Committee Recruitment

About:

The Appeals Committee is a quasi-judicial body that hears appeals of orders and decisions issued under designated Township by-laws, including Dog Control, Short Term Rental Accommodation, Tree Conservation, Site Alteration, Dark Sky and Public Lands.

This Committee has the authority to hear appeals of orders or decisions brought before them and have the power to:

1. Confirm the Order, Notice, or Decision
2. Modify the Order, Notice, or Decision (remove or modify items)
3. Extend the time for complying with Order, Notice, or Decision

The Committee consists of at least three members appointed by Council, generally for the term of Council.

The Committee operates under Appeals Committee By-law 2025-007.

Member responsibilities:

• Review appeal materials and hear evidence from the parties involved.
• Apply the relevant by-law requirements when making decisions.
• Confirm, modify or rescind orders or decisions, including extending compliance deadlines.
• Provide written reasons for decisions.
• Comply with applicable legislation, Township policies and conflict of interest requirements.

Meetings:

Hearings are scheduled as appeals arise and are generally held in a hybrid format from Council Chambers at the Municipal Office, 1 Bailey Street, Port Carling. Agendas are generally circulated at least seven days before the hearing.

Remuneration:

Members receive an honorarium of $105 per half day, or portion thereof, for attending hearings, plus eligible travel expenses at the Township’s mileage rate.

About:

Community Centre Hall Boards oversee the operation of designated community centres under Council’s authority and provide input into their annual budgets, mandated by Hall Board Mandate - By-law 2019-62.

Each Hall Board includes an appointed Council member and reports to Council through the General/Finance Committee. 

Member responsibilities include:

• Identifying community centre needs and recommending appropriate actions to Council.
• Promoting the benefits of the community centre and encouraging its use.
• Ensuring compliance with policies and procedures approved by Council.
• Meeting with Township staff annually to provide input into operating and capital budgets.
• Participating in joint Hall Board discussions on program improvements.
• Ensuring meeting minutes are recorded and submitted to the Township.

Meetings:

As required, but no fewer than twice per year.

Renumeration: 

Not applicable.

About:

The Committee of Adjustment’s role is to review and evaluate applications, hold public hearings, and make decisions on planning applications such as minor variances that requests minor site-specific amendments to the Township’s Zoning By-law, and consents, including new lot creation (severances), boundary adjustments, easements and rights-of-way, on behalf of the Township. 

The Committee is described as “quasi-judicial” because it makes impartial legally binding decisions similar to a court of law. Members will preferably have experience in fields such as law, planning, building, or architecture, who have a commitment to community building, and who will adhere to a Code of Conduct and other policies of the Township. Council will appoint five members, for a four-year term. Meetings are held monthly during office hours, and a small honorarium is provided.  

The Committee of Adjustment is mandated under the Committee of Adjustment Procedural By-law 2015-54

Member responsibilities:

• to grant minor variances from the Township's Zoning By-law.
• to grant permission to expand or enlarge legal non-conforming uses.
• authority to permit a change in use where the new use will be more compatible with the intent of the Official Plan or Zoning By-law.
• to approve consents for land severances, lot additions, validations of title, and easements or right-of-way within the Township of Muskoka Lakes (pursuant to sections 50 and 53 of the Planning Act), which do not require a concurrent Zoning By-law Amendment.

Meetings: 

The Committee of Adjustment meetings are held on the Monday of the second full week of each month, starting at 9:00 am, and are held in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Office - 1 Bailey Street, Port Carling, ON. Agendas are provided on the website at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Remuneration:

Stipend provided based on time committed, plus paid training.

About: 

Line Fence Viewers are appointed by Council to resolve disputes between neighbouring property owners concerning the construction, repair and allocation of costs for fences along common property lines.

This Committee exercises delegated authority under the Line Fences Act. This Act provides a dispute resolution procedure between the owners of adjoining properties in most of Ontario. The Act does not deal with disputes about fences that are not on a boundary line.

Member responsibilities include:

• Attending the property as part of a three-member panel to inspect the area.
• Determining each property owner’s responsibilities for fence construction or repair.
• Preparing a report outlining the required work, fence specifications and completion timelines.
• Determining the allocation of applicable costs.

Meetings:

Arranged when an application is made to the Township and include attendance at the property.

Renumeration:

Stipend provided based on time committed, plus paid training.

About: 

The Muskoka Compliance Audit Committee considers applications for compliance audits of municipal election campaign finances for candidates and registered third-party advertisers. For more information, visit our Muskoka Compliance Audit Committee page.

Member responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and making decisions on compliance audit applications.
• Reviewing reports submitted by the Clerk concerning contributors who may have exceeded campaign contribution limits.
• Considering the information presented and making decisions within the Committee’s legislated authority.
• The Committee’s responsibilities also apply to applicable by-election campaign finances during its appointed term.

Meetings: 

As required, following a regular municipal election or applicable by-election.

Renumeration:

Stipend provided based on time committed, plus paid training.

About: 

The Property Standards Committee hears appeals from property owners who disagree with a Property Standards Order issued by the Township. This Committee exercises delegated authority under the Building Code Act and governed by TML By-law 1999-34 as amended.

If you are interested in supporting fair decision-making that helps maintain safe, well-kept properties, while also promoting public safety in the community, please consider applying for this committee.

Member responsibilities include:

• Reviewing information related to the order under appeal.
• Hearing evidence from Township staff, property owners, witnesses and other individuals with relevant information.
• Determining whether to confirm, modify or rescind an order, or extend the time for compliance.

Meetings:

Hearings held to consider appeals.

Renumeration:

Stipend provided based on time committed, plus paid training.

About: 

The Public Library Board is responsible for providing library services that respond to the needs of the community. Township of Muskoka Lakes Council appoints Library Board members. The Library Board is responsible for running our library system. As per the Public Library Act, libraries in Ontario are under the management and control of a public library board. The board has the authority to create policies about the operation and services of the library. 

The Muskoka Lakes Public Library exists “to encourage the growth of minds, community, and enjoyment, now and for future generations.” The Board makes that happen. Board members set policy, approve the budget, oversee the CEO, and guide the library’s strategic plan to Enrich Muskoka’s cultural life, Engage and build community, and Evolve for a sustainable future. It’s about one meeting a month. No library experience is needed, just a passion for your community.

Member responsibilities include:

• Governs under Ontario's Public Library Act and helps set policy
• Sets strategic direction, mission, and priorities
• Oversees the budget and financial accountability
• Hires, supports and evaluates the CEO
• Advocates within the community and to the Township
• Attends monthly meetings at the Port Carling Branch

Meetings:

Monthly

Remuneration:

None.

About:

The Steering Committee provides advice and guidance to Township staff and consultants in preparing the updated Comprehensive Zoning By-law. The Steering Committee reports directly to Planning Committee.

Member responsibilities include:

• Providing advice on project completion in accordance with the approved scope, timing and budget.
• Reviewing and providing input on zoning issues, community and stakeholder engagement, and draft by-law documents.
• Helping ensure identified zoning issues are addressed.
• Recommending documents to Planning Committee for public consultation.
• Recommending a final version of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law to Planning Committee for Council’s consideration. 

Meetings:

As required.

Renumeration:

Stipend provided based on time committed, plus paid training.