Township of Muskoka Lakes Invites Public Feedback to Update Economic Development Strategy for 2026-2030

Take part through surveys and in-person information sessions designed for two key groups: business owners and community organizations, and residents in Muskoka Lakes.

MUSKOKA LAKES, ON, January 28, 2026 – The Township of Muskoka Lakes (“Township”) is inviting residents, businesses, and community organizations to help shape the municipality’s economic priorities for the next five years, from 2026 to 2030, through an update to its Economic Development Strategy.

Community input will help inform a strategy that responds to changing economic conditions, including workforce challenges, business sustainability, and long-term growth pressures.

This is an opportunity to hear directly from the people who live, work and do business in Muskoka Lakes,” said James Cox, Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives Officer. "Community input will help guide how we support a resilient, sustainable and year-round local economy.”

The update will build on the Township’s previous Economic Development Strategy, focused on strengthening local infrastructure, supporting businesses and community organizations, and fostering collaboration across Muskoka Lakes.

How to Get Involved

In collaboration with KLB Consulting, the Township is seeking feedback through surveys and facilitated in-person information sessions designed for two groups: business owners and community organizations, and residents of Muskoka Lakes. Engagement materials have been tailored for each group, and participants may take part in one or both options.

Surveys

Two surveys have been developed to gather input, available online or in print. The deadline to complete a survey is February 20, 2026.

Business Owners and Community Organizations
Online Survey: Have Your Say: Muskoka Lakes Economic Development (Business) Survey

Residents
Online Survey: Have Your Say: Muskoka Lakes Economic Development (Public) Survey

Print-ready versions of both surveys can be found on the Engage Muskoka Lakes project page and at the Township Office (1 Bailey St., Port Carling, ON). Completed surveys may be submitted in person at the Township Office and addressed to the Economic Development Department.

Information & Engagement Sessions (in-person)

The information and engagement sessions will include a brief presentation and open discussion regarding economic development in Muskoka Lakes. No registration is required.

For business owners and members of community organizations, two sessions are available. Participants are asked to attend one session only, as both will cover the same content.

Session #1
Date: Thursday, February 19
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Port Carling Community Centre (3 Bailey St., Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0)

Session #2
Date: Friday, February 20
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Bala Community Centre (1008 Maple Ave. Bala, ON L0K 1E0)

For residents, one session will be held.  

Date: Thursday, February 19
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Port Carling Community Centre (3 Bailey St., Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0)

More Information

Feedback collected through the surveys and engagement sessions will be reviewed and used to inform the development of a draft Economic Development Strategy. The draft strategy is expected to be presented to Township Council in late spring or early summer of this year.

For additional information about the Economic Development Strategy update and to access engagement materials, visit: Economic Development Strategy (2026 - 2030) | Engage Muskoka Lakes

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For more information regarding this project, please contact:
James Cox
Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives Officer
(705) 765-3156 x279
james.cox@muskokalakes.ca

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

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