Committee and Council Highlights - April

Committee received a presentation from Dean Bender and Susan Kinsella, on behalf of Village of Windermere constituents, requesting an introduction of a by-law prohibiting the feeding of wildlife within a 1-kilometre radius of the village that includes both deer and ducks. Committee directed staff to return with a report regarding potential options to address the concerns raised by the delegates, including but not limited to the development of a by-law restricting the feeding of wildlife within the Township.

Councillor Nishikawa and Councillor Burry brought forth a Resolution regarding amending the Procedural By-law to add “The maximum number of meetings that a Member can electronically participate in, in a calendar year, are three (3) Council meetings and three (3) Committee Meetings where a Member has been appointed as a Committee Member”. Committee voted against the proposed amendment. 

Committee discussed the proposed changes from the Province of Ontario that would allow the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to appoint a regional chair with “strong chair” powers (similar to “strong Mayor” powers) in Muskoka with an aim to help local leaders speed up decision-making, reduce costs and expedite housing and infrastructure. The matter was discussed for informational purposes only.

Two significant weather events and the delayed start of the Short-term Rental program impacted the year end results for 2025, resulting in a preliminary deficit of $783,513 subject to final audit. A grant to be received for the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance Program is still under review by the province, and final amounts to be received were not known at the time of this report. Committee approved the creation of four capital projects that were required for 2025 expenses to reclassify operating expenses and that the funds for those projects be transferred from existing reserve funds. A transfer to the Parks and Trails Reserve of $425,000 from the Tax stabilization fund was also approved.

This informational report considered a refocus on an update to the reserve policy and showed that, assuming the Township maintains current levels of services in the approved 10-year Capital Outlook, the Township will need to rely predominantly on borrowing and tax increases to deliver on planned infrastructure projects over the next 10 years.

The Director of Finance provided an informational update to Committee sharing that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has committed to provide up to $847,000 for the clean-up of the 2025 ice storm. Since the claim is currently under review, this may not be the final amount.

Committee received the informational report outlining the relevant information and dates pursuant to the Municipal Elections Act (“the MEA”) in relation to restricted acts of council or the “lame duck period” for the 2026 Municipal Election.

Committee directed staff to report back with proposed updates to the Fees and Charges By-law and Facility User Fee Policy including an implementation process and communication plan. 

This report updated Committee on the results of the Economic Development Strategy public consultation. Foundations for year-round economic development such as housing, workforce capacity, and year-round stability were the initial themes of the draft strategy. The report was presented for information only.

Committee directed staff to create project streams for the Port Carling Arena, Minett Fire Station, and Hanna Park within the Muskoka Lakes Community Fund.

Committee approved staff’s recommendations for the first intake of applications to the Community Grant Program, totaling $21,750. 

The Director of Development Services and Environmental Sustainability briefed Committee on Bill 98- Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026, introduced by the Province on March 30, 2026.

Of interest to the Township is criteria to standardize the structure of official plans across the province, the ability of the minister to regulate minimum lot sizes in urban areas supported with services, and amendments to the site plan control requirements and regulations.