Committee and Council Highlights - June 2025

Nicole White, Partner from BDO presented the Township’s 2024 Audited Financial statements.

The Deputy Treasurer presented a report with an overview of the results of the Township’s 2024 consolidated financial statements.  A resolution was made to move funds from the Tax stabilization reserve in accordance with the Municipal Act related to the operational deficit.  Additional resolutions were made to move funds from the Tax stabilization reserve to the Fleet and Equipment and Emergency Services reserve.

The Director of Operational Services presented an information report outlining the status of two previous resolutions regarding traffic calming requests in Windermere.  The report included several traffic calming examples that could be utilized once the traffic analysis is completed by the District of Muskoka.

In March of 2025, Committee directed staff to prepare a report regarding a volunteer appreciation event/program and how volunteers could be selected. Director Lehman presented the report and Committee was supportive of a new policy to set aside funds to recognize community volunteers in the form of a biannual event.  The event would be organized by a Working Group of Council.

In follow-up to direction provided to staff at the April 16, 2025 Committee meeting, staff presented potential amendments to the Council Remuneration and Expense Policy. Committee amended staff’s recommendation and approved the following:

1. Removing the restriction on number of Training/Conferences a Councillor can attend during their term, subject to a number of restrictions. Committee also voted in favour of an amendment that noted that Councillors would be able to attend conferences/training at their own expense in certain circumstances.
2. A per diem of $150/day for attending in-person Training and Conferences, which will not take effect until the next term of Council.
3. Reimbursing accommodations to attend Council or Committee meetings, up to $200/night, for a maximum of 6 nights per year. This would only apply if the member of Council was required to attend in-person due to Chairing a meeting of a Committee of Council. This will also not take effect until the next term of Council.

Upon visiting the building this spring, staff recognized that the roof had begun to collapse due to large snow loads and was unsafe. The Township’s Chief Building Official issued Orders Prohibiting Occupancy and to Comply on March 28, 2025. After completing a building condition assessment and property valuation, Committee recommended that Council demolish the building and retain the lands. Committee also requested that a Report be brought forward in the future outlining potential options for use of the lands.

The Fire Chief presented a report that evaluated the emergency relief centre use and activation during the March ice storm. The report included current criteria related to opening considerations, hours of operation, staffing options and timing of opening following significant events or emergencies. Alternatives were also noted for Committee's consideration however, no further direction or changes were recommended.

Council considered four private sector Community Incentive Program applications and awarded funding in the amount of $99,589.58.   This funding will be used for improvements to three local business. Due to the funding awarded in the first intake, no funding remains for the 2nd intake later this year.

Council set aside $25,000.00 in the 2025 Operating Budget to fund community based programs and events through its Community Grant Program.   Council considered 13 applications for this year’s first intake of the 2025 Community Grant Program.  All 13 applications aligned with Council’s grant program criteria and each received either full or partial funding.

Council granted a 6 months extension to a 2024 CIP private sector Incentive program recipient, due to some unexpected delays in construction activity. 

Staff presented the final background review and directions report for the Zoning Update project based on comments received before, during and after the April 29th, 2025 Special Planning Committee Meeting. Committee voted to proceed, with an updated project work plan and an updated community and stakeholder engagement strategy that focus on enhanced community outreach.

Committee approved an update to the AMPS By-law with regard to 3 sections:

1. Short Term Rental Accommodation Licensing By-law 2025-049;
2. Tourist and Trailer Camps By-law 2010-032; and
3. Zoos and Wildlife Sanctuaries By-law 2012-148.

The updates were required in order to make the STRA penalties correspond with the new Short Term Rental Accommodation Licensing By-law; and to add in penalties related to the Tourist and Trailer Camps By-law and the Zoos and Wildlife Sanctuaries By-law.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Public Input Coordinator requested comments from the Township regarding Bill 17, Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025. Committee voted in favour of sharing comments relating to proposed Planning Act amendments and proposed amendments to the Development Charges Act.

On November 28, 2024, the Town of Huntsville and the Township of Lake of Bays hosted an invite-only event with staff and elected officials from First Nations communities and Municipalities from across the Muskoka River Watershed.

During the event, comments and feedback indicated that focusing on the collaboration between communities and municipalities, provincial government, and private partners, could lead to a new and effective management of the region. Committee recognized the need for collaboration and directed staff to participate as a member of the new Muskoka River Watershed Consortium. 

The Township previously requested that the Province undertake a review of the Muskoka River Water Management Plan operating parameters to assist in mitigating the severity of flood events. The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) have agreed to complete a review of changes to the Muskoka River Water Management Plan.

Committee directed staff to participate as a member of the stakeholder engagement and consultation process with MNR and MECP staff to help reduce the extent and impacts of flooding in the Township and that the recommended changes as proposed in the HATCH Operational Adjustments and Scoping Study for the Muskoka River Water Management Plan be advanced by the Township as the requisite updates necessary to enhance the Plan.