AGM Message from the Outgoing President
The past year has been another busy one for the Ratepayers, with many local matters occupying our attention. As an association, we recognize that many of the issues are complex, and require more than just a simple ‘for’ or ‘against’ answer.
As permanent or seasonal residents of Muskoka, we complain about the tax load that we carry, but resist new development and the taxes they raise. We elect councillors to represent us and do their homework, and then question every decision they make (particularly if we don’t like it). We want things to remain unchanged, while at the same time demanding all the comforts of the city. This is not to suggest that decisions should not be scrutinized, but more that sometimes we need to make the best of a difficult situation.
Some of the areas in which your association has been involved during the past year include:
- Township and District Budgets —
Earlier this year, we made representations to both the Township of Muskoka Lakes and the District of Muskoka. The District (which receives about ½ of our tax dollars) includes not only our Township, but also 5 other areas, and so we decided this time to make a joint budget presentation with LOBA (the Lake of Bays Association) and the MLA (Muskoka Lakes Association). The presentation went well, and I believe that our voices were heard and may have had some impact, but unfortunately, the normal opportunity for public input comes very late in the cycle. In the coming year, the Ratepayers intend to involve themselves much earlier n the budgeting process, and I am pleased that boththe Township and the District have already welcomed this approach.
- Port Carling Boundary Expansion — We continue to support the approach of ensuring that the issues are handled in an open and orderly manner. Over the past several years, reports have been produced, growth studies completed, public meetings held, and decisions made at both the Township and District levels. At this time, several groups have appealed differing aspects of the Official Plan Amendments to the Ontario Municipal Board, and the decisions are expected later this year. While many prefer to see no change in Muskoka, it is also essential that the region remain economically viable year round, and bringing more business to Port Carling is highly desirable if the expansion and development can be handled in an orderly manner.
- Touchstone — The MRA was instrumental in negotiating the original site plan agreement for Touchstone, which called for the building of a sewage treatment plant before opening for business. Although this plant has yet to be built, the MRA remains vigilant in pushing for it and the elimination of the sewage lagoons. In this regard, we met formally with senior officials at the Ministry of the Environment (Toronto and Barrie), and provided input to the Township in support of placing a "hold" designation on development beyond a specific size until the plant is built.
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