Committee and Council Highlights - November 2025

Blake Johnston made an informational presentation to Committee thanking the Township for their financial support and provided an update on the Chamber's 2025 key performance priorities. 

Dave Uffelmann and Cheryl Harrison provided an update on Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare's activities in the area and their strategic plan for 2025-2030 including the launch of fundraising efforts to support building two brand-new hospitals in Muskoka. 

This informational report provided an update on the Township's revenue and expenses to the end of the third quarter (Q3).  Expenses related to weather events and revenue shortfall due to the delay in the Short-Term Rental program contribute to the operational deficit showing at the end of Q3.  Staff expect that the bulk of the remaining capital projects will be completed or committed to by the end of 2025.

This report was provided for information only, highlighting the progress made toward the implementation of the Township’s 2024 –2028 Strategic Plan. Staff noted that all but one initiative is either underway, ongoing or completed. 

This informational report detailed the progress toward achieving compliance with the two deadlines in the Firefighter Certification Regulation. The Muskoka Lakes Fire Department is well-positioned to meet 100% of the certification requirements for the first deadline of July 1, 2026, including firefighter, inspector, instructor, dispatcher and officer certifications. 

The report provided an overview the proposed park development plans for Hanna Park and the Milford Bay Community Centre. Committee approved the plans as presented and directed staff to notify the public of the designs and to forward any public comments to Council prior to final approval in December. 

Committee approved the draft Asset Management Plan 2025 Update to include proposed levels of service. Once approved by Council, staff will update the Township website to create an asset management page as well as provide notification of approval on social media.

Four applications were received for the second intake of the 2025 Community Improvement Program. Committee amended staff's recommendation to approve all four of the applications and directed staff to report back with a CIP Policy review at a later date.

A public meeting was held, as required by the Building Code Act, in order for Committee to receive input in regards to changes to the Township’s Building By-law 2005-87 and building permit and sanitary sewage inspection and maintenance fees. Committee approved changes as proposed by the Chief Building Official. 

The Director of Development Services and Environmental Sustainability, with the support of Meridian Planning, presented two reports regarding the Zoning By-law Amendment.  Planning Committee considered the recommendations in the reports and made the following decisions:  

a.     a. Planning Committee approved the Consultation Program for Non-Waterfront Zoning Issues, modified as recommended. 

b.     b. After receiving two public deputations and a presentation from the Township’s Planning Consultant on Waterfront Zoning Issues, Planning Committee provided direction on the six recommendations from the consultant and staff to be used in the construction of the draft zoning by-law amendment.  The Planning Consultant will use this direction to begin the preparation of a draft zoning by-law amendment which will be made available for future public consultation and additional review.   

The Chief Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer presented proposed amendments to the Fireworks By-law 2022-13 to provide greater clarity to permitted discharge days. The amendments refine permissions surrounding the discharge of fireworks on the Canada Day holiday period allowing discharge only on the statutory holiday. Planning Committee approved the amendments.