2019 YEARBOOK MUSKOKA RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION - Muskoka Ratepayers' Association
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M U S K O K A R A T E PA Y E R S ’ A S S O C I A T I O N 2019 YEARBOOK
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Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbook | 1
C o n t e n t s
G e n e r a l I n f o r m at i o n F e at u r e s
President’s Message......................................3 Making Childhood Summer Memories.......10 M U S K O K A R A T E PA Y E R S ’ A S S O C I A T I O N
2019 YEARBOOK
Board of Directors..........................................5 Recreational Carrying Capacity..................14
Mayor’s Message............................................6 North Bala Falls Hydro Project.....................16
MP’s Message.................................................8 Muskoka Conservancy: Protects Nature....18
District Chair’s Message...............................9 Things to See and Do....................................22
Knowing about Township by-laws..............24
C o m m i t t e e R e p o rt s
Township Watch...........................................25 Bursary Recipients.......................................29 OUR COVER:
Main Photo
Economic Development...............................26 2018 Annual General Meeting Minutes......30
submitted by
Sunset Cruises
Environment Report ...................................27 Financial Report...........................................34
Membership Committee..............................27 Membership Application..............................35
Ethics Committee.........................................28 Contact Information.....................................36
2 | Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbook
Presi d e n t ’s M e s s a g e
As I sit in my Port Carling home this management co-
Easter Week and hear snowplows go down ordinator, effective June
the road, I wonder if winter in Muskoka 3, 2019.
will ever end. In spite of this very long Our board is a group
winter, the board of the Muskoka of very talented, diverse,
Ratepayers has been hard at work since hardworking volunteers.
our 2018 annual general meeting. As their president, I am
It is my pleasure to welcome you to our privileged and grateful to
2019 Yearbook. I urge you to read the have every one of them
reports written by our directors. These on my team. Over the
reports are both informative and past year we have
interesting. delegated at council
As per our tradition, the Muskoka when we felt the need to
Ratepayers sponsored a very well do so, including yearly
attended all candidates meeting in during the budget
September 2018. The following election process.
saw a new mayor and several new The Muskoka
councillors elected to the council of the Ratepayers are very
township. We wish them well. active in the community.
The Muskoka Ratepayers is very Some of our recent
supportive of the township’s senior staff. endeavours include of our committees – please contact me. I
This year we are sorry to have to say sponsorship in the Mayor’s Golf Classic, would be delighted to hear from you.
goodbye to Fire Chief Richard Hayes and donating to the fire department’s In the meantime, be sure to mark the
Chief Administrative Officer Steve Christmas eve annual food drive and date of our AGM (July 20th) on your
McDonald. However, we are very pleased sponsoring new signage at the Torrance calendars. Hope to see you then. Please
to welcome Derrick Hammond as the new Barrens. We also held a very successful introduce yourself to me. I would very
chief administrative officer. As we go to planning workshop in January. much like to meet you.
press, it has been announced Ryan Murrell To you, our members – if any of you
has been appointed to the position of fire have any spare time and would like to have Liz Denyar, President
chief and community emergency more information about our board or one liz@muskokaratepayers.ca
Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association
P.O. Box 336, Port Carling, Ontario P0B 1J0
705-765-0022 info@muskokaratepayers.ca
www.muskokaratepayers.ca
© 2019 Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association
The views expressed by individual contributors to this publication
may not necessarily reflect the views of the Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association.
The Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbook has been produced by
Muskoka Ratepayers’ Unique Publishing Inc., publisher of Unique Muskoka
Association Yearbook 2019 under contract with the Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association.
Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbook | 3
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Boa r d o f D i r e c t o r s
Annual
General
Meeting
Saturday,
July 20, 2019
10 a.m. sharp to 12 p.m.
The members of the board of directors are: first row – Sharon Aiken, Liz Denyar,
Lynda Bryden; second row – David Sculati, Mike Webb, Jean-Ann Baranik; third
– row Doug Bryden, Peter Long; fourth row – Jim Boyd, Bill Gray.
Port Carling
Community Centre
MRA MISSION STATEMENT Presentations to include
John Klinck
The MRA is dedicated to protecting District of Muskoka Chair
and
and promoting the interests of all property
Sandy Bos
owners within the Township of Muskoka Lakes Township Septic Inspector
and to ensuring orderly development
Displays and Coffee
within the township in such a manner
at 9:30 a.m.
as to preserve and enhance Bring a donation for the
West Muskoka Food Bank
the environment.
Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbook | 5
Mayo r ’s M e s s a g e
TAKEACRUISE
TODAY W hat a
privilege it
economic
development
is to send along – again, this is at a
greetings on committee level
behalf of the where
Township of recommendations
Muskoka Lakes are made to all of
and all of council. council, so
Last fall, six new everyone can and
members of will have a voice
council were before any final
elected to ensure decisions are
appropriate made. This new
development or structure also
redevelopment allows for a 30-day
across Muskoka. pause on all
SCENIC Additionally and
most importantly,
planning
applications to
BOATCRUISE there has been a
fundamental shift
ensure the public’s
voice is heard
On board the intimate around the council before decisions
Peerless II table to one of are made.
respect for both The final
Departs Port Carling the environment, change council is
each other around the council table and undertaking is that of webcasting our
6 days a week
equally, the taxpayers. committee meetings as well as council
Friday’s joining the The Muskoka Ratepayers, along with meetings. Just because someone can’t
Rosseau Farmers Market other old and newly-formed Muskoka-wide attend meetings in Port Carling, doesn’t
associations, all have an integral part in mean they should be left in the dark. Again
various sightseeing shaping Muskoka over this term of council respect and increased transparency.
