Accumulated news pieces from councils, MAHC, OPP, 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.

Lake of Bays Puts A Moratorium on Road Licencing

The Township of Lake of Bays Council approved a moratorium (temporary suspension) on the Township’s Road Licensing Agreement Program during the August 13, 2024 meeting.

This moratorium is set for 180 days and applies to all existing private roads and driveways under By-law 2019-136 that are utilizing an unopened Township road allowance as a means of vehicular access to their property.

During this period, any new proposed uses of Township road allowances, such as new developments or accesses, will still proceed through the existing Road Licensing Agreement Program.

Additionally, Council has approved By-law 2024-143, which establishes procedures for closing and conveying Township road allowances that contain private roads or driveways.

This by-law creates a formalized process for property owners to potentially purchase unopened Township road allowances. To review the new policy and procedure or to apply for the purchase of a road allowance containing a private road/driveway, visit lakeofbays.on.ca/SaleofMunicipalLand.

COVID Outbreak at South Muskoka Memorial

As of August 15, 2024, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) has placed the North Wing at the SMMH Site under a unit-specific COVID-19 confirmed outbreak status in consultation with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU). This status follows the confirmation of COVID-19 in four patients and one staff member.

To maintain the safety of our patients, staff, and community, safety measures such as patient masking and isolation, limited visitations, a suspension of group activities, as well as other internal procedural precautions are being implemented.

Muskoka Lakes STR By-Law Update

Council for the Township of Muskoka Lakes Council has approved a short term rental accommodation licensing by-law that will begin on January 1, 2025.

The Township has been examining the issue of STRs for a while now, and all signs were pointing towards a by-law being implemented sooner than later.

Many community concerns were brought forth during public consultations, surveys, presentations to council, and other information-finding avenues as reported in previous Muskoka Newsbites stories.

The licensing program was initiated by the Township to ensure all rentals preserve neighbourhood character and operate safely and in accordance with Fire Protection Standards and the Ontario Building Code.

Find out more at: https://engagemuskokalakes.ca/short-term-rentals

Lehman forms ALC Housing Working Group

District Chair Jeff Lehman recently formed a new ALC Housing Working Group to address the issue of “Alternate Level of Care” patients—those who remain in hospitals due to a lack of alternative care options. Lehman says this group aims to find and develop solutions to expand care facilities and improve patient outcomes.

The working group, which met for the first time on August 6th, and started looking at potential projects across Muskoka that can help create ALC capacity both now and in the future. Lehman says his goal is that together with the hospital redevelopment, this working group can help plan and build a health care system that provides more capacity in both south and north Muskoka.

Lehman adds that everyone genuinely wants to improve the system and build better health care for Muskoka, even if they don’t always agree. He says we can get good things done here if we keep our eyes on the goal.

Bracebridge offers youth aquatics certification funding

The Town of Bracebridge’s Recreation Department is inviting local youth to apply for funding to enroll in aquatic lifesaving certification courses. Successful candidates could qualify for jobs as lifeguards and swim instructors with the town.

Courses available include Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, Standard First Aid, National Lifeguard, and Swim Instructor, funded by the National Safe Swimming Recovery Program.

Eligible applicants must be between 15 and 30, Bracebridge residents, and committed to personal and community development.

Apply online by August 23 at bracebridge.ca

Gravenhurst Seeking 2025 Budget Input

The Town of Gravenhurst is asking its residents to chime in on what should be included in the 2025 municipal budget.

To have your say, visit: https://www.engagegravenhurst.ca/2025-budget as well, check out related background information at: “See the 2025 Budget Review and Guidelines document(External link).”

Bracebridge Council Amends Tower Motion

At their August 14 meeting, Bracebridge Council amended their original motion for the proposed Roger’s telecommunication tower at highway 118 East (Goodale Marina) to indicate they do not support the tower.

Citing public concerns, specifically health-related concerns, the Town will submit this information along with other documents to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

The motion amendment from initial support to not supporting the tower came after hearing from residents who have properties near or next to the proposed tower.

Resident concerns included the ability of Rogers to increase the height of the tower by 25 percent a year after it’s installed, the environment, impact to property value, and health and safety issues.

One resident, who was diagnosed with radiation sickness in 2014, explained it took her five years to find a low radiation area and that electromagnetic radiation makes her symptoms worse. The symptoms include flu-like illness, dizziness, and headaches. Other residents nearby have the same sickness.