Muskoka Lakes public meetings in 2023
35 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Planning Committee
The Planning Committee will discuss and vote on a zoning by-law amendment that allows an 850 square foot land-based sleeping cabin, exceeding the usual limit of 650 square feet.
- ZBA-32/23: Zoning By-law Amendment Application for Swerhone & Finlay property to permit an oversized sleeping cabin
- Proposed amendment to allow temporary exemption until a building permit is filed for a land-based dwelling
Supplementary Council Agenda
The Muskoka Lakes Pickleball group is presenting information regarding their 2024 budget request. The presentation includes updates to organization representatives and a fact sheet regarding their operations.
- Clarification of 2024 Budget Request by Gloria Gardner and Jill Coates-Ford
- Personnel update: Sue Cummings to replace Jill Coates-Ford
Council
The Muskoka Lakes Council is reviewing the 2024 Draft Operating and Capital Budget and Forecast. The meeting also includes discussions on facility user fees, sewage inspection programs, and a new burning by-law.
- Review of 2024 Draft Operating and Capital Budget and Forecast
- Proposed Burning By-law 2023-034 to establish a fire permit system
- New Sewage Re-Inspection Program via Property Standards and Penalty System by-law updates
- Public hearing regarding Minett OPA 56 - OLT Appeal
- Review of Facility User Fee Policy
General/Finance Committee
The General/Finance Committee is reviewing presentations regarding cannabis retail applications and the Muskoka Lakes Snow Trails Association's request for support. The meeting also includes updates on a Fire Station Location Study and the Corporate Asset Management Plan.
- Presentation on Cannabis Retail in the Township of Muskoka Lakes
- Muskoka Lakes Snow Trails Association presentation regarding road maintenance and operational needs
- Fire Station Location Study - Phase 1 Update
- Corporate Asset Management Plan report
- 2023 Year End Chamber of Commerce Report
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is scheduled to hold a public hearing to consider several consent and minor variance applications. The agenda includes requests for property severances in Medora, Watt, and Wood, as well as various site plan and setback adjustments.
- Consent application B/43/44/45/23/ML (Cummings) regarding Part Lot 35, Concession 4
- Consent application B/41/23/ML (Eagleson) in Medora
- Consent application B/42/23/ML (Ofield) in Medora
- Minor variance A-68/21 (Lemelin) involving a Fish and Aquatic Habitat Impact Study
- Minor variance A-14/23 (Laing) including a Fish Habitat Assessment
Special General/Finance Committee - Special Budget Meeting 2
The committee will present the 2024 Draft Operating and Capital Budget, including proposed tax rate increases and capital expenditures. The meeting also includes discussions on discretionary reserves and reserve funds.
- Consideration of a resolution to approve the 2024 Draft Operating and Capital Budget
- Presentation of the 2024 Draft Operating Budget excluding amortization expenses
- Discussion on discretionary reserve contributions from the tax levy
Supplementary Special General/Finance Committee Agenda
The General/Finance Committee is meeting to present the 2024 Draft Operating and Capital budget. The agenda includes a letter from the Muskoka Ratepayers' Association regarding budget forecasts and expenditures.
- Presentation of the 2024 Draft Operating and Capital budget
- Letter from Muskoka Ratepayers' Association regarding the 2024 Budget
Muskoka Compliance Audit Committee
The committee will review an auditor's report regarding the financial statements of the Friends of Muskoka, a registered third party from the 2022 municipal election. The meeting also includes procedural discussions and minutes approval.
- Consideration of Auditor's Report on Friends of Muskoka
- Approval of July 24, 2023 minutes
Supplementary Planning Committee Agenda
The Supplementary Planning Committee will hear from Scott Young, Executive Director of Muskoka Conservancy, regarding item 14.a on the agenda.
- Presentation by Muskoka Conservancy Executive Director Scott Young
Planning Committee
The committee will review several applications for zoning by-law amendments and property consents. The agenda also includes a report on approaches to address feeding wildlife and discussions regarding short-term rental regulation pathways.