& dinner cruises but more importantly creating a Muskoka As I put the final touches on this note
for all to enjoy five, 20 and even 50 years for the MRA, we three days ago declared a
Private cruises available from now. The decisions we make, today, state of emergency in Muskoka Lakes.
for your Special Events always have long-lasting, economic, social First time in our history. One thing I have
and environmental impacts for our realized over the past week is that we have
Birthdays, Weddings, children and our grandchildren. an incredible staff, community and
Family reunions and In just the first six months of our new volunteers including our firefighters who,
council – I would have to say your voice when tragedy strikes, everyone bands
so much more! has been heard. Financial responsibility together to help everyone out. I am proud
with a budget increase of under six to be part of this community and to
percent, which includes a special five represent such amazing caring and loving
percent added contribution to reserves people. Thank you.
thereby protecting “tomorrow’s” potential
shortfalls by saving today. Phil Harding
There is a new committee structure Mayor
that reduces redundancy of council by
Contact for Reservations having half of council manage some
705-645-2462 planning issues, while the other half
www.sunsetcruises.ca manages the general business including
6 | Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbook
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A s your Member of Parliament for Parry
Sound-Muskoka, I have had the
pleasure of working alongside groups such
as the Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association for
many years. The Muskoka Ratepayers’
Association has been an active voice in
protecting the pristine quality of our
In business for
environment while balancing the challenges
of a thriving local economy. Its strong
advocacy has been heard on countless
your business. issues at all levels of government.
Muskoka’s natural environment shapes
our character and is at the very heart of
CONNECT WITH US TODAY. who we are. Muskoka Ratepayers’
PHONE: 705-762-5663 Association promotes our robust economy
WWW.MUSKOKALAKESCHAMBER.CA by supporting businesses, creating jobs,
inspiring our art and music culture, and
making it a wonderful place to work, visit
B&B Sanitation Services Ltd.
FORMERLY B&S
B&S SANITATION
SANITATION
and raise families.
To all of those who have dedicated their
FORMERLY time and talents to the MRA, I congratulate
you on your efforts, your accomplishments
and your passion. I wish you continued
success in advocating for the preservation
and enhancement of what is so precious to
all of us.
Tony Clement, MP
Parry Sound-Muskoka
8 | Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 YearbookD i s t r ic t C h a i r ’s M e s s a g e
O n behalf of
Muskoka
District Council and
consider an
unspecified
reduction in the
staff, I am pleased to number of its
bring greetings to councillors, which
the Muskoka could very well
Ratepayers’ align with the
Association. Last recommendations
December, I was that come from the
honoured to be review process. For
re-appointed as the updates visit:
Chair of the District https://www.
of Muskoka and I ontario.ca/page/
look forward to consultation-
serving the residents regional- Thinking of Buying or
of Muskoka for the government-review
next four years. Another Selling a Waterfront
Muskoka can be exciting Property in Muskoka?
best described as development this
communities, within year is the
communities, within continued
communities. I was expansion of
reminded once again services at the
of the generosity and Muskoka
strength of our communities as residents Airport. We are pleased to welcome Porter
and volunteers stood together to support Airlines and scheduled passenger service,
relief and recovery efforts during the flood starting on June 27 through to September
emergencies this spring. District Council 3, 2019. The approximately 20-minute
will work closely with the area flights will operate twice weekly on
municipalities to engage with the Premier’s Thursdays and Mondays (Tuesday
task force and push for new strategies to departure during long weekends) between
reduce the impacts of flooding in the future. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and
As you know, the Province has Muskoka Airport. At the same time, FlyGTA
undertaken a process to review the has expanded its air taxi service schedule,
governance, decision-making and service
functions of regional governments to help
this summer, making it easier than ever to
commute to the cottage or visit Muskoka
Contact
ensure that municipalities are working this summer. Please visit www.muskoka. Sharon Hunter Aiken
effectively and efficiently, and can continue on.ca/airport for schedules, tickets or to
to provide the vital services that learn more! Broker
communities depend on. The special As always, I look forward to hearing
advisors leading the review process have about the association’s activities and
705.646.3116
engaged both district and area municipal initiatives in the year ahead and please do
councils for input and also hosted a public not hesitate to reach out to me with your aiken@muskoka.com
consultation here in Muskoka in May. We ideas, questions or concerns.
muskokagetaway.com
expect that changes to our local governance
model will be recommended as a result of John. W. Klinck
the review. District Council endorsed a District Chair
recommendation during its last term to
Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbook | 9One of the big attractions of Muskoka Woods is
its plethora of more than 60 activities including
many opportunities for waterfront sports.
Photograph: David White for Muskoka Woods
Making Childhood
Summer Memories
AT MUSKOKA LAKES CAMPS
Article by Karen Wehrstein leave the cell phone or tablet at home (for halfway between Port Carling and Glen Or-
most camps) and concentrate on being chard on Muskoka Road 118. Campers don’t
I f you experienced summer camp yourself,
you know how your weeks there left you
with happy memories for life. If your kids go,
active outdoors, developing confidence,
exploring spirituality, making lifelong
friendships and above all, having fun.
have to hail from Toronto; many come from
the USA and Israel. This conservative Jew-
ish camp combines great facilities for typical
you know how much they look forward to it Here’s an alpha-order rundown of popular camp fun – from rope courses to ball-hock-
every year. Summer camp is heaven on earth camps in the Township of Muskoka Lakes. ey surfaces to giant inflatable waterslides
in childhood and Township of Muskoka Lakes on the lake – with rabbinical teachings and
has a good selection of camps for kids with Camp Agudah Toronto traditional songs, dances and celebrations,
different interests, needs and belief systems. Its name may include “Toronto,” but the to instill love for the Jewish religion and cul-
Remember to tell them they have to actual camp is on Henshaw Lake and about ture. Girls and boys camp separately in the
10 | Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbookmonths of July and Au- serve as a Christ-cen-
gust. Book early as this tered ministry to support
year’s July girls’ camp the church in creating
was sold out in mid-May. disciples and developing
campagudahtoronto.com leaders – however, that
doesn’t mean there isn’t
Beacon Bible Camp loads of summer-camp-
Photograph: Camp Ramah in Canada
Located near Tor- type fun, such as horse-
rance on Echo Lake, back riding, archery, ball
this Christian camp was sports and waterfront ac-
founded in 1963 by a tivities of all sorts. This
couple who felt called to camp also hosts three
provide a camping expe- weeks of whole-family
rience to Toronto kids, overnight summer camp-
assisted by a generous Visitors to Camp Ramah will enjoy the usual camp activities plus special ing. In spring, fall and
Muskoka property own- programs such as Week of Awesome which features epic drone videos, winter, it offers Chris-
songwriting, wacky engineering and more.
