus, a deep understanding of the region’s unique rural and northern realities, and a demonstrated commitment to public service.

The special meeting was called in response to the Province’s decision to proceed with the appointment of Muskoka’s District Chair despite Council’s earlier request to be exempt from the legislation. The issue has become one of the most significant governance debates facing the region, raising fundamental questions about local representation, democratic accountability, and the future relationship between the Province and municipal government.

The discussion was marked by a strong defence of local democracy and local decision-making. Councillors expressed disappointment that the Province chose to move forward with an appointment process after Council had unanimously requested the ability to continue selecting its own Chair. Members repeatedly stressed that the Chair plays a critical role in shaping regional priorities, building relationships among Muskoka’s municipalities, and representing the District to other levels of government. Many argued that such an important position should remain accountable to the elected representatives chosen by Muskoka residents.

Deputy Chair Terry Glover, who chaired the meeting, described the matter as one of the most consequential governance issues facing the current term of Council. Throughout the discussion, members emphasized that the appointment will influence not only who occupies the Chair’s office, but how Muskoka’s priorities are advanced, how regional relationships are managed, and how accountability is maintained across the District for years to come.

Council also considered additional measures aimed at protecting local authority and preserving Council’s role in regional decision-making should the Province proceed with an appointment. Following discussion, councillors directed staff to review the proposed measures and report back on any legal or governance implications later this month.

As part of its resolution, Council requested that the Province provide councillors with the opportunity to review applicants and offer feedback before a final appointment is made. Council also called on the Province to recognize Muskoka’s unique circumstances as a large, predominantly rural municipality whose success depends on collaboration, consensus-building, and strong relationships among its six local municipalities.

The unanimously adopted criteria call for a Chair with demonstrated municipal leadership experience, a strong understanding of Muskoka’s communities and challenges, the ability to work collaboratively across municipal boundaries, and a proven commitment to public service.

The unanimous support for the selection criteria sends a clear message that Muskoka Council is not stepping away from the issue. While the Province may ultimately make the appointment, Council remains determined to advocate for a process that respects local knowledge, local accountability, and the voices of Muskoka residents.

Council is expected to continue discussions on the matter when staff report back later this month.

The post Muskoka Council Intensifies Pushback Against Provincial Chair Appointment appeared first on Muskoka411.

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.

“My first thought was ‘Where is my child going to go when I need to clock in for work?’,” said Hannah Tunget, a registered nurse who does private care work within the region. 

Tunget said that her and her husband – who works 12 hour days in the construction industry – were lucky to get a space for their son at Muskoka Lakeland last August despite the long waitlists for daycares across Muskoka.

“The waitlists for some daycares up here are over two years. My sister-in-law went on the waitlist for a daycare while still at the hospital after having her second child.” 

Tunget said that Muskoka Lakeland has been a huge part of her son’s life since he joined the daycare. 

“The daycare has been fantastic. My son has learned so much. He is always talking about his friends and the teachers, and he likes to sing the songs he’s learned. They were crucial in potty training as well. My heart is going to break when it’s his last day there.”

Michelle Priore, owner and director of Muskoka Lakeland Childcare, said that she was shocked to learn that the funding agreement with the District was coming to an end.

“I thought things were going really well, so when I received that letter I was in disbelief,” Priore said. 

“We’ve been working diligently with the District to meet deadlines and what not. We have had a stipulation for funding that we have a certain timeframe to respond and get reports in and we have exceeded their expectations thus far.” 

Priore said that her main concern right now is the effect that the closure of her daycare will have on the community.

“This will affect not only me, but my staff, the parents, and the entire community. In Gravenhurst, there is a real need for this funding. The $20-a-day daycare parents are having a hard time as is, so having the funding and having the subsidies for parents is extremely important.”

When asked about the reason for ending the funding agreement with Muskoka Lakeland Childcare, the District of Muskoka said that they are unable to give specific details at this time in order to respect the confidentiality of their service agreement.

“We acknowledge the decision has placed families in a difficult situation, and we are committed to assisting the families in finding alternate arrangements during the 30-day notice period given to the childcare provider,” the District said.

“Our focus remains on ensuring continuity of care and supporting the families through this transition.”

The post Gravenhurst Daycare Closing After District Pulls Funding appeared first on Muskoka411.

“This funding highlights our government’s commitment to fire protection for our communities,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “By investing in cancer prevention initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and enhancing emergency response through the Fire Prevention Grant, we are protecting our firefighters so they can continue to keep families safe.”

Funding received through the Fire Protection Grant will help support vital equipment and upgrades for the fire departments in the following communities, including: 

Bracebridge – $32,890

• Contributions to the personal protective equipment exchange program for particulate hoods and gear, to enhance firefighter safety through cancer prevention measures. Eight sets of bunker gear, and firefighter personal decontamination supplies were also purchased.

