Bracebridge increases taxes, more parking in Gravenhurst, Huntsville supports MAHC, LOB Budget approved

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

6.38% Tax increase in bracebridge

The Town of Bracebridge will see a 6.38 percent tax increase in 2024 after its council passed the 2024 budget this week.

The real dollar impact is an increase of $102 per $300,000 of assessed residential property – or as the Town notes, about 28 cents per day for the delivery of essential services.

Items of note in the 2024 budget include $20 million towards the construction of the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre; around $1.5 million in operating funds for additional recreational and library services at the new facility; $246,000 in contributions to a dedicated reserve that will support the Town’s future investment in the construction of new hospitals in Bracebridge and Huntsville; $3.1 million towards the annual road improvement program; and $1 million in capital investments to support the Town’s natural landscape and large network of parks and trails.

For the full budget and more information, visit bracebridge.ca/budgets.

more parking in gravenhurst

Following a request from a local business requiring the parking space, Gravenhurst Council agreed to investigate options for additional general parking at First and Harvey Street.

Due to a Ontario Northland Bus Stop sign and designation, many tickets have been doled out to those who park there, despite it not being used by the Northland bus anymore.

Councilor Penny Varney brought forth the request to remove the bus sign at First Street and make it general parking. Other councilors agreed with this as they have not seen buses stopping and staff confirmed that Ontario Northland no longer requires use of the space.

Director of Development Services, Melissa Halford, advised that overnight parking won’t be permitted, especially in the winter season, however she notes that the business that made the request indicated it was parking needed for their office staff.

Mayor Heidi Lorenz says that once the space is confirmed as general parking, it will be on a first come, first serve basis and not designated for anyone in particular.

Staff were directed to research and return to council with a full report on parking in that area.

huntsville supports mahc process

 “The commitment from the Province provides an amazing opportunity to redevelop two hospital sites in Muskoka, which will offer expanded healthcare services for the communities in which they serve,” said Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock, via media release this week. “We are confident that, along with the input received during the public consultation process, our communities will receive high-quality healthcare that Muskoka needs.”

The same statement also read: the Town of Huntsville indicated it is committed to advocating for health and wellness services in our community and in Muskoka. The Town continues to work collaboratively with Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) and our local share partners during our regions’ healthcare redevelopment project. The Town is pleased that MAHC has committed to continuing the community consultation opportunities and is taking the time necessary to explore the input received from the medical community and the public.  

LOB BUDGET APPROVED

Council for the Township of Lake of Bays approved its 2024 Operating and Capital Budget this week with a 9.06 percent increase over last year, which still leaves it as the second lowest tax rate in Muskoka.

The estimated tax increase to a residential property valued at $300,000 will be $52.77 per year or $4.40 per month for those who pay their property taxes monthly.

For more information and to view the full Approved 2024 Municipal Budget, visit lakeofbays.on.ca/budget.