er. It is a relatively small tian leadership train-
camp, hosting 75 campers at a time for a faiths are welcome and no one is pressured. ing and recreational and spiritual retreats.
more intimate atmosphere, as well as offer- beaconbiblecamp.com campcrossroads.com
ing retreats in the off-season. The staff is
all volunteer and the 400-acre property has Camp Crossroads Camp Frenda
been kept mostly forest, providing campers This camp, located on 300 acres on Black This Christian camp and year-round re-
an experience of nature. The gospel of Jesus Lake near Torrance, was established in 1980 treat, located on Lake Rosseau near Minett,
is shared through lessons, music, skits and and is affiliated with the Mennonite Breth- will be celebrating its 75th anniversary, next
staff-camper interactions, but campers of all ren Conference of Ontario. Its mission is to year. Founded in 1945, it was originally lo-
Camp Pine Crest is located on a 650-acre property on Clear
Lake near Torrance. It offers a mix of traditional
overnight camping, day camps for local kids
and leadership programs.
Photograph: YMCA Camp Pine Crest
Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbook | 11Photograph: Camp Ramah in Canada
Located on Skeleton Lake near Utterson, Camp Ramah is run by the National Ramah Commission and the Jewish Theological
Seminary of America
cated in South River. Expect horseback rid- offers value sharing in conversations that Camp Ooch
ing and all the typical summer camp joys are respectful of all religions and beliefs. Yearbook readers will be familiar with
such as swimming, canoeing, tetherball, Muskoka Woods’ big strength is its plethora this wonderful camp as we profiled it last year
crafts, etc. Something unique about this of activities – more than 60 of them includ- but in case you missed it: Camp Ooch, located
camp: its menu is 100 percent vegetarian, ing gymnastics, fashion design, graphic de- near Rosseau, is devoted 100 percent to pro-
though it offers meaty favourites such as sign, digital photography, musical theatre, viding the summer camp experience to kids
burgers, spaghetti and meatballs and tacos radio broadcasting, robotics, axe-throw- with cancer. Equipped with a fully-staffed
–using soy or nut-based meat substitutes. ing, cake decorating, skate park, paint- and equipped oncological treatment clinic
campfrenda.com ball, pottery, Hollywood North, Girl Power along with all the usual camp facilities and
Camp and Secret Agent Camp as well an fun experiences, Camp Ooch provides the op-
Camp Kwasind absolutely full selection of more tradition- portunity for a youngster just to be himself or
This Baptist camp is celebrating its al camp crafts, sports and water activities. herself instead of “the kid with cancer,” and
75th anniversary, this year, and is located muskokawoods.com have a summer he or she will never forget.
on Skeleton Lake near Utterson. It serves ooch.org/
as a ministry of the Canadian Baptists of Camp Ramah
Ontario and Quebec. Electives include sail- Also on Skeleton Lake near Utterson, YMCA Camp Pine Crest
ing, archery, paddling, crafts, dance, drama/ this Jewish camp is run by the National Operated by the Greater Toronto Y, Camp
video, low ropes, science, nature survival Ramah Commission and the Jewish Theo- Pine Crest is a non-denominational camp lo-
and ukulele. Every camp week has a differ- logical Seminary of America. Research cated on a 650-acre property on Clear Lake
ent theme (see the schedule on the website) following the lives of its alumni has found near Torrance. It offers a mix of traditional
and costumes based on that theme are en- former Ramah campers are more obser- overnight camping, day camps for local kids
couraged for the final banquet. Programs vant and more likely to consider their and leadership programs. Summer camp ac-
for older kids include wilderness canoeing Jewish identity and lifestyle important tivities include multiple rope courses, archery,
experiences that help them grow person- than other Jews. Of course, the young- shelter building, photography, music making,
ally, physically and spiritually. Kids’ camp sters will enjoy the usual camp activities skit creation and canoeing and kayaking
prices are reasonable so as to allow access. plus special programs such as “Week with white-water trips. You can start the resi-
kwasind.com of Awesome” which features epic drone dential camp experience young with the two-
videos, songwriting, wacky engineering night Pine Cones program for kids aged 5-7,
Muskoka Woods and more. The camp’s Tikvah program is and take them right up to youth leadership
Located on Lake Rosseau, near the vil- dedicated to kids with special needs, and programs that involve travel across Canada.
lage of Rosseau, Muskoka Woods describes scholarships and discounts are offered. ymcagta.org/camps-and-outdoor-education/
itself as Christian but welcomes all kids and campramah.com overnight-camps
12 | Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 YearbookAUTHENTIC MUSKOKA
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Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbook | 13Recreational Carrying Capacity
NO ONE CRITERIA FITS ALL LAKES
Article by Matt Driscoll capacity has a very different defini- finding out more. One possible outcome is
tion than it did when it first surfaced the District could ask all lower tier munic-
T here isn’t anything new about the
idea of setting development
density guidelines for lakes, but lately
and
in the 1960s and 70s,” says Usher.