Georgian Bay – $52,821

• Investments in cancer prevention, including a quantitative fit-testing machine to ensure every firefighter’s Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and N95 mask fits properly, individually assigned SCBA facepieces to reduce cross-contamination, and specialized equipment to thoroughly clean fire hoses after incidents.

Gravenhurst – $51,528

•      Improved access to appropriate personal protective equipment, including flash hoods, boots, bunker gear, gloves and helmets.

Huntsville – $30,320

•  The addition of spare turnout gear and a new extractor to wash dirty equipment. This machine now cleans four suits at a time instead of one, helping to maintain service levels and support operational efficiency.

Lake of Bays – $52,821

•  The addition of three fire service washer extractors, one for each station, to improve gear cleaning after calls and reduce firefighter exposure to contaminants and cancer-causing substances. Seven upgraded sets of firefighting suits will also be purchased to enhance outer protection.

Muskoka Lakes – $164,400

•  Funding will support the purchase of two specialized gear-cleaning extractors to improve routine washing of protective clothing, 28 additional sets of bunker gear so firefighters have a second clean set available, and five nozzles designed to help safely cool lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles during fires.

Together, the Muskoka Area Fire Chiefs remain committed to strong regional collaboration to ensure consistent, high-quality fire protection services across the District. Through regular coordination, shared training initiatives, automatic and mutual aid agreements, and joint emergency planning, the six municipalities work together to strengthen operational readiness and support one another during major incidents. This cooperative approach enhances firefighter safety, improves response capabilities, and ensures residents across Muskoka receive seamless service when it matters most.

Quotes

“Our local firefighters are responding to a larger volume of incidents every year. Less time between calls means less time available to adequately clean their gear to remove the contaminants and carcinogens they encounter when fighting fires. Firefighters play a tremendous role in keeping our community safe, and it’s important they have access to proper, clean gear so they can be protected.”

– Gary Monahan, Fire Chief, Huntsville/Lake of Bays

“This investment directly supports the health and safety of our firefighters as they respond to more calls, more frequently. Ensuring they have modern, properly maintained protective equipment is essential not only for cancer prevention, but for maintaining operational readiness in a growing community.”

– Kevin Plested, Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief, Town of Bracebridge

The post Ontario Investing In The Safety Of Muskoka’s Firefighters appeared first on Muskoka411.

Muskoka, ON – The District of Muskoka is making it easier and quicker to address the need for affordable housing across Muskoka. 

Two funding opportunities are now available through the Muskoka Affordable Housing Initiatives Program (MAHIP). MAHIP is designed to boost affordable housing supply across the district, and those who are interested are encouraged to submit their applications now. 

“This program helps property owners and developers create more rental housing and helps more residents find housing. It also supports the District’s commitment to help build a community where everyone has a place to call home,” said Arfona Zwiers, Commissioner of Community and Planning Services. “Every new unit created through this program is more than a number — each one helps residents and families in our community find affordable housing in Muskoka.”  

About the Two Funding Streams 

MAHIP Capital Incentive Program: Multi-Residential Rental Units 

• Up to $100,000 per unit for developers and builders to create affordable multi-unit rental housing. Funding in this stream supports new construction or conversions of existing buildings such as schools, churches, or retail spaces. 

MAHIP Capital Incentive Program: Additional Residential Units 

• Up to $50,000 per unit is available for property owners to build additional residential units (also known as secondary suites). Examples include basement apartments or garden suites, offering flexible housing options and rental income. 

Applications close Friday, May 1, 2026. Visit www.muskoka.on.ca/mahip for details and eligibility information. 

Creating more safe, attainable, and sustainable housing to call home. It’s what we do. 

The District of Muskoka is made up of six area municipalities and is responsible for delivering critical public services and programs to residents in our community. Visit our website at www.muskoka.on.ca.

The post Housing For Everyone – Funding Opportunities Available to Boost Affordable Housing in Muskoka appeared first on Muskoka411.

“The Canadian economy, including the construction industry, had a challenging year marked by tariff pressures and slowed growth, but this meant an even greater need for affordable housing, skills training and meaningful employment,” explains Brandon Day, Co-founder and CEO. “We are immensely proud of the continued, positive economic and social impacts of Community Builders’ work.”

Highlights of Community Builders 2024-2025 Impact Report

• Professional construction crews completed 324 building projects: 50.0% in social housing, 21.9% renovations, 14.5% affordable housing, and 7.1% co-operative housing.

