Important Shea Road Boat Launch Update – August 24, 2023

We wanted to update you about the ongoing developments at the Shea Road Boat Launch. The Township of Muskoka Lakes, with its commitment to community infrastructure, completed the construction of the new dock this year – a testament to the progress we are making together.

However, as with any community-driven project, there can be challenges. In the recent Request for Proposal (RFP) for the boat launch, the submitted proposals surpassed the planned budget. Therefore, the Township of Muskoka Lakes has taken the decision to reschedule the comprehensive repairs for the boat launch.

Recognizing the importance of the boat launch to our community, temporary minor repairs are set to take place this year. This ensures that the launch remains functional and safe for everyone. Furthermore, the TMLA Board is diligently working to ensure that the essential repairs are considered for the 2024 planning.

Stay tuned to our website for further announcements and updates. Your understanding and support are the pillars of our community’s success.

Thank you, and stay safe!

TMLA Board

Event Notice: An Afternoon with Dr. Norman Yan

Exploring the Depths: The Mysteries of Ontario’s Lakes – Blue-Green Algal Blooms

Date: Thursday, August 10th

Location: Muskoka Chautauqua: Theatre in the Woods

1039 Golf Avenue Windermere Village

Time: 1 – 3 pm

Event Link: The Threat of Algal Blooms in Muskoka with Research Scientist Norman Yan

Dive deep into the environmental enigmas surrounding Ontario’s pristine lakes with Dr. Norman Yan, the esteemed Director of Friends of the Muskoka Watershed. As algal blooms resurface in our waters, Dr. Yan will unravel the intertwined factors at play, from invasive species like the spiny water flea to the increasing usage of road salt and the profound impact of climate change.

Dr. Yan’s illustrious 50-year journey, spanning the Ontario government to his significant role at York University, has been dedicated to understanding and preserving the integrity of our lakes. His vision paints a future where Muskoka stands as a beacon for environmental research, illuminating the path forward in safeguarding our invaluable lakescape.

This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to gain insights from a renowned expert whose life’s work has significantly influenced lake ecology understanding on a global scale.

Key Takeaways:

– Understand the root causes of the resurgence of algal blooms.

– Learn about the multifaceted challenges our lakes face in the modern era.

– Envision the future of environmental research in Muskoka.

Dark Sky in Muskoka

On June 14, 2023, the Council updated the Dark Sky By-law originally introduced in 2014 in the Township of Muskoka Lakes. The revised legislation aims to enhance the municipality’s objective of mitigating light pollution and conserving a dark sky environment by regulating outdoor lighting practices. The by-law particularly focuses on properties zoned as Waterfront Residential, Community Residential (R4 only), and Waterbody Open Space under the Township of Muskoka Lakes Comprehensive Zoning By-law.

The update also extends the ‘grandfathering’ or ‘sunset date’ deadline to June 1, 2027. This implies that outdoor lighting fixtures installed prior to the initial Dark Sky By-law of April 17, 2014, must be in compliance with the revised by-law by the new deadline. However, the update specifies certain conditions under which the grandfathering status of a luminaire may be forfeited. These conditions include any replacements, modifications, or relocations of light fixtures, instances where a fixture is deemed to create unnecessary glare or public safety concerns, and when a property obtains a building permit for a new building, an addition, enlargement, or exterior renovation.

As part of the by-law, the council also pledged to continue offering educational resources to residents, visitors, and businesses to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of a pollution-free night sky. The council encourages individuals unsure about lighting compliance to consult the by-law or contact their office for assistance.  You can read more about Dark Sky in Muskoka Lakes on the Township of Muskoka Lakes website.

Changes Coming to Muskoka’s Waste Fees – March 2, 2023

On February 28, 2023, the District of Muskoka Council approved staff recommendations to help families meet new garbage limits in response to changes in the waste program. The changes aim to reduce garbage and extend the lifespan of Muskoka’s only remaining landfill. However, the district is struggling to meet diversion goals, with only 34% of waste being diverted. In contrast, other top municipalities in the province recycle, reduce, and divert over 60% of their waste.

Effective March 1, tipping fees for garbage and non-divertible material at District waste facilities will increase. On the other hand, District facilities will still accept blue box recycling and green bin organics at no cost. Residents can now deliver one clear bag of diapers and incontinence products free of charge every week to any transfer station. They can also purchase bag tags at a discounted price of five tags for $35 when bought in bulk from any transfer station. Furthermore, residents can set out one extra garbage bag without a bag tag on their regular collection day the week of Victoria Day, Canada Day, the Civic holiday, and Labour Day long weekends.