Following the Second
there was a tremendous boom in out-
World War,
ipalities to come up with their own RCCs.
Minett
Usher also recently met with the
Joint Policy Review Steer-
the term recreational carrying capacity door recreation across North America. ing Committee to provide them with
(RCC) has been garnering a lot of atten- That saw ever-increasing numbers of some background information on RCC.
tion in the Township of Muskoka Lakes. people heading for lakes and rivers, and “I didn’t have any specific recom-
RCC is essentially an estimate of the building homes, cottages and resorts. mendation for them and I’m not going
number of users that can be accommodat- “It was around that time people first to comment on whether I feel they’re a
ed on any given lake while maintaining the started to wonder if there was a maxi- good thing or a bad thing. I will say that
character and quality of the lake for all users. mum level and whether there should be an RCC would require a great deal of
It’s a method employed by Seguin Town- some type of limit on the number of peo- study and a lot of public consultation.”
ship, which borders Muskoka to the north- ple allowed to use the lake,” says Ush- In Seguin Township, Steve Stone,
west and includes the village of Rosseau. er. “There are studies on boating capac- the director of planning, says he sees no
The rules there dictate a maximum density ity and water quality but recreational drawbacks to having an RCC in place.
of one residential unit per 1.6 hectares and carrying capacity is something different.” “I think it’s a great tool for lake plan-
one tourist accommodation per 0.8 hectares. The factors that determine RCC ning,” he says. “But pro-lake development
Few people in Ontario have a better can be quite varied, says Usher, and lobbyists might say the RCC science is
understanding of RCC than Anthony Ush- can also change from lake to lake. flawed and discourages economic devel-
er. Usher started his firm, Anthony Ush- “I prefer to think of it as opment from occurring around the lakes.”
er Planning Consultant, in 1984 and has the social capacity,” he says Seguin has a population of 4,280 per-
studied RCCs extensively. He was called An RCC typically isn’t concerned manent residents, which swells to 15,000
as a witness for Seguin Township when with water quality, per se, but more so during the high season. It encompasses
its RCC was challenged at the Ontario with factors related to overdevelop- some 186 lakes and has 30 lake associations.
Municipal Board, and was more recently ment like noise, lights and boat traffic. “RCC is considered to be one of
asked to peer review a boating capacity Usher says there appears to be in- the main determinants for maintain-
study as part of the controversial Lang- creased interest in RCC throughout this ing the character and quality of the
maids Island development on Lake of Bays. part of the province, and the District of lakes by most residents,” says Stone.
“The term recreational carrying Muskoka has expressed its interest in Seguin made the RCC a part of its official
14 | Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbookplan (OP) in 1982 and the issue was revisited
again during its OP update in 2006. At that
point, the municipality hired Meridian Plan-
ning to look at lake capacity issues in the area.
Meridian determined the only way to con-
trol RCC is to regulate the land use adjacent Muskoka Barging
to lakes and also that some aspects of social
crowding can be mitigated through minimum
lot sizes, naturalization and viewscape pro- Family run construction company
tection. The planner also recommended that with over 35 years experience operating in the Muskoka Lakes area.
No job is too small or too big.
issues of RCC and social crowding should
be assessed when reviewing development.
With the Township of Muskoka Lakes start-
ing work on its own 10-year OP review, the issue
of RCC is likely to draw a great deal of attention.
“It’s definitely something that’s on our
radar,” says David Pink, Muskoka Lakes
director of planning. “Council is aware of
the subject and there might be some who
would prefer to proceed with RCC discus-
sions before we update the official plan.”
Pink says talk of RCC is a relatively recent
phenomenon in Muskoka Lakes. For most of 705-764-0765 | muskokabarging.com | 1163 Milford Bay Rd, Milford Bay ON
the 1990s and 2000s, the focus was more on BARGING ● STEEL & CRIB DOCKS ● SEPTIC SYSTEMS ● LANDSCAPING
environmental capacity and water quality.
Although he can appreciate people’s need
to determine a social capacity for their lake, he
isn’t certain RCCs are the best way to get there.
“An RCC is a numeric value and it can be a
very fine line,” he says. “It would be very dif-
ficult to create a one size fits all solution for
Muskoka Lakes. There are lakes of all differ-
ent size and character, and we also have lakes
that we share with other municipalities.”
Pink says the issue that some are
hoping an RCC will address is al-
ready considered under the existing OP.
“Our official plan specifically encourag-
es the development of lake plans,” he says.
“Lake plans are grassroots plans that deal
with each lake individually. There are sever-
A welcoming place to meet friends
al lakes that encourage lake plans but none
have ever approached the Township to have and enjoy a great selection of pub favourites
their lake plan incorporated into the OP.” 4700 Hwy 69 in Mactier, just west of Port Carling
As council begins work through the 705-375-5440
OP update in the coming months, there
Open 7 days a week lunch & dinner
will be plenty of room for public consul-
tation and a chance for residents to voice
their opinion on whether the future of
Muskoka Lakes should feature an RCC.
Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbook | 15NORTH BALA FALLS
SMALL HYDRO PROJECT
NEARING COMPLETION
Article by Dawn Huddlestone placed with a concrete dam slightly down- at the North Falls was removed from ser-
stream, which was replaced again in 1958. vice in 1957 due to high production costs
I
ect
t’s been years in the making – or
remaking
in Bala
– and
will
the
soon
hydro
be
proj-
complete.
The dam is now owned by the Ontario Min-
istry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
In 1924, the Bala Light and Power
and, after subsequent studies showed that
rehabilitation of the plant wasn’t econom-
ical, it was demolished in 1972 and own-
Construction on the North Bala Small Company built a generating station ad- ership of the land reverted to the Crown.