- Consent and rezoning for 2206733 Ontario Inc. at 3051 Hwy 141, Utterson
- Zoning By-law Amendment applications for properties in Medora, Monck, and Wood
- Report on approaches to address feeding wildlife from the Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer
- Discussion regarding Short Term Rental Regulations Pathway implementation
- Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update Terms of Reference report
Supplementary General/Finance Committee Agenda
The General/Finance Committee meeting on November 15, 2023, includes an addition to the business items regarding Stephen Watt, Barrister and Solicitor. The agenda also references applications for the purchase of portions of Original Road Allowance and Original Shore Road Allowance.
- Addition of Stephen Watt, Barrister and Solicitor to the agenda
- Applications to purchase portions of Original Road Allowance leading to water
- Applications to purchase portions of Original Shore Road Allowance
- Applications to purchase portions of flooded Original Shore Road Allowance
Council
The council will discuss and vote on several by-laws, including fees and charges for 2024, parking amendments, and zoning changes. The meeting also includes public comments and invited presentations.
- Consideration of Draft Resolution to adopt Bill 73 - Supporting Ontario's Community, Rural and Agricultural Newspapers Act, 2023
- By-law 2023-109: Fees and Charges By-Law for 2024
- By-law 2023-111: Parking Bylaw Amendments on McDonald Road and Bailey Street
General/Finance Committee
The General/Finance Committee will discuss several infrastructure reports, including an arena feasibility study update and a playground report for Jaspen Park. The meeting also includes a presentation from Hospice Muskoka requesting a letter of support for provincial funding.
- Arena Feasibility Study - Phase 2 Update (Report PW-2023-072)
- Jaspen Park Playground Report (Report PW-2023-073)
- Asbestos Survey Results (Report PW-2023-074)
- Facility User Fee Policy Report (Report PW-2023-066)
- Hospice Muskoka funding presentation and request for support
Supplementary Council Agenda
Council will consider a final decision on Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA-26/22. Legal counsel for the applicant has requested that the Township defer action on certain exemptions until a Superior Court of Justice appeal is resolved.
- Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA-26/22 (Evans)
- Request to defer Exemptions A & D regarding a dwelling and septic system
- Approval of Exemptions B & C for a single-storey boathouse and dock
- Pending Superior Court of Justice appeal regarding building permits BP2023-0550 and BP2023-0551
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on November 13, 2023, to review several consent and minor variance applications. The meeting includes discussions on property severances in Medora and Watt, as well as various minor variance requests.
- Consent application B/37/23/ML for Kirkwood Commercial Corporation (Medora)
- Consent application B/38/23/ML for Shortt (Medora)
- Minor variance A-53/23 for Edick (Medora)
- Minor variance A-55/23 for Ontario Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church (Medora)
- Minor variance A-60/23 for Snider (Watt)
Supplementary Special General/Finance Committee - Special Budget Meeting Agenda
The General/Finance Committee will meet to deliberate on the 2024 Draft Operating and Capital Budget and Forecast. The meeting includes a presentation on road project funding rationale and a review of results from the 2024 Budget Survey.
- Presentation of the 2024 Draft Operating and Capital Budget and Forecast
- Review of Road Project Funding Rationale
- Presentation of 2024 Budget Survey results
- Funding request from Muskoka Small Business Centre for $1,500
- Delegation from Muskoka Small Business Centre regarding SBEC operational funding shortfall
Special General/Finance Committee - Special Budget Meeting 1
The Special General/Finance Committee is meeting to present and deliberate on the 2024 Draft Operating and Capital Budget and Forecast. The meeting includes discussions on funding requests for the Muskoka Small Business Centre, Muskoka Watershed Council, and pickleball programs.
- Presentation of the 2024 Draft Operating and Capital Budget and Forecast
- Funding request from Muskoka Small Business Centre for $1,500
- Muskoka Watershed Council 2024 operating budget funding request
- Muskoka Lakes Pickleball 2024 operating budget funding request
- Analysis of request for outdoor AED stations
Planning Committee
The Planning Committee is reviewing applications to create a new lot and rezone part of it to Environmental Protection. The applicant intends to transfer the severed lot to the Muskoka Conservancy.
