Notice of Intention to Designate a Property of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest Re: 2 Island J7

In the Matter of the
Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.0.18, Part IV, and
In the Matter of the Lands and Premises
at the following Municipal Address
in the Province of Ontario

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Muskoka Lakes intends to designate lands and premises described as 2 Island J7, in the Township of Muskoka Lakes, in the District Municipality of Muskoka, Province of Ontario, as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under Part IV, S. 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990.

Description of Property

The property is located on the westerly side of Island J7 and is described as Part of Morton Island/Home Island, Parts 1 to 3, Plan 35R-4931. The dwelling is further described as Part of Morton Island or Home Island, Part 1, Plan 35R-28064 (Medora). 

Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest

The dwelling, which is located on the property municipally known as 2 Island J7, located on Lake Joseph in the Township of Muskoka Lakes, has cultural heritage value or interest for its design/physical, historical/associative, and contextual significance.

Design/Physical Value 

The property has design and physical value through the original cottage, constructed in 1888, which is a representative and early example of the Muskoka Cottage architectural style. This style, well documented in sources such as Old Muskoka: Century Cottages and Summer Estates (Lundell, 2003), is characterized by the use of natural materials such as locally sourced wood and stone, steeply pitched gable roofs, expansive windows oriented to surrounding lake and forest views, and integrated outdoor living spaces such as wraparound porches. The cottage exhibits many of these defining characteristics, resulting in a rustic yet refined building that is well integrated into the natural Muskoka landscape. 

The property also has design and physical value as the cottage demonstrates a high degree of craftsmanship, as evidenced by the retention of its original form, layout, and materials in good condition over more than a century. In addition, the cottage demonstrates technical achievement, reflecting the challenges associated with constructing a substantial building on an island in the late 19th century, including the transportation of materials and labour and the integration of the structure with the surrounding environment. Its continued durability and integrity are indicative of sound construction techniques and an advanced understanding of local conditions, and the grit of workers required to construct on an island during this time.

Historical/Associative Value

The property has associative value through its direct association with the Honourable Alexander Morris, a prominent 19th-century Canadian political figure. Morris played a significant role in the development of Canada, including his involvement in Confederation, his service as the second Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba and the North-West Territories, and his role in negotiating several numbered treaties with Indigenous peoples. He also contributed to the establishment of the University of Manitoba and broader nation-building efforts in western Canada.

The cottage on the property was constructed for Alexander Morris in 1888, the island was historically known as Morris Island, and he died at the cottage in 1889. This direct and personal association with a significant historical figure contributes to the property’s cultural heritage value or interest.

Contextual Value 

The property has contextual value as the original cottage is physically, visually, and historically linked to its surroundings on Lake Joseph and contributes to the established character of the area. The cottage, designed in the Muskoka Cottage architectural style, is sensitively integrated into the natural landscape and is notably set back from the shoreline, reflecting an early approach to cottage development that prioritized the preservation of the lake’s naturalized character. This siting and design reinforce the historic pattern of development associated with Lake Joseph. 

The property also has contextual value through its location within the Ponemah grouping of islands, an area with a well-established history of cottaging and tourism. The cottage contributes to and supports this cultural landscape by maintaining its original architectural character and relationship to the surrounding environment, thereby providing a tangible link to the historic cottaging tradition of Lake Joseph. 

Based on the above, the property meets five of the criteria under O. Reg. 9/06, including design/physical, historical/associative, and contextual value, and therefore is considered to have cultural heritage value or interest under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Description of Heritage Attributes

Key attributes that express the heritage value of the property and are to be protected include:

The heritage attributes supporting the cultural heritage value or interest of the property are associated exclusively with the original cottage constructed circa 1888, and include (alphabetically):

• Board-and-batten siding: Vertically oriented and whitewashed, consistent throughout the cottage.
• Dormer windows: Located on the upper levels of the cottage.
• Existing window and door openings, placement, and rhythm.
• Fish scale or scalloped shingles: Decorative feature at the gable front peak of the west (front) facade.
• Granite stone pillars: foundation elements of the cottage.
• Mixed foundation: Combines traditional stone piers made from local granite and modern concrete elements.
• Moderately pitched gable roof: Extends to cover the full wrap-around porch.
• Original Window and door openings, location, rhythm, and sizes.
• Porch: Wraparound design, extending the living space outdoors and supported by wood posts and stone pillars.
• Roofline and building height.
• Setback of cottage from shoreline in all directions.
• Spindle balustrade: Decorative wooden element on the upper portion of the west (front) facade.
• Upper-level covered balcony.
• Wooden double and single doors: Feature multiple glass panes, retaining original hardware.

These attributes collectively embody the property’s architectural integrity, historical associations, and contextual relationship with the Lake Joseph cultural landscape. The cultural heritage value or interest and attributes do not include any other structures on the property or any non-original additions to the 1888 cottage.

Notice of Objection

Any person may, within thirty (30) days of the first publication of this notice, sent by mail or delivered to the Clerk of the Township of Muskoka Lakes, notice of his or her objection to the proposed designation together with a statement of the reasons for the objection and all relevant facts. If such a Notice of Objection is received, the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Muskoka Lakes shall refer the matter to the Ontario Land Tribunal for a hearing. 

Publication Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Deadline for Objections: Friday, June 26, 2026

Objections should be directed to:
Crystal Best-Sararas
Director of Legislative Services/Clerk
1 Bailey St., P.O. Box 129
Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0
clerks@muskokalakes.ca 

Dated on this 26th day of May, 2026.

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Contact Information

Additional information relating to the proposed designation is available between 8:15 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the office of the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Port Carling, Ontario.

Planning Department
705-765-3156
planning@muskokalakes.ca

For general, media or accessibility inquires, please contact:
Mia Palantzas
Communications Advisor
(705) 765-3156 x360
communications@muskokalakes.ca

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