Message from the President
With Thanksgiving approaching and the beautiful colours highlighting our magnificent trees, it's hard to believe that most of the world thinks of Muskoka as a summer place. September was every bit as glorious as July or August — lucky for those of us who live here! The Ratepayers Association understands that Muskoka IS a year-round community that needs to be taken care of, no matter the season. So whether you're a permanent or seasonal Muskokan, we will continue to keep you informed of ongoing hearings, taxation issues, spending, and environmental concerns.
Madeline Fielding, Muskoka Ratepayers' President
Township Watch
There's a lot going on this fall. The Ratepayers try to get a board member out to all the important OMB hearings that take place throughout the year. But in case you didn't know, these hearing are open to the public and it's a good sign that Muskoka's citizens care when a good number of us show up at these hearings. Visit the township's website (www.muskokalakes.ca) and search under "Community > Public Notices" to find out when the hearings take place.
In a nutshell, here's what the Ratepayers are keeping an eye on:
- Red Leaves — there was an OMB Hearing regarding tower height on Paignton House. Decision in favour of Red Leaves.
- Red Leaves — An OMB Hearing regarding zoning changes that were approved by Township and District around the designation of "Resort Village", will be held on October 18.
- Duke House, next door to the Port Carling Post Office, was purchased by the Township and is now open as a museum, offices, and shop for Township Logo purchases — t-shirts, coffee mugs, pens, ball caps etc.
- Birch Avenue Dock — peer review reports for cottagers and Township available two or three days before September 17 meeting — to give participants time to read them, Council deferred decision making to next meeting, October 9.
- Port Carling Cemetery — since the hedge along the highway was chopped down, there has been much discussion on replacement: hedge, stonewall, trees, wrought iron fence, gate or some combination? Stay tuned.
- Township finances — tenders regarding Fire halls and Community Centres all tenders came in over budget. All but one was rejected — Walker's Point to go ahead — no borrowing or debentures at this time. Read more about this on the next page.
- OMB Hearing regarding Muskoka Chair November 15. This concerns the proposed site in Bala.
Bala streetscape tenders — none offered — probably too extensive for local bids — is to be separated into smaller sections.
- Glen Gordon auditor — Books and Township in good shape.
- Snowmobile bridge is being prepared for Port Carling.
Madeline Fielding, Chair, Township Watch
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