January 2008 - page 2

Become a Member of the Ratepayers' Association

As business and property owners in Muskoka, we all have a stake in the township's future. The Ratepayers' Association is committed to preserving what is best in our beautiful lake district now as well as carefully planning for the vision of what the area's future could hold.

The organization is currently focusing on:

• Promoting environmental issues in order to protect our precious eco-systems
• Suggesting reasonable and thoughtful controls on new development applications
• Developing new planning by-laws and supporting the current by-laws
• Determining fair, equitable property assessment and tax treatment for all residents
• Supporting our communities by encouraging a four season economy through housing that is reasonably priced
• Providing bursaries for education.

We monitor all Township Council Meetings as well as those of the committees for Planning, Adjustment, Management & Services, and Economic Development. We do this throughout the year in order to ensure our members' interests are properly represented at these important forums. Our Directors are members of several committees including the crucial Steering Committee of the Official Plan and By-Law Review. We monitor all development proposals in order to ensure a proper balance between viable business practice and minimal environmental and neighbourhood impact.

We also feel it is vital to communicate any key decisions to our members. This is achieved through these REPORTS in the media, our website www.muskokaratepayers.ca, MUSKOKA MATTERS, the new newsletter for members, by email and by phone 705-765-0022. On July 12th there is a special Environmental Showcase of interest to both Corporate and the over 200 members and supporters.

We at the Muskoka Ratepayers' Association cannot do it alone. We need your physical and financial support to do our volunteer work. Our membership application is attached and we urge you to complete it today. Membership in Muskoka Ratepayers Association will be the best investment you can make, with returns paying out to generations to come.

Thank you for your support.

Susan Daglish, Muskoka Ratepayers' Board Member

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