- Consent and Zoning Amendment (B-32/23/ML) for 1133 Muskoka Road 38, Unit 3
- Zoning Amendment (ZBA-24/23) for property in Concession 10
- Zoning Amendment (ZBA-25/23) for property in Concession 13 (Monck)
- Short Term Rental Community Engagement Overview and Draft Licensing By-law review
- 2023 Sewage System Re-Inspection Program Annual Report
Supplementary Planning Committee Agenda
The committee is reviewing the Short Term Rental Community Engagement Overview and Draft Licensing By-law. The meeting includes public comments and written submissions regarding proposed regulations for short-term rentals.
- Review of Short Term Rental Community Engagement Overview and Draft Licensing By-law
- Public comments from Steve Bellantoni, Ken Pearce, Janie Graham, and Doug Griffiths
- Written submissions regarding STR regulation impacts on noise, parking, and housing availability
Supplementary Council Agenda
The Council will hear presentations from the Muskoka Lakes Association and Knight Developments. These delegations concern Report PLAN-2023-164 regarding updates to the Official Plan.
- Delegation from Ken Pearce (Muskoka Lakes Association) regarding Report PLAN-2023-164
- Delegation from Greg Knight (Knight Developments) regarding Report PLAN-2023-164
Council
Council is reviewing an informational report regarding proposed changes to the Township Official Plan. The meeting also includes discussions on infrastructure repairs, contract awards, and various zoning by-laws.
- Presentation on Updated Official Plan modifications
- Request for fee waiving for Bala Curling Club Beef and Beer Tent
- Report on Port Carling Community Centre HVAC System
- Contract award for a new articulating boom and mulcher head attachment
- By-law 2023-110 to designate Site Plan Control in Medora
Committee of Adjustment
The Muskoka Lakes Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to consider multiple consent and minor variance applications. The meeting includes reviews for property severances in Appleton, Clark, and Medora, as well as various minor variance requests.
- Consent application B/33/23/ML regarding Part of Lot 14, Concession 1, Appleton
- Consent application B/35/23/ML regarding Part of Lot 12, Concession 10, Clark
- Minor variance application A-85/22 regarding Lots 6 and 7, Concession 8, Medora
- Minor variance application A-41/23 (Amended) regarding Part of Lot 20, Concession 6, Watt
- Minor variance application A-49/23 regarding Part Lot 34, Concession 4, Medora
Supplementary Planning Committee Agenda
The Planning Committee will hear public comments concerning proposed modifications to the Official Plan by the Approval Authority. The meeting also includes public comments regarding a consent and zoning by-law amendment for Tames and Stevenson.
- Public comments on Official Plan, Approval Authority's Proposed Modifications
- Public comments on B/53/62/22/ML, ZBA-55/22 (Tames and Stevenson)
- Letter of objection from Cynthia Carsley regarding lot creation in application B53/22/ML
Planning Committee
The Planning Committee is reviewing applications to sever a lot at 268 Island Tobins and amend zoning bylaws regarding setbacks and dock widths. Staff recommends refusing the applications because they do not conform with the Township’s Official Plan.
- Refusal recommendation for Consent Application B/51/22/ML (Ross)
- Refusal recommendation for Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA-50/22 (Ross)
- Proposed lot severance at Part of Lot 8, Concession B, Island Tobins
- Review of Official Plan modifications with presentations from District of Muskoka officials
- Report on Cash in Lieu of Parking for Bala Bay Takeaway (CP-01-23)
General/Finance Committee
The General/Finance Committee is reviewing the 2024 Budget Guidelines and discussing new initiatives for the upcoming year. The meeting also includes presentations on the Phase 1 Arena Feasibility Study and a request regarding snow plowing services for Camp Jackson Road.
- Presentation on Phase 1 Arena Feasibility Study update by Lennox Architects
- Review of 2024 Budget Guidelines and Councillor New Initiatives
- Request for Township snow plowing of Camp Jackson Road
- Report on the sale of Original Road Allowance Application (Aubelon Corporation, Roll 4-22-053-01)
- Muskoka Lakes Museum 2023 Activity Update presentation
Supplementary Council Agenda
This special meeting is for the purpose of recognizing volunteers in the Township of Muskoka Lakes. The agenda includes ceremonial presentations from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and remarks regarding emergency service providers, community groups, and civil servants.
- Official visit and remarks by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
- Recognition of Emergency Service Providers
- Recognition of Community Groups and Volunteers
- Recognition of Civil Servants
- Recognition of Councillors, Past and Present
Supplementary General/Finance Committee Agenda
The General/Finance Committee meeting includes an update regarding the community event scheduled for September 17. The agenda contains no other items of business.
