Township of Muskoka Lakes Releases 2026 Pre-Budget Report for Public Review and Input

Muskoka Lakes, ON – The Township of Muskoka Lakes has released its 2026 Pre-Budget Report on Engage Muskoka Lakes, inviting residents, businesses, and stakeholders to review the staff-prepared document and provide input on local service and funding priorities for the year ahead. 

Under Ontario’s Strong Mayor powers, the responsibility to present the formal municipal budget now rests with the Mayor. In support of that process, Township staff have prepared a Pre-Budget Report to outline anticipated financial needs and service levels based on existing commitments, projected growth, and long-term planning objectives. 

The Pre-Budget Report will be presented at a Special General/Finance Committee Meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET, held in Council Chambers at the Township Office (1 Bailey Street, Port Carling). Members of the community are invited to participate in this open meeting, with a Zoom option available for virtual participation, details available below and on Engage Muskoka Lakes.

While this report is not the formal budget, it plays a key role in:

• Informing the Mayor and Council of staff’s professional recommendations.
• Providing a clear overview of service delivery expectations and financial pressures; and
• Creating an opportunity for public feedback before the formal budget is presented, expected November 3, 2025. 

As part of the overall municipal funding structure, property taxes in Muskoka Lakes are allocated as follows (based on 2025):

• 52% to the District of Muskoka (tax-supported programs)
• 23% to the Province for education
• 25% retained by the Township of Muskoka Lakes

This engagement focuses on the Township’s portion, which supports key local services such as fire protection, by-law enforcement, local road maintenance, recreation, community planning, and infrastructure renewal.

To access the reports, share feedback and/or subscribe for project updates, visit: www.engagemuskokalakes.ca/2026-prebudget-report

Upcoming Budget Meetings (more details)

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. ET
Special General / Finance Committee - Pre-Budget Report
Participate in-person at the Township Office or via Zoom
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86544619841?pwd=fpFe5VKExGiEsR4hl1ccAwWmIjRR5P.1 | Passcode:726081)

Monday, November 3, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. ET
Special General / Finance Committee - Formal Budget Presentation
Tune in via YouTube

Monday, November 24, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. ET
Special General / Finance Committee - Budget Meeting 3 (If needed)

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For questions regarding the budget, please contact: 
Mark Donaldson
Director of Financial Services
(705) 765-3156 x210
mdonaldson@muskokalakes.ca

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

Please note: Public input remains open until the formal budget is presented. The public may continue to share feedback with their local Councillor, via Engage Muskoka Lakes and/or by applying for a delegation request to speak at a future meeting following the Pre-Budget Report presentation on September 17, 2025.