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Letter From Susan Daglish - Ratepayers' President
It appears that the destiny of the North Bala Small Hydro Project has finally been decided and has been approved (located on Crown Lands). Construction will begin in the autumn of 2013 at the conclusion of the summer season.
Throughout the long public debate and discussion on the merits of the Swift River Hydro Project at Bala Falls, the MRA did not take sides but rather focused on the importance of following proper process throughout. The process depended on the need for timely decision making on the part of the Provincial Government under whose jurisdiction the matter fell. We are satisfied that, although the time accorded this file was longer than expected, it did receive a thorough review and analysis, and the process to final decision has been fair and reasonable.
This matter which has so divided the community of Bala, has now, thankfully, been resolved. It is time to put the community divisions behind, and move forward. Further conflict serves no useful purpose. Allocating further Township time, effort and taxpayer money is not warranted and, in our opinion, cannot be justified.
Let everyone involved sit down together immediately and talk, with a view to ensuring that the final project is beneficial to both the short and long term interests of Bala and the Township.
Susan Daglish
President
Muskoka Ratepayers' Association
Please follow this link for a more detailed discussion of this Bala Falls situation, as well as some of the supporting documentation
Memberships are now being processed for 2013. Be the first on your block to renew or join.
Over the past month or so, we have been updating the process by which we distribute Township Watch (our regular report on the Township Council) to our members. That work is almost complete, and we hope that our members have benefited from that. If you are a current member and are not receiving Township Watch by email, please let our Administrative Assistant know - you can do so by pressing the following link - Email the Ratepayers
We are also working with a web site consultant, and you will be noticing a much improved site over the next few months. Stay tuned.
You have probably been reading about the federal government's plan to stop the funding for the Experimental Lakes Area in northwestern Ontario. This area has served as a world-renowned laboratory for the study of small lakes and their watersheds since 1968. As the environment is a key focus of the Muskoka Ratepayers Association, we have sent a letter to the Honourable Tony Clement, MPP for Parry Sound Muskoka, and President of the Treasury Board. A copy of that letter can be found by following this link - Experimental Lakes Area - Letter
Our Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday July 21, 2012. The meeting was well attended, largely as a result of having 2 top-notch speakers from Muskoka. As well, the president of the Ratepayers' summed up the work of the association in a report to members. The presentations included:
- John Klink - District of Muskoka Chair. John's presentation was on the "The Real Muskoka" and painted a picture of Muskoka that differs from the common perception of many that Muskoka is a land of privilege, wealth, and leisure. While this is true for some, there are real problems faced by the region that the District and others are trying to address. For John's presentation, please follow the link to - The Real Muskoka
- Steve Fahner - Former Director of Planning for he Township of Muskoka Lakes. The Township is considering an extensive revision of the zoning by-law that controls development within the township. There has been much discussion and comment on it to date, and Steve presented the current status of the by-law, as well as informing the membership of the steps involved. Steve's presentation may be found by following this link - New Comprehensive Zoning By-law
- Susan Daglish - President of the Muskoka Ratepayers' Association. Susan is a year-round resident of Muskoka, and presented a review of the Association's involvement on your behalf. Her remarks can be found at - President's Remarks
As you may be aware, the District of Muskoka approved a recommendation to perform a Services Review that would involve District staff, Councillors, and concerned citizens. This is an initiative supported by the Muskoka Ratepayers' Association, the Muskoka Lakes Association, the Lake of Bays Association, and the Georgian Bay Association. The Ratepayers' representative is Andree Baillargeon, who is one of the co-chairs of the District Service's Review Committee. This is proving a daunting task, but one that Andree has taken to heart. We will be updating our web site with some observations on the work of this committee in the near future.
As you may be aware, the Muskoka Ratepayers' Association attends virtually all Township meetings, and many of those at District. We try to be well informed on any issue, and in particular are watchful that the correct processes are followed in coming to a final decision.
We have collected a series of articles ranging from the Official Plan Review, the Bala Falls situation, president's messages, comments on the actions of Council, etc., and consolidated them on the Articles and Publications. page. Please take a look at this page, and let us know of your thoughts by email.
Last Updated: April 2, 2013