January 2007 - page 2

OMB Hearing for Medora Lake

We will continue to support the very concerned residents against the proposed development to replace the Bala Woodlands tent and trailer park. The proposal is to have 32 units (3 bedrooms each) on a very small lake which currently only has 32 cottages. This will therefore double the number of people using the lake at a time when the lake has just been declared "over threshold." We are very surprised and disappointed that the township is allowing this size of development on this small "over threshold lake." We are supportive of the new District by-law recommending limiting growth and participating in remedial action to improve the situation on over threshold lakes.

New Economic Development Committee

One of the important initiatives of our new Council is the Economic Development Committee to be chaired by Mary Grady. This committee will study and address critical issues in our township, which greatly impact both our permanent and seasonal residents. Young people are leaving Muskoka after high school, as it does not offer them the job opportunities they wish. Skilled labour is not being attracted back into Muskoka even though the need is there and continuing to increase. Our township is special in that the majority of our population is seasonal (81% on a study published in 2005.) Many of our businesses are seasonal. It is always sad to see businesses after Cranberry Festival closing down for the winter.

The top four challenges to business in Muskoka are recruiting and maintaining labour (professional, skilled and unskilled), lack of public transportation and affordable housing plus of course the challenges associated with the seasonal nature of the business — the "winter lull." More and more baby boomers are retiring to Muskoka, as they have long recognized the high quality of life. Viable local support services will become even more important. Task forces, with both elected officials and also community representatives are being set up to look at areas of concern to business — infrastructure, labour, housing, services, government issues and local market issues. We are happy that the new Council is taking this issue, which is critical, for both seasonal and permanent residents seriously.

Membership

We are now promoting Corporate Members. Corporate Members, besides all the standard benefits of membership, also get a listing on our website and yearly Arrow Magazine. Please contact our office. Renewals have been sent out so please return them.

Our active volunteer board has some openings. We are especially looking for planning expertise to evaluate the many proposals that are occurring in the township.

Enjoy the winter in Muskoka and hopefully we will get some snow soon.

Muskoka - Ours to Care For!

Louise Cragg - President

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