Hydro Project began in 2017, with more jacent to the North Falls. It had a pro- In December 2004, the Ontario Ministry
than a decade of approvals and plan- peller-type, vertical shaft turbine that of Natural Resources released a Request
ning activities happening prior to that, was rated at 400 horsepower with a for Proposal (RFP) for the development of a
but the site’s history in power gener- generating capacity of 245 kilowatts. hydroelectric generating station at the site.
ation goes further back. Much further. In 1929, the company and both of its The ministry selected the proposal submit-
At one time, there was a natural falls power plants – an earlier powerhouse had ted by Swift River Energy Ltd. (SREL) for
where the North Falls is today. (An inter- been built on Mill Stream in 1917 – were a 4.7 megawatt run-of-river waterpower
esting aside: the South Falls, despite its purchased by Ontario Hydro. The station facility. Construction began in August 2017.
natural appearance today, In late 2017 and early
is a manmade channel that 2018, an intake channel,
was first blasted in 1875.) In which will deliver water
an attempt to control large, to the powerhouse, and
Photograph: Swift River Energy
seasonal fluctuations in wa- the lower level of the pow-
ter levels on Lake Muskoka, erhouse – which is 21
the north channel was wid- metres deep – were cre-
ened and a timber dam was ated. SREL poured 5,000
constructed in 1874. The cubic metres of concrete
channel was widened fur- to build the powerhouse,
ther and the dam extended An observation deck on the west side of the powerhouse will overlook enough to fill two Olym-
in 1886. In 1909, it was re- the Moon River and the falls. pic-sized swimming pools.
16 | Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 YearbookIn February 2019, a five-ton clude space for the landing and
hydroelectric turbine was in- launching of canoes and picnicking.
stalled in the powerhouse, which “The rocky shoreline, and long
required a special installation gently sloping flat rocks, tradition-
team from Boston and a 300- ally used to launch canoes will re-
ton crane to lift it into position. main untouched,” she was quoted
The North Bala Small Hydro Proj- as saying in a project newsletter.
ect is expected to be mostly complete The new park area will also in-
in early summer 2019, with dry test- clude an interesting geological fea-
ing of the turbine beginning in June, ture. During excavation, crews un-
followed by wet testing during which earthed hand-chiseled engravings,
a minimal amount of water will be let one with the date 1888 and letters
through the plant for a short period that appear to spell names, and an-
of time. SREL expects to conduct other that reads W.A.T. and G.G.
several thousand tests before the BIRRELL, AUG 1919, LONDON, ONT.
power plant is declared operational. Similar engravings had previous-
Once in operation, the plant ly been found on the opposite side
will operate 24 hours a day, and of the North Falls. A 10-ton boulder
will generate enough electricity for was separated from the larger rock
2,000 homes (an average Canadi- mound, which measured 25 feet wide,
an home uses 800 to 1,000 kilowatt 20 feet deep, and eight feet high, us-
hours per year). The “small” in the ing a technique called line drilling
project title refers to its generation and was then removed from the site
capacity – hydroelectric facilities for restoration. It will be returned
can range from less than one mega- to the park at the end of the project.
watt to 2,000 megawatts, putting The existing park to the north of
this project, at 4.7 megawatts, on the falls – Bala Falls Park, also known
the low end of the scale. Even at as Margaret Burgess Park – will re-
that size, at peak times, up to 96 main as-is. It is part of land that had
cubic metres of water, or about the been granted to Thomas Burgess, the
equivalent of a bathtub full, will pass area’s first settler. At one time, part of
Photographs: Swift River Energy
through the power plant per second. the park was occupied by Carr’s Ar-
An observation deck on the west cadia Ice Cream Parlour (later called
side of the powerhouse will overlook the Arcadian Ice Cream Parlour and
the Moon River and the falls. There Dance Pavilion), which was built
will also be interpretive panels around 1916 and was demolished
and a digital display showing how when the new bridge was construct-
much renewable energy the plant In February 2019, a five-ton hydroelectric turbine was ed across the North Falls in 1955. As
is producing. Additional parking installed in the powerhouse. The North Bala Small well, there was also a park next to
Hydro Project is expected to be mostly complete in
spaces will be created along Mus- early summer 2019. the rail tracks, associated with the
koka Road 169 at Bala Falls Road. former summer train station, where
The green space adjacent to the pow- It has been informally used as a public the current parking lot across from the
erhouse will be rehabilitated in late park for picnicking and viewing the falls. United Church and Don’s Bakery is today.
2019 or early 2020 and will be planted When Muskoka Road 169 was re- In addition to the rehabilitated green
with native species of trees and flowers. aligned in 1965, the steep embankment space, the project will have other green
That area, on what is now alternately limited access to the site. SREL retained impacts. According to SREL, the project
called Burgess Island or Portage Island, is Jane Burgess, an architect who specializ- is expected to improve water level and
often referred to as Portage Landing for its es in heritage preservation, to ensure the spring flood control, and will offset 20,000
historic use as a portage route by Indige- project preserves the heritage features tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of taking
nous peoples and later for area canoeists. of the site. The rehabilitated park will in- 3,888 cars and light trucks off the road.
Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbook | 17Muskoka
Conservancy
Protecting
Nature
Forever
Article by Dawn Huddlestone if measures aren’t taken to protect them. ing and caring for Muskoka’s natural spaces.
