Scoreboard at Conroy Park proposal, Call for artists in Huntsville, Gravenhurst council remuneration, Terence Haight grants awarded, District growth study, MLFD grant, LOB Public Engagement sessions, and more!

Select Muskoka Newsbites from various sources including our own reporting, media releases, and a few notes contributed by our friends at The Bay 88.7 FM.

SCOREBOARD AT CONROY PARK

Huntsville’s General Committee directed staff to meet and work with Huntsville High School’s Ross Clarke regarding the installation of a scoreboard at Conroy Park.

Clarke gave a deputation to committee about the proposed scoreboard along with potential corporate and community sponsors he has reached out to help cover the cost of the project.

Committee indicated that they support the scoreboard project (in principle) and will await staff recommendations, which will be brought to council after working with Clarke on more details.

$50K BUDGET FOR ART INSTALLATION

Visual artists and creative teams are being asked to submit proposals for a Kent Park Public Art Project.

The Town of Huntsville is collaborating with local organizations to enhance the park’s vibrancy and celebrate Huntsville’s unique character with an art installation.

The Town is looking for artistic proposals that capture the adventurous spirit of Huntsville and reflect its rugged Muskoka landscape. The artwork should be Muskoka-themed, inclusive of nature, historical components, and offer interactive or functional elements.

The selected artist(s) will receive a budget of $50,000 for the project, funded in part by the Public Art Reserve and Municipal Accommodation Tax Reserve.

Interested artists are encouraged to submit their proposals online at www.myhuntsville.ca by May 26, 2024.

what councillors were paid in 2023

As part of annual reporting mandated by the Municipal Act, the Town of Gravenhurst released it’s remuneration and expenses that council members and appointed committee members received in 2023.

Non-council committee members at large were given small annual honorariums that ranged between $120 and $1,200 depending on the committee and time commitment.

The council itself totals (set annual remuneration plus expenses) were as follows: Mayor Heidi Lorenz – $51,773.72; Randy Jorgensen – $32,135.67; Sandy Cairns – $25,321.03; Erin Strength – $24,690.70; Peter Johnston – $24,880.19; Jo Morphy – $24,690.70; Penny Varney – $24,690.70; Michelle Robinson – $24,690.70; Christina Hunter – $24,690.70.

terence haight and CIP grants approved

Gravenhurst Council approved several Terence Haight grants and Community Improvement Program grants for 2024.

The approved grants are based on recommendations from the Community Grants Committee and include Comfy Cases ($250); GHS Robotics 6864 ($5,000); Gravenhurst PS Parents Council ($2,000); Muskoka Ringette Association ($3,250); Royal Canadian Legion Harry Wray Branch 302 ($15,000); Severn Bridge Agricultural Society ($2,500); and YMCA Muskoka Girlz Unplugged ($1,500).

The Community Grants Committee (CGC) was formed after the last municipal election and
oversees the administration of the financial contributions recommended under the Terence
Haight Financial Assistance Program and the Community Improvement Program (CIP).

The Terence Haight Financial Assistance Program has $30,000 in funds to be distributed for 2024. The CIP has approximately $150,000 in available funds for distribution in 2024.

For all the CIP funding projects, visit Staff Report.

Over 90k permanent residents by 2051

Those wanting to keep Muskoka quaint and as undeveloped as possible probably want to avoid reading the recent Growth Study report presented to the District of Muskoka by Watson and Associates Economists Ltd.

The study is part of a five-year growth strategy review shows that the region could see an increase of 30,000 permanent residents in the coming years.

The study, which begins with the year 2021 (population of 60,900) and analyzes trends up to 30 years in the future, shows that the fulltime Muskoka population in 2051 could be at 99,100 if all things keep on track. It would represent an average annual growth rate of 1.2 percent.

Watson and Associates Economists Ltd. (Watson) has been retained on behalf of the District of Muskoka to undertake the Growth Strategy Update to provide updated background information to meet the requirements of the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), respond to observed growth trends and provide background information to a variety of corporate policies, projects and programs.

This information is important to help with land-use planning, particularly when it comes to waste and wastewater and other major infrastructure projects.

Due to eroding housing affordability in the GTA and Golden Horseshoe combined with growing regional employment opportunities and increased opportunities for hybrid/remote work, there is an expected increase in migration of younger adults and families to Muskoka.

Huntsville, Bracebridge, and Gravenhurst are expected to see the biggest increase in permanent residents, while seasonal population growth is anticipated to be largely driven by resort-related development in Gravenhurst and Huntsville (Taboo, Deerhurst, and Grandview).

The full growth strategy update will continue with more studies and reports to be completed and presented to the District in the coming months. The final presentation to District council is expected to take place in June 2024.

grant money for muskoka lakes fire department

The Muskoka Lakes Fire Department is getting a leg up in their training equipment thanks to a recently received grant. And it stands to benefit the whole community.

Firehouse Subs Orillia, with support from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada, awarded the Muskoka Lakes Fire Department a $27,685 grant.

The fire department has purchased a Bullex digital fire extinguisher training unit, which will be used to educate and train residents and business on how to effectively use a fire extinguisher.

Since 2015, the 331 grants have been awarded through this program to public safety organizations.

The grant is one of twelve awarded by Firehouse Subs during its current grant cycle, totaling around $370,000 in support for various fire departments.

The grant program is open to applications from fire departments, law enforcement, EMS, municipal and state organizations, public safety organizations, non-profits and schools are encouraged to apply for lifesaving equipment. A maximum of 600 applications are accepted during each grant cycle.

Earlier this year, Muskoka Paramedic Services receive a grant for over $40,000 from this program which they used to purchase a canopy, tracks, and a trailer to outfit a new remote response vehicle. Those wanting to find out more can visit https://grants.firehousesubs.com/ or donate to the funding at www.CanadaHelps.org

LOB HOSTING PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS

The Township of Lake of Bays will host two public engagement sessions as part of developing its updated Economic Development Strategy.

These sessions aim to gather insights and input from the community to help shape the township’s future. Residents, business owners, and stakeholders are encouraged to participate and contribute their ideas and visions for economic growth and sustainability.

Both sessions are being held on Monday, April 8, 2024. One takes place at the Community Centre in Dwight from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. while the other is being hosted at the Community Centre in Baysville from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Refreshments will be served at both sessions.

“We are at a pivotal moment in shaping the economic future of the Township of Lake of Bays,” said Stephen Derraugh, Economic Development for the Township of Lake of Bays, via media relaese. “These public engagement sessions are a key step in ensuring that our Economic Development Strategy reflects the needs, aspirations, and unique character of our community. We strongly encourage everyone to participate and share their ideas.”

Feedback collected during these sessions will help develop a comprehensive Economic Development Strategy that aligns with the community’s goals and priorities. This strategy will serve as a roadmap for economic growth, job creation, and enhanced community services in the coming years.

The Township of Lake of Bays looks forward to engaging with the community and working together to build a vibrant and sustainable economic future. To learn more about the Economic Development Strategy, visit lakeofbays.on.ca/EDStrategy.

more commercial land needed in gravenhurst

Brent Stevenson of Stevenson Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC told Gravenhurst Council that more commercial land is needed in the town.

He explains that his company is looking for a site to build a 10,000-square-foot to 20,000-square-foot shop on, but can’t find what he needs in Gravenhurst.

Council members asked Stevenson a series of questions about his presentation before passing a resolution directing staff to research and report back on possible town-owned commercial lands that might be suitable for disposition.