A collection of news bites from councils and other sources courtesy of The Bay 88.7 FM

This is our weekly round-up of news briefs from our friends at The Bay 88.7 FM.

Meetings On Future Northlander Service/Bus Stop on the Move

Residents in Muskoka will be able to learn more about the return of the Northlander in the towns that will be served by the re-introduction of passenger rail service.

Attendees will have an opportunity to provide valuable feedback on the design and amenities of this future passenger rail service.

Meetings will be held in Huntsville on Thursday, October 26 at the Active Living Centre from noon to 4 p.m.; in Bracebridge on Friday, October 27 at the Memorial Arena from noon to 5 p.m.; and in Gravenhurst on Wednesday, November 8 at the Centennial Centre from noon to 4 p.m.

During the Huntsville regular council meeting on October 23, it was approved that staff would pursue agreements to move the Ontario Northland bus stop in Huntsville to the train station, effective November 5, aligning it with the future return of the Northlander Train service.

New District Strategic Plan Based On Outcomes Versus Output

District of Muskoka Chair Jeff Lehman recently introduced the District’s new 2023-2026 Strategic Action Plan to councils in the municipality.

The District will focus on several key areas amongst the four essential needs of the region: housing, jobs, health, and a sustainable environment.

Housing initiatives include updating the 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan, enhancing affordable housing by increasing eligibility and reducing application barriers, advocate for funding on behalf of the Housing Task Force 2.0, increasing the housing supply, improving options for land planning policies, and providing alternatives for homelessness, and by increasing new dwelling permits.

Their employment goal is to create more job diversity and a higher average income through several initiatives.

Health and wellbeing will be supported by providing residents with the resources and connections they need. Paramedic services will be expanding in Muskoka Lakes, Georgian Bay, Lake of Bays, and Huntsville, which will include new trucks, stations, staff, and reorganizing areas such as hours and positions.

Environmental initiatives include dealing with climate change and protecting the local environment, including the watershed.

The outcomes of the Plan will include results and will be reviewed annually by Council through a progress report and will also be available for public viewing.

Beginning October 30, bi-weekly garbage collection will resume.

The District of Muskoka is reminding residents to stay on top of their weekly collection schedule at https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/garbage-and-recycling/garbage-and-recycling.aspx or by downloading the Muskoka Recycles App.

Recycling and green bins will continue to be collected weekly while garbage moves to a biweekly collection.  One bag per household per week (two bags bi-weekly) is allowed for those who receive green bin collection, while those without green bin collection are allowed two bags per week (four bags bi-weekly).  Bag tags for extra bags can be purchased through the District of Muskoka.

Huntsville Approved New Walkway Between Fairyview Drive And Highway 60

Huntsville Council approved a new walkway between Fairyview Drive and Highway 60 during the October 23 regular council meeting.

At the September council meeting, staff were directed to approach property owners in that area about opportunities for a pedestrian thoroughfare. They were successful with their proposal to a property owner about using the area as a public walkway.

Staff will develop a six-month contract with the owner at 144 Highway 60, to use the east portion of their driveway as a temporary Town maintained pedestrian walkway, including keeping it clear this winter.

The current costs to connect the walkway have been approved from the existing Operating Budget, and costs for next year will be included in the Draft 2024 Operating Budget.

Staff will work with the Ministry of Transportation, District of Muskoka, and other partners where applicable for a more permanent option to connect the active transportation route from Fairyview Drive across Highway 60 to get downtown, to provide pedestrians with a safe route and in a manner that is safe for road users as well.