Muskoka Conservancy is doing its share. “Muskoka is teetering on the edge of
M uskoka’s natural spaces are be-
loved by many and are a significant
reason why this region’s slogan – once
The organization – which formed in 2013
from the amalgamation of Muskoka Heri-
tage Trust and Muskoka Heritage Founda-
one of the most rapidly developing areas in
North America, the Greater Golden Horse-
shoe,” says Muskoka Conservancy’s exec-
discovered, never forgotten – rings true. tion, founded in 1996 and 1997, respectively utive director Scott Young. “You’ll notice
But natural spaces can be loved to death – has a simple but powerful mission: protect- large forests and pristine lakes and rivers
18 | Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 YearbookPhotograph: Muskoka Conservancy
Muskoka Conservancy holds more than 2,600 acres of land in 41 different nature reserves and conservation easements.
are not the norm when you travel south. If servation easements is Dahwamah Island later changed to a permanent conservation
Muskoka gets behind nature conservation on Lake Joseph. It’s been owned by the easement under the Muskoka Conservancy.
now while we still have natural assets worth Pemberton family since 1860, who built “It’s an easement that protects more
protecting, we won’t be fighting from behind a cottage on the island’s southern tip in than 20 acres of a 30-acre island, and
like so many areas in southern Ontario.” 1902. The rest of the 30-acre island has some significant big lake shoreline that
Muskoka Conservancy achieves its goal remained in a mostly natural state. In the will remain natural forever,” says Young.
largely through land conservation. It holds early 2000s, when the owners could no “Natural shoreline has many benefits to
more than 2,600 acres of land in 41 different longer afford to maintain the cottage, the riparian species, but in an area with high
nature reserves and conservation easements. property was put up for sale. The then-Mus- boat traffic, erosion control may be the
“What we call nature reserves are prop- koka Heritage Trust suggested the family number-one benefit. Dahwamah is also
erties owned outright by Muskoka Conser- donate a large portion of the island and unique because the cottage community
vancy,” notes Young, whereas “conservation other families donated funds to help with surrounding the island pre-emptively ral-
easements are not owned by the conser- maintenance costs. The agreement was lied to protect it from future development.
vancy, but are usually privately held Similar arrangements were made
properties that the owner has regis- for Island K in North Lake Joseph.”
tered a legally binding conservation Of the 41 properties the organi-
agreement on title of the land in zation protects, which include more
the name of Muskoka Conservan- than 49,000 feet (about 15 kilome-
cy. Because it is registered on title, tres) of shoreline and more than
it stays with the property when the 470 acres of wetland, two-thirds
ownership changes. Nature reserves are nature reserves that have been
are managed according to a prop- donated to the conservancy. To pre-
Photograph: Muskoka Conservancy
erty management plan. Easements serve these lands, access to them is
are managed by the owner accord- restricted. Three have public nature
ing to the conservation easement trails – Upjohn Nature Reserve, J.P.
(also called a conservation agree- McVittie Nature Reserve and Dyer
ment). Both are managed with the Memorial Nature Reserve – while
primary objective of protecting the the majority of other properties
land for its ecological values.” Muskoka Conservancy relies on volunteers to support are accessible through Nature
One of its most unique con- its mission now and long into the future. Quests, a series of expert-guided
Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbook | 19Photograph: Muskoka Conservancy
Above: Of the 41 properties Muskoka Conservancy protects, there are more than 49,000 feet (about 15 kilometres) of shoreline
and more than 470 acres of wetland. Below: Organized nature hikes are one of the ways supporters can enjoy the lands under
conservation.
hikes. Nature Quests and other programs ture conservation in general, and a member by signing up – either online
are listed at muskokaconservancy.org. Muskoka Conservancy in particular.” or by calling its office – to be a month-
The conservancy also runs a variety of The conservancy relies on do- ly supporter. Monthly donations save on
programs to encourage stewardship and nations to support its mission, now administrative costs and allow more dol-
environmentally responsible behaviour, like and long into the future the prop- lars to be directed to conservation work.
the Little Sprouts Eco Club or Project Pro- erties are protected in perpetuity. “The very next thing is to join one of
tect, a citizen science initiative to collect Young says one of the best ways to our Nature Quest hikes,” says Young. “This
data on amphibians. And it supports Mus- support the organization is to become way you’ll experience exactly what nature
koka’s natural and built conservation is all about.
heritage through sever- A nature hike is way bet-
al stewardship awards. ter than any brochure or
“We hope our com- website. It doesn’t mat-
munity conservation ter which one you do
activities inspire caring first. Hike, then join. Join,
for and love of nature in then hike. It’s up to you.”
Muskoka,” says Young. And why should you
“Whether you join us on support the conservancy?
a Nature Quest hike or “If you agree that Mus-
purchase native plants koka’s environment is its
in our annual sale, we number one distinguishing
know when nature lov- feature, and you value na-
ers engage with other ture, and want to see some-
nature lovers, ultimate- thing wild remain part of
ly that helps grow a our life here, that’s why you
stronger communi- should support Muskoka
ty of support for na- Conservancy,” says Young.
20 | Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 YearbookBUILDING
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Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbook | 21C a l e n da r
Year-round activities in the Township of Muskoka Lakes
By Karen Wehrstein For a fast summer escape to
Muskoka: check out Explorers’
Probably you know all about Edge’s Fly and Explore program,
events that take place in the running from June 27 to Sept. 15.
Township of Muskoka Lakes in You fly Porter Airlines from
summer. Ever wondered about the Toronto to Muskoka and get $100
rest of the year? Save this handy in vouchers to use at
full-year list, because there’s participating businesses
Photograph: Norah Fountain
always something happening. including many in Muskoka
Lakes.
Muskoka Lakes Farm and explorersedge.ca/
Winery near Bala dishes out the flyandexplorepackage/
fun year-round. Cranberry
harvest starts in late September, In fall, running September to
and visitors are welcome. In There are always lots of things to celebrate during the November, aka cranberry
winter, you can come to skate by annual Bala Cranberry Festival including fun in the bog harvest season, the Muskoka
and a ducky derby fundraiser.
torchlight on the Farm’s ice trail, Cranberry Route provides some
and in spring it’s Maple Madness, a Toronto All-Star Big Band, Jam Sandwich, 25 stops across Muskoka for cranberry
three-day syrup celebration. drumming, art and more. For all of worshippers.
cranberry.ca Chautauqua’s year-round events, including muskokacranberryroute.ca
the delectable Flavours of Muskoka
Love to hit farmers’ markets? Here are Chautauqua sampling-fest on July 4: This year’s Terry Fox Run is on Sept. 15,
the places and times. In Bala: Jaspen Park, muskokachautauqua.com/events and runs will be hosted by Bala and
Mondays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., late June to Windermere.
Labour Day. In Port Carling: Hanna Park on Everything Anne of Green Gables Day is terryfox.ca/terryfoxrun/bala
the Indian River, Thursdays from 9 to 2, hosted by the Bala Museum, July 24, as a terryfox.ca/terryfoxrun/windermere
late June to the end of August. re-enaction of the legendary author Lucy
balafarmersmarket.com Maud Montgomery’s visit to Bala. See her The artists’ studio tour concept was
portcarlingfarmersmarket.com silver tea set, rare books and more, and invented right here, in the form of the
bring the kids dressed as her beloved Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour. It happens
It might not be too late to miss the characters. on Sept 28-29 and Oct. 5-6, with plenty of
three-day Bala Antique Show, June 28-30 at balasmuseum.com stops in Muskoka Lakes.
the Bala Sports Centre. There’s furniture, muskokaautumnstudiotour.com
jewellery, victoriana treasures and much Port Carling goes a little crazy during
more. Midday Madness on Aug. 17, with insanely- For Thanksgiving, Muskoka Lakes
discovermuskoka.ca/events/ deep discounts from local stores—check Museum will hold its usual Open House on
bala-antique-nostalgia-show-sale both sides of the locks—live music, Oct. 13. This is another events page to
face-painting for the kids and much more. peruse entirely.
Antique-lovers should definitely also Runs noon to 5 p.m. mlmuseum.com/special-events
visit Red Barn Antiques, located in a big old muskokalakeschamber.ca/news-events/
red barn near Port Carling and featuring Then, as always on the weekend
visit-port-carling/
multiple vendors. Mid May to mid October. following Thanksgiving, it’s Muskoka’s
facebook.com/RedBarninPortCarling The Muskoka Jazz Festival, featuring biggest fall bash, the Bala Cranberry
two Order of Canada laureates and more Festival, Oct. 18-20, a Top 100 Ontario
Canada Day this year features Muskoka than a dozen Juno winners and nominees, Event that draws thousands of people for a
Lakes Museum’s Open House, the Mayor’s happens on James Bartleman Island on spectacular range of activities, treats and
Family Watersports Day and Muskoka Aug. 24. entertainments.
Chautauqua’s offerings which include the muskokajazz.com balacranberryfestival.on.ca
22 | Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 YearbookPhotograph: Norah Fountain
The annual Bala Santa Claus parade is a favourite pre-Christmas attraction.
Muskoka Lakes’ Christmas season starts anywhere in Ontario without having to
on Nov. 2 with the ninth annual Muskoka purchase a license, but of course Muskoka
Lakes Christmas Market at the Port Carling Lakes is the best place.
Community Centre. Crafts, gifts, delicious
and food items. Next March 13-April 24, the fabulous
discovermuskoka.ca/events/ Muskoka Maple Trail is on, with great
muskoka-lakes-christmas-market Muskoka Lakes stops like Muskoka Lakes
Farm & Winery and JW Marriott The
But it’s not really Christmas until you’ve Rosseau Muskoka.
seen the Santa Claus Parade: Bala’s will be muskokamaple.ca/maple-trail/
on Nov. 16 at 1 p.m., Port Carling’s on the
evening of the same day, Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m. Finally, for 2-4 weekend 2020, the
The official Bala Tree Lighting ceremony Muskoka Lakes Museum will as usual hold
happens on Nov. 29. its Victoria Day Weekend Open House.
mlmuseum.com/special-events
Bala is also the home of one of
Muskoka’s most amazing Christmas
experiences, the Trek to Bethlehem. The
whole village dims the lights and costumed
participants invite you to help them
re-enact the Christmas story, this year on
Dec. 7.
discovermuskoka.ca/events/
balas-trek-bethlehem
Keep an eye on the website of the 53rd
annual Port Carling Winterfest for details
about the 2020 edition including the date,
Photograph: Norah Fountain
likely early February. There’ll be a plethora
of fun wintery activities for the whole
family.
portcarlingwinterfest.ca
705.645.4294 TF: 866.645.4294
STORE: 228 TAYLOR RD., BRACEBRIDGE
OFFICE: 1646 WINHARA RD., GRAVENHURST
For all of Family Day Weekend (Feb Sean Cotton performs at Port Carling
15-17, 2020), anglers may freely ice-fish Midday Madness 2018
Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbook | 23Photograph: Andy Zeltkalns
Muskoka Lakes by-law department is reactive, except in matters of public safety — staffers don’t drive around looking for
violations, says By-law Enforcement Officer Jon Popple.
What you need to know
about by-laws in Muskoka Lakes
Article by Dawn Huddlestone boundary line disputes. If a neighbour has waterfront properties – as well as concerns
blocked access to your property along a about site alterations without the proper
Few people are well versed in the by-laws shared driveway, that’s a civil issue that will permits. And, then there are the property
that apply to them – it’s not exactly the kind require a call to your lawyer for advice on standards concerns, when a neighbour has
of thing you’d settle in to read on a sunny what your rights are. Or maybe they’ve built left garbage or construction debris lying
day on the dock. But they affect you, none- a fence that you feel is too tall (there are around or there’s a derelict vehicle just sit-
theless. no restrictions on that in Muskoka Lakes) ting there, for example.