• For the ninth year, the non-profit contractor used its proceeds to offer a 12-week paid Skilled Trades Training Program to individuals with barriers to employment, helping to launch new career paths to meaningful, living-wage work. Last year, 85 trainees went through the program (385 in its history), and 89% of Community Builders graduates found stable employment within 6 months of course completion.

• The organization received renewed support for its program, funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy (CAS), the Ontario Skills Development Fund,  the Home Depot Canada Foundation’s TradeWorx, and Meridian Credit Union’s Reframe Program.

• Once again, the Trades Training Program served a vastly diverse population, including women (31%), youth (54%), racialized people (38%), Indigenous People (13%) and individuals with disabilities, including mental health challenges (28%). The program has proven to be an effective tool for moving those transitioning out of corrections, those with low levels of education, and those with little job experience, into stable, meaningful employment in the trades sector.

• Community Builders’ skilled trades training saw an organic shift from previous years, reflecting today’s labour market realities and unemployment rates. Youth (aged 18-30) previously accounted for 22% of its training cohort, but in the last year, that increased to 54% of graduates.

• In addition to classroom and hands-on jobsite construction experience from framing to finishing, trainees graduate job-ready with safety certifications (WHIMIS, MOL-4step, Working at Heights), tools and PPE.

• Community Builders invests $20,000 per trainee in paying their wages, hiring expert trainers and delivering the program. Last year, the organization created $480,000 in paid training opportunities and delivered $100,000 in wraparound supports.

• The leadership and board developed an ambitious strategic plan that saw Community Builders replicate its success in Barrie/Simcoe County and Greater Sudbury by opening regional operations in Muskoka and Sault Ste. Marie, this past year.

“Community Builders continues to connect those who need work with the work that needs doing,” says Executive Director Carly Gasparini. “Our program offers a learning environment for those who want more than just a classroom; it offers a community where they are not only educated in skills but also gain the confidence they need to create a new path for themselves”.

Download the Community Builders 2024-2025 Impact Report from its website: www.communitybuilders.co

The post Community Builders Releases Annual Impact Report; Grows Impact And Reach appeared first on Muskoka411.

The team is made up of 10, Grade 4 to 8 students from Huntsville Public School, Pine Glen Public School, Riverside Public School, V.K. Greer Memorial Public School, and Land of Lakes Public School.

The championships were held in Oshawa in early February, and hosted 83 teams from across the province. The tournament took place over two days and consisted of four parts – innovation project, core values, robot design, and robot game.

The theme for this year’s UNEARTHED competition was archaeology. For their innovation project, team MUFFINS chose to address problems with both funding and education in archaeology. Their solution was to create a scholarship at Huntsville High School for a deserving student pursuing studies in archaeology, or a related discipline. So far, they have raised almost $8,000 towards the scholarship that will run every year for eight years.

Overall, MUFFINS placed sixth out of 43 teams in the Technology Division, and received two awards:

1. The Core Values Award, which celebrates teamwork, respect, inclusion, and gracious professionalism.
2. FIRST LEGO League Challenge – Advancing Award, which is presented to teams that embody the entire FIRST LEGO League experience.

As a result of their ranking, the team received an invitation to compete at a FIRST LEGO League International Tournament, and recently received the official announcement that they have been accepted to compete in the Canada Cup of Robotics Niagara 2026, which is taking place in June.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this team. They have accomplished so much this season, but they are not done yet!” said team coach, Leslie Cuthbertson. “The team has some exciting ideas about how to expand on their innovation project and improve their robot game. I am excited for what is still to come this season!”

To learn more about the team, follow their Facebook page: Muskoka Brand Gourmet Recreation Centre.

Congratulations and good luck, MUFFINS!

The post Muskoka FIRST LEGO Team Advances To International Tournament appeared first on Muskoka411.

District Council adopted updates to the 2026 Budget earlier this week. The budget confirms Council’s financial plan and keeps the overall tax increase to 3.85%, below the budget guidelines set by Council. The overall budget includes $251.3M of expenditures to deliver programs and services and $112.8M for capital projects.  

“This budget reflects financial realities, while still investing in our long-term vision for Muskoka. We have responded to changing economic pressures, prioritized community needs, and made strategic decisions so that the District remains financially strong. The budget makes significant investments in housing, healthcare, climate action, and infrastructure, while recognizing the need to keep taxes down amid rising costs of living.” said Jeff Lehman, District Chair. 

What does this mean for taxpayers?  

• General programs and services: The portion of the tax increase that supports the programs and services the District delivers will be approximately 2.75%, which is lower than originally planned. 