According to James Steele, the Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works, the District of Muskoka is dedicated to reducing garbage and extending the life of its last landfill while also assisting families to reach their diversion target. These changes will help residents divert more materials to their blue box and green bin programs.

To learn more about the updated rates and acceptable materials in the blue box or green bin programs, visit muskoka recycles or download the Muskoka Recycles app and use the waste wizard. Finally, Muskoka’s Roadmap to 60% Waste Diversion offers new and bold initiatives to create a better waste management system. By working together, positive change can be brought to Muskoka’s environment.

Read the official announcement at No Time To Waste – Working Together

Application for Consent and Zoning By-Law Amendment – Sandwood Road – January 20, 2023 – Planning Committee Meeting Update

An update on the Planning Committee Meeting on January 20th regarding the application to sever a back lot and rezone the back lots. Thanks to all of the concerned Three Mile Lake property owners who voiced their concerns on this application. Your voices were heard, loud and clear, particularly with the 4 new Township councillors who are new members of the Planning Committee. They decided to defer a decision and to go back to the District of Muskoka (which is responsible for water quality, not the Township) for an explanation as to why the District wasn’t opposed to this application, even though the District lists Three Mile as an endangered lake.

This application will be submitted again and discussed at a future Planning Committee meeting. We’ll keep you posted.

John Roberts, President Three Mile Lake Association

Beatrice Townline Road Closed at Falkenburg Road to 1738 Beatrice Townline Road Due to Flooding – January 6, 2023

MUSKOKA LAKES, ON – As of 2:30 pm on Friday January 6, 2023, Beatrice Townline Road from Falkenburg Road (Muskoka Road 47) to 1738 Beatrice Townline Road is closed due to flooding. There are spots through this portion of the road where water levels would be considered unsafe for vehicles.

We thank residents for their patience during this time, and will provide an update when the road has reopened and water levels have receded.

Website Link

For more information, please contact:

Ken Becking

Director of Public Works

kbecking@muskokalakes.ca

(705) 765-3156 Ext. 250

www.muskokalakes.ca

Blue-Green Algae Public Notice Lifted – December 14, 2022

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) would like to inform residents and visitors to the Township of Muskoka Lakes that additional laboratory analysis confirms the blue-green algae bloom impacting Three Mile Lake and Hammell’s Bay, Township of Muskoka Lakes has dissipated.

Please be advised that the public health notice regarding precautions for blue-green algae issued on August 29, 2022, and updated on September 2, 2022, by the SMDHU for Three Mile Lake, Township of Muskoka Lakes has been lifted.

All Candidates Meeting September 24th 2022 – Port Carling Community Centre

The Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association is sponsoring an All Candidates Meeting on Saturday, September 24th, 2022 starting at 10:00 AM sharp in the Port Carling Community Centre.

This is your opportunity to hear directly from the candidates for all positions so that you can come to an informed opinion when you exercise your vote.

• You will have an opportunity to meet with the candidates before the meetings – starting at 9:30 AM.
• You will then hear from each of the candidates (in the formal meeting)
• Finally, there will be a question period where candidates will respond to questions that you have had an opportunity to submit.
• Your written questions will be accepted until 10:30 AM.

The meeting will finish promptly at noon, but candidates will be available to you informally after the meeting.

Additionally, the Ratepayers have previously posed written questions to all the candidates, and their written responses to these are being consolidated into a document that will be available to all members in good standing of the Muskoka Ratepayers a day or so after the meeting.

As always, the Ratepayers believe that an informed electorate is key, and that it is up to each individual to make their own decision on October 24th, 2022.

We hope to see you all there, and let your friends and family know – all are welcome.

All Candidates Meeting

Saturday, September 24th at 10 am

Port Carling Community Centre

3 Bailey Street
Port Carling, Ontario P0B 1J0 Canada

Google Map

More Information – click here 

Muskoka Votes on October 24, 2022

On October 24th you have the opportunity to elect the next Township of  Muskoka Lakes Council. We urge you to vote!

You can vote for the Mayor and for the Ward B Councillors. We have included the recommendations from the Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA Endorsement), but please do your own due diligence to determine your own choice of candidates.

You can find more information about the election and register to vote here: Vote 4 Muskoka

MLA Election Flyer 2022

Parks and Recreation Masterplan, July 19, 2022

On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, Council adopted the Parks and Trails Masterplan.

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan will be used to assist in determining recreation, parks, trails and facilities requirements for the Township that, in conjunction with the Township’s Strategic Plan, will inform future investment and developments.

The Plan will allow the Township to guide and manage the direction of parks, open spaces, recreation and leisure services, programs, events, facilities and amenities.

Please visit the Engage Page to read the approved Parks and Recreation Masterplan.