Gravenhurst budget set, new TLDSB chair, Muskoka Lakes’ EV charging stations, increased child care support in the District, and more …

We’ve put together some of our own Muskoka Newsbites from various sources including media releases, along with a few contributed by our friends at The Bay 88.7 FM.

Gravenhurst’s budget nearly set for 2024

The Town of Gravenhurst is increasing the tax rate by 2.99 per cent after approving the 2024 budget on December 12, 2023.

While the tax rate itself is increasing by 2.99 per cent, the impact to property taxes means an increase of $16.17 per $100,000 of assessment on the town share of the Gravenhurst property tax bill. 

When the estimated District of Muskoka and school board tax rates are factored in, the property tax bill increase is $43 per $100,000 of assessment on an urban property and $31 per $100,000 of assessment on a rural property. 

The increase allows for a $30.9 million operating budget pertaining to service delivery to the community. These annual costs include staff wages, insurance, and utilities, as well as other things such as maintenance costs. 

The capital budget is $9.9-million and supports infrastructure investments such as roads, parks, and facilities.

“Our 2024 budget prioritizes essential services, infrastructure improvements, and community programs, helping to ensure Gravenhurst continues to be a great place to live, work, and have fun,” says Mayor Heidi Lorenz in a press release. “The budget reflects our dedication to fiscal responsibility while addressing the evolving needs of our residents. Together, we are investing in our town, fostering growth, and building a foundation for success.” 

The Town of Gravenhurst’s 2024 budget can be seen by visiting: Engage Gravenhurst. 

TLDSB ELECTS NEW CHAIR

The Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) had its Annual Organizational Meeting on December 5, during which elections for chair and vice-chair were held.

Trustee Colleen Wilcox was chosen chair of the board, and Trustee Esther Childs was elected vice-chair of the board.

Bruce Reain, a well-respected trustee from Muskoka, is still on the board as the past chair.

Muskoka lakes considers EV Charging stations

Electric vehicle owners may soon have more places to charge up in Muskoka Lakes Township.

During the latest Township council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to back a Lakeland Solutions application to the EV ChargeON Program.

In August 2023, Council reviewed a proposal by Lakeland Solutions for the provision of EV charging infrastructure in the Township. According to a staff report, the project would install one or more public-use EV charging stations at locations acceptable to the Township.

Locations in Bala and Port Carling are being touted as possibilities, but nothing will be finalized until the funding is secure.

The proposed project by Lakeland Solutions is conditional on receiving external funding from grant applications. 

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation recently launched the EV ChargeON Program, a competitive, application-based grant funding program that funds projects that help enhance the accessibility and availability of EV charging infrastructure throughout the province. Successful projects will receive post-construction rebates for up to 75 per cent of eligible capital projects to a maximum of $1,000,000 per project.

TLDSB ELECTS NEW CHAIR

The Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) had its Annual Organizational Meeting on December 5, during which elections for chair and vice-chair were held.

Trustee Colleen Wilcox was chosen chair of the board, and Trustee Esther Childs was elected vice-chair of the board.

Bruce Reain, a well-respected trustee from Muskoka, is still on the board as the past chair.

Gravenhurst approves strategic plan

The Town of Gravenhurst’s new strategic plan to guide their community for the next five years and beyond was approved during a November 28 special council meeting and features three main pillars: community vibrancy, sustainable growth, effective municipal services.

Each pillar includes specific goals and planned initiatives to achieve them as well as performance measures to monitor and track progress. Staff will perform regular reviews and report their findings on the progress of the strategic plan to council.

Creation of the new plan began in March and includes input from the public, council, and town staff collected through one-on-one meetings, small group meetings, and through an online survey.

See the Strategic Plan, it’s pillars, goals and more information at: Town of Gravenhurst Strategic Plan 2023-2027. 

District to add 373 More Childcare Spaces

The District of Muskoka plans to build an extra 373 spaces in the region by the end of 2026, by boosting capacity and bringing on new operators.

Recently the District opened 36 new licensed child care spaces to Muskoka Lakes Preschool and announced that Stepping Stone Early Learning Academy, in Gravenhurst, is increasing the number of child care places and is expected to be operational by mid-December.

The agency says its adding two new providers who will bring 12 licensed child care spaces to Muskoka families in addition to the 87 new licensed child care spaces since September.

For more information, visit the District’s page on Licensed Child Care.