• Police Services: The District is responsible for paying for OPP policing provided within Muskoka. The cost of policing billed to the District increased by $2.4 million for 2026. This increase would have resulted in a tax rate increase of 2.1% for police services alone, however, recognizing the affordability crisis our residents face, District Council has approved phasing in the impact by using reserves to mitigate this increase in 2026 to 0.70%. 
• Health Care and hospital projects: About 0.40% of the tax increase will support hospital redevelopment projects within Muskoka and capital investments in other hospitals that Muskoka residents rely on. 
• Water and wastewater: Municipal water and wastewater customers will see a combined user fee and tax increase of 3.2% to address rising chemical costs and maintenance plans.  The increase is roughly $77/year for an average household.  
• Garbage and waste management: The  solid waste rate increase is 2.23% on average, but this rate varies by where residents live and the services available in each municipality.  Overall, the rate increases are lower than originally expected. 

Addressing Community Priorities: Residents shared the priorities that mattered most to them through the 2026 Budget Priorities Survey.  Some of the key investments included in the 2026 budget to address these priorities are:  

• Housing: $1M to build more affordable housing in communities across Muskoka – part of Muskoka’s Big Move on Housing.
• Long-Term Care: Funding to hire staff to safely open and operate the new 160-bed Fairvern Long-Term Care (LTC) Home.  
• Climate Action: A reserve fund to support corporate projects that will make programs and services more energy efficient and more resilient to climate change. 
• Paramedic Services: Hiring paramedics and expanding service in Lake of Bays and Huntsville  – part of the Muskoka Paramedic Services 10-year Master Plan for more services and faster response times. 

Managing Costs: Both staff and Council have made managing costs a top priority to balance financial pressures while keeping services affordable for residents. OPP policing costs, increases to road maintenance funding and asset renewal timelines are being spread out over years, so costs can rise gradually. Additional savings were made by cutting LTC staffing agency costs and delaying some hires. Boosting revenues from user fees will also help offset expenses. District debt remains well within provincial limits, and the District’s Aa1 credit rating has been reaffirmed.  

Future Thinking: The 2026 budget includes $112.8M in funding for capital projects. $55.6M for service areas including Roads, Housing, technology (IT) and fleet vehicles, $9.4M to improve landfill and transfer stations, and $47.8M to upgrade water and wastewater systems. The District continues to advance major capital projects, including the Fairvern Long-Term Care home build, and decommissioning of the Mountview Wastewater Treatment Plant in Huntsville, a new 44-unit affordable housing project and the Silver Bridge Rehabilitation in Bracebridge, a new paramedic station in Georgian Bay, major community improvement projects including Bay and Beyond in Gravenhurst and the revitalization of the 117 Corridor in Lake of Bays, and continued construction to restore the community space at the Port Carling Locks in the Township of Muskoka Lakes. Many of these projects are funded through reserves and grants to avoid taking on new debt.  

“The updated budget is about planning responsibly while keeping the needs of our communities’ front of mind. It not only improves the tax outcome from the original plan, it also focuses on investing in the programs and services that residents told us are most important to them,” said Suzanne Olimer, Commissioner, Finance and Corporate Services. 

Learn more about the 2026 budget by visiting www.muskoka.on.ca/budgets.  

The post District Of Muskoka Makes Strategic Updates To 2026 Budget appeared first on Muskoka411.

Beginning in September 2025, this project will redevelop a 780-metre section of Muskoka Road 117 through the Community of Baysville. In addition to upgrading the existing road surface, the project will improve traffic flow and enhance safety for both pedestrians and drivers through traffic calming features, with a modern roundabout and pedestrian crossings. It will also add active transportation infrastructure, including a new multi-use trail and a sidewalk. 

“Muskoka’s main streets are not just roads, they’re destinations. Through this new program the District is investing in safety and better roads, but also in our small businesses and in quality of life. By working with municipalities and residents, we can design main streets that reflect the needs and character of each community,” said District Chair Jeff Lehman. 

This project responds directly to community feedback gathered through two public surveys and multiple engagement sessions during the development of the Lake of Bays Community Improvement Plan. This investment also reflects a broader goal, which is to develop consistent, high quality main street experiences across Muskoka. 

“We’ve heard from so many people about their concerns with that road, and this project is all about addressing them. We’re making the entrance to Baysville safer and more welcoming while keeping the village’s natural charm front and centre. A better, more inviting main street means more people stopping in, supporting the shops and services we already have for years to come, and helping new ones take root. A Baysville where locals feel proud, businesses thrive, and visitors can’t help but stop and stay awhile,” said Mayor Glover. 

The Baysville project marks the launch of Muskoka Main Streets initiative, opening the door to future collaborations with other area municipalities to build safer, more vibrant communities across Muskoka. 

For project details and to stay updated, visit: www.engagemuskoka.ca/mr117-baysville 

The post Muskoka Main Streets Initiative Launches With Baysville’s MR-117 Revitalization appeared first on Muskoka411.