Committee and Council Highlights - December 2025

Inspector Beebe provided an update on the OPP's activities in the Township in 2025. Highlights in the report included increases in the number of patrols, updates on the "Big Four" (impaired driving, seat belts, distracted driving and speeding) and updates on marine patrols. Inspector Beebe was also available for questions from Committee.

Kyra Knapp of KLB Consulting provided an overview of how the Township’s new Economic Development Strategy will be developed, including project timelines and public engagement opportunities.

The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) provides for a process for obtaining access to municipal records through filing a request with the Clerk or their designate. To improve public accessibility to records and information and support improved transparency, staff created a policy that will establish what is acceptable to actively disseminate and routinely disclose without requiring the submission of a formal Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Committee approved of the draft policy as presented by staff.

Committee endorsed the 2024-2025 Annual Accessibility Status Report which summarized the progress of measures taken to implement the accessibility strategy referenced in the 2024-25 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, including steps taken to comply. 

This report was presented for information only and provided an overview of Bill 72, Buy Ontario Act and the impact on municipal procurement. The Bill aims to prioritize Ontario goods and services in public procurement. The bill is currently still in debate in the Legislature.

This report provided an overview of implementation and financial plans for the two shortlisted options, as previously selected by Committee, for the future of both Township arenas. Committee voted in favour of proceeding with the renovation of the Port Carling Arena due to its more urgent need. Committee also directed staff to report back at a future date to review renovation designs for the Port Carling arena campus and potential alternative uses or rehabilitation of the Bala Arena.

Due to the Foot's Bay's fire boat experiencing a catastrophic failure in its engine in November 2025, Committee voted in favour of amending the 2026 Capital Budget to include a replacement project for the engine and to postpone the planned gear rack and vehicle rescue tool projects in order to fund the replacement.

The first step in expanding the Community Improvement Plan Project Area to the whole of the Township was realized when Planning Committee adopted Official Plan Amendment 66 (CIP Update).

Upon approval of OPA 66 by the District of Muskoka, the amendment will allow the Township to create new community improvement incentives that can be implemented on a Township-wide basis.  Specifically, the Township wishes to create incentives for the construction of new attainable / affordable housing within the Township to help address local housing needs.

Committee received the second annual report on the implementation of the Township’s Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program (SSMIP) and approved modifications to the policy guiding the SSMIP, including the addition of Short Term Rental Accommodation Licensed premises to the High Risk classification.

Committee directed staff to prepare a revised draft Noise Control By-law based on recommendations presented by the Chief By-law Enforcement Officer.  This draft by-law will be brought back to Planning Committee in early 2026 for further consideration and comment. Thereafter, a public meeting will be held to gather public feedback before the By-law is finalized.

Staff welcome feedback on the Noise Control By-law at any time by emailing Bylaw@muiskokalakes.ca  For additional information and updates, please refer to the Township’s The Noise Control By-law Update website page .