Committee and Council Highlights - February 2025

On October 16, 2024, Council adopted the Township Communications Strategy which guides actions and decisions to ensure that there is a consistent approach to key communication points and messages, as well as creating a clear understanding of the methods/channels/approaches and how they are communicated.  One of the Goals/Objectives outlined in the Communications Strategy was to ‘Formalize Brand Identity,’ and one of the Priority Actions listed under that Goal/Objective was to Develop a Logo Policy.

Committee recommended approval of the draft logo policy which provides guidelines for the proper use and display of the Township Logo and images by staff, organizations, businesses, individuals, and/or elected officials.  

On March 18, 2016 the Township adopted its first Social Media Policy C-CAO-15. Since that time, there have been extensive changes to both the Social Media realm and the way in which the Township utilizes and engages with various platforms highlighting the need for a new, updated policy. 

Committee recommended approval of the draft updated Social Media policy highlighting the Township of Muskoka Lakes’ commitment to utilizing Social Media to enhance awareness through information-sharing while increasing outreach and engagement with the community. It also aims to promote the services, programs and activities within the community in a respectful and informative manner and in alignment with the values of the municipality. 

Township Human Resources policies were consolidated into a handbook format and approved by Council in 2019. Over time, as legislation has been updated, practices have evolved and the handbook is becoming out of date. 

To provide greater clarity, given Council’s prior approval of the handbook, the CAO By-Law is being updated to reflect the clear and appropriate authority over Human Resources policies to the CAO. 

Any changes to human resources policies that have a significant financial or political impact will continue to be brought forward for Council approval. 

In late 2024, Council directed Staff to review the current budget policy regarding delegated authority for budget amendments. Council direction is required where there is a need to draw funds from reserves or there are proposed material changes in capital projects (i.e. add, delete or significantly change) from the approved budget. The proposed amendments to the policy delegates authority to Staff for:

a) all budget amendments within the approved net required levy for operating; and

b) the total capital expenditure limits for projects as approved by Council in the budget. 

Committee further amended the recommendation to limit the authority of staff to $100,000 for capital projects, and to exclude compensation from the delegated authority for operating expenses.

In 2025, staff plan to work with the community on Development Plans for Hanna Park and Milford Bay Community Centre Park as they each have amenities requiring replacement in the near future such as playgrounds, etc. Upon community consultation and finalized concept plans, the 10-year Capital Plan can be updated to reflect the community needs and desires for both properties should there be any changes from the current amenities provided.  

In 2026, staff will conduct similar Development Plans exercises with the communities of Bala, Torrance and Walker’s Point. The exercises will look at Jaspen Park, Bala Sports Park, Torrance Ball Diamond and Walker’s Point Community Centre Park. 

Committee also requested that staff report back next month with information and next steps on the Windermere Village Playground Proposal. 

In response to a delegation received from the public in August 2024, a report was presented with an option to extend the sidewalk along Muskoka Road 169 in Bala. Based on the information provided, Committee elected not to proceed with the project.

The Township’s current Economic Development Strategy was adopted in 2020, with the goals of clarifying the Township’s role in economic development and identifying available economic development resources. 

Since the last strategy was adopted, businesses have had to weather the shocks of the COVID pandemic, post-pandemic inflation, general economic uncertainty, and current potential trade disruptions. As a result there is a need to review and refresh the existing strategy, considering whether its priority areas are still the most relevant, or if there are new areas of focus that need consideration.

Committee approved the recommendation to develop a new economic development strategy for 2025-2029. The process would consist of a review of the results of the previous strategy, research into best practices in modern economic development, an environmental assessment of the state of Muskoka Lakes’ economy, and a stakeholder and public engagement process. 

Committee recommended approval of the proposed one year MOU with the MLSTA to use Township operating grant funding for identified priority areas. 

2024 was the inaugural year of the enhanced Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program (SSMIP).  The program is operated with two streams; Phase I inspections completed by staff (with costs covered through building permit fees), and Phase II inspections completed by EnVision or a Third-Party Consultant.  The Phase I inspections and administration of the Program were included in the 2024 Building Division Operating Budget.  This remains the case for 2025.  It has been recommended that there will be a $5 increase in inspection rates in 2025.

Committee recommended approval for the establishment of a Township Appeals Committee for the purpose of adjudicating and providing final decisions on appeals related to the following by-laws:

• Dog Control and Licensing By-Law No. 2021-090
• Short Term Rental Accommodation By-Law No. 2024-086
• Tree Conservation By-law No. 2022-107
• Site Alteration By-law No. 2022-108 
• Dark Sky By-law No. 2023-009
• Alteration of and Encroachment Upon Public Lands By-law No. 2022-021 

Final by-laws to establish the Committee and make necessary amendments to current by-laws will be forwarded to Council next month. 

At the December 12, 2024 meeting, Committee received a report and the final draft Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Climate Change Mitigation Plan for information purposes.  Given the breadth of the document, Committee was provided additional time to review and provide comments on the document before further consideration.  Staff have now reported back to Committee for consideration of a recommendation to Council that the Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Climate Change Mitigation Plan be accepted. 

The Township’s portion to develop the Climate Mitigation Plan was approximately $25,000, funded through the Climate Action Reserve portion of the budget. $21,238.21 has been spent to date. Further revisions to this Plan, depending on their scope and extent, may require additional funds beyond the amount originally dedicated for the completion of this project.  The cost of implementing the Plan’s recommendations is approximately $38 million for full fleet electrification, charging stations and building retrofits, offset by $5.4 million in operational savings (current dollars).  These recommendations are not currently funded nor considered in the 10-year Capital Budget, but components of the plan may be considered during future budget deliberations.