- Windermere Terry Fox Run at Windermere Community Centre on September 17
Special Council - Volunteer Service Recognition
This special meeting is dedicated to ceremonial presentations and the recognition of various community groups, volunteers, and civil servants. The agenda also includes a visit from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
- Official visit and remarks from Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell
- Recognition of Emergency Service Providers
- Recognition of Community Groups and Volunteers
- Recognition of Civil Servants
- Recognition of past and present Councillors
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to consider several consent applications for lot severances and multiple minor variance requests. The meeting includes discussions on property modifications in Medora, Wood, Monck, and Watt.
- Consent application B/27/23/ML regarding Part of Lot 31, Concession F (Medora)
- Consent application B/28/29/23/ML involving Lot 12, Concession 1 (Cardwell)
- Consent application B/30/31/23/ML regarding Lot 1, Plan 35M630 (Medora)
- Minor variance A-34/23 for Part of Lot 4, Concession 4 (Wood)
- Minor variance A-41/23 for Part of Lot 20, Concession 6 (Medora)
Special General/Finance Committee
The General/Finance Committee is holding a special meeting to obtain public input regarding the 2024 Budget. Residents can participate in person, via webcast, or by providing comments through email.
- Public input session for the Township of Muskoka Lakes 2024 Budget
Planning Committee
The Planning Committee will discuss and decide on Consent Applications B/14/15/16/22/ML and Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA-21/23, which involve creating three new lots and rezoning portions of the land to Environmental Protection (EP1).
- Consent Applications B/14/15/16/22/ML for Cranberry Products of Canada to create three new residential lots and retain one agricultural lot.
- ZBA-21/23, By-law 2023-095 to rezone portions of the proposed lots from Rural (RU2) to Environmental Protection (EP1).
- Conditions for approval include cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication at 5% of assessed value and implementation of an Environmental Impact Study's recommendations.
Supplementary Planning Committee Agenda
The Planning Committee will hear public comments from the Muskoka Lakes Association and Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization. These comments concern proposed modifications to the Official Plan by the Approval Authority.
- Public comments from Ken Pearce (Muskoka Lakes Association) regarding Official Plan modifications
- Public comments from Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization regarding Official Plan modifications
- Public comments from Susan Eplett (Muskoka Lakes Association) regarding Official Plan modifications
Council
The Council will consider several reports including contracts for winter sand supply, guiderail installation, and playground equipment for Jaspen Park. The meeting also includes reviews of multiple zoning by-law applications and an appeal regarding a site alteration order.
- Contract T-2023-20 for the supply and stockpiling of winter sand
- Contract RFP-2023-48 for design and installation of playground equipment at Jaspen Park
- Contract 315-12-A-23 for removal and installation of cable and beam guiderail systems
- Appeal to Order to Remedy regarding site alteration and tree conservation at 14 Armstrong Pt Rd
- Six zoning by-law applications (ZBA) ranging from Cardwell to Medora
General/Finance Committee
The General/Finance Committee is reviewing the final report for the Transportation Master Plan and the 2022 draft audited financial statements. The meeting also includes discussions on community infrastructure asset management, electric vehicle charging stations, and potential amendments to council remuneration and noise by-laws.
- Presentation of 2022 Draft Audited Financial Statements showing $21,546,838 in revenue
- Presentation of the Transportation Master Plan Update including 120 km of active transportation improvements
- Report on Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
- Consideration of a resolution to amend Council Remuneration and Expense Policy
- Consideration of a resolution regarding Noise By-law prioritization
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment is scheduled to hear several applications for minor variances and one consent application. The meeting includes reviews of property developments in Medora, Watt, Tobin's Island, and Monck.
- Consent application B/26/23/ML for Part of Lots 13 and 14, Concession 11 (Medora)
- Minor variance A-23/23 regarding Lot 1, Concession A, Tobin's Island
- Minor variance A-32/23 for Part of Lot 31, Concession 9 (Watt)
- Minor variance A-35/23 for Part of Lots 12 and 13, Concessions 3 and 4 (Watt)
- Minor variance A-36/23 for Part of Lot 32, Concession 2 (Watt)