There are plenty of misconceptions or have placed it partially on your proper- But it’s important to know by-law offi-
about by-laws, some stem from differing ty (the township doesn’t regulate that; so, cers are not like police officers – there are
regulations in different regions – an urban again, you need to speak with your lawyer). limits to what they can do.
area to the south versus those in the Town- The same goes for drainage issues – if some- “We are here to enforce our by-laws. We
ship of Muskoka Lakes, for example. By-law one has altered their property and stormwa- respond hopefully quickly to complaints,
Enforcement Officer Jon Popple is just the ter is now flowing onto your property, that’s but the general public has to understand
person to dispel those misconceptions. not something the township can handle. that just because there is a by-law in place
First off, it’s important to know the by- What are some of the things the by-law doesn’t mean we can stop the activity,” says
law department is reactive, except in mat- department does enforce? Popple. A by-law officer can tell the offend-
ters of public safety — staffers don’t drive With the arrival of the summer season, ing party to stop, they can lay charges but
around looking for violations, says Popple. noise is one of the biggest complaints the they can’t restrain or physically stop the
Secondly, some things you might consid- department gets. “Typically, it’s around am- person from continuing. “That’s not the re-
er to be issues for the by-law department plified music,” says Popple. “The noise by- ality in terms of what our authorities are.”
actually aren’t. Outdoor burning and fire- law requires that amplified music or noise Many people do comply, however, some
works are a good example. If you have con- cease at 11 p.m. and that’s everywhere in not even aware they were doing something
cerns about those, you need to contact the the township.” wrong. Popple approaches his enforcement
fire department (but only call 911, if it’s an He also receives quite a few tree-cutting visits from an educational perspective.
emergency). complaints – there is a tree preservation “Most people don’t read the by-laws on a
Another is property ownership or by-law that regulates the cutting of trees on regular basis like I do,” he says. “I’ll review
24 | Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 YearbookT o w n s h i p W at c h Repo rt
the rules, and what they are doing wrong
and what they need to do to correct the be-
haviour.” He then gives them time to bring A s we are all aware, in October 2018,
the municipal election saw six sitting
habitable space, which is not allowed,
• informed the Province they were
themselves into compliance. If that doesn’t members of Council in the Township of opposed to the passage of Schedule
happen, they’ll receive written notification or Muskoka Lakes defeated and six new 10 of Bill 66 ~ Restoring Ontario’s
an order to cease the activity. A third strike ones elected. This is a huge turn over of Competitiveness Act,
could lead to charges, depending on what experience but the new Council hit the • implemented parking restrictions at
type of by-law it is. ground running, once they were sworn in Muskoka Road 169 and Muskoka Road
December 2018. 13 (Southwood Road),
“We want voluntary compliance, we want
Prior to the election the previous Council • defeated the rezoning of the Bala Bay
to educate the property owners about their
from May to November: Inn/Hostel which would have permitted
responsibilities,” says Popple. “Hopefully, ev-
• defeated a site plan application to allow the property to be used as staff housing
eryone walks away happy. It doesn’t always
six modular units to be used as staff for the J.W. Marriott and other resorts
work out that way but that’s the goal.”
housing on the Bala Bay Inn/Hostel in Muskoka,
If you think a neighbour is in violation of
property, • passed a budget which represents a
a by-law, what should you do? Popple first
• granted support and a sublease to 5.96% increase,
recommends talking to your neighbour to see
Andy’s House Hospice Muskoka, • revamped their Committee structure
if you can find a solution on your own.
• passed a new sign by-law and updated separating Committee of the Whole into
“I will make that recommendation to keep
the fence by-law, a Planning Committee and Finance and
the peace in the neighbourhood and keep
• passed an Interim Control By-law General Committee. They felt this would
good relations with their neighbours. But at
on the Village of Minett, restricting allow councillors to accomplish work,
the end of the day, if it’s a contravention of the
construction and granting a “pause” that has “not been getting done”,
by-law, and they really would prefer enforce-
to allow the Township to re-evaluate • gave their support for a family friendly
ment to go, that’s why I’m here and I’ll go and
if policies presently in place were Jazz Festival to be held in August on
have that conversation.”
acceptable, James Bartleman Park,
If you’ve tried having that neigh-
• on several occasions, discussed short- • granted heritage designation to the
bour-to-neighbour conversation without suc-
term accommodation uses, established property formerly known as the
cess, or aren’t comfortable doing it in the first
a steering committee and unanimously Windermere General Store and Post
place, you’ll need to file a written complaint. passed recommendations put forth by Office, and
First, check to be sure it is actually a by- the steering committee, • extended the Interim Control By-law
law issue. There are frequently asked ques- • defeated a subdivision on Camel Lake, on the Resort Village of Minett for a
tions on the township website, or you can • established the Minett Steering year with two site specific exemptions,
email or call the by-law department for clar- Committee to review Official Plan a private property and the property
ification. Policies for the Resort Village of Minett, known as Legacy Cottages.
Then fill in the online form at muskoka- • presented a cheque in the amount Although there have been some growing
lakes.ca or you can fill in a form at the town- of $23,188.35 to the South Muskoka pains with the new Council, the Ratepayers
ship office. The department will contact you, Hospital Foundation from funds raised are hopeful that these will dissipate quickly
if they need more information; otherwise, at the Mayor’s Golf Tournament, and as Councillors find their footing, stand
they’ll respond with an update within a few • defeated a severance and rezoning behind their election promises and make
days. application and official plan amendment decisions for the betterment of the entire
If you’re on the receiving end of a com- on lands located on Leonard Lake. Township of Muskoka Lakes.
plaint you want to contest, some by-laws In the first several months, this new The Muskoka Ratepayers thank the
can be appealed through the township and, Council has: previous Council for their hard work over the
if charges have been laid, you can plead not • defeated an offer from Swift River last four years and look forward to working
guilty in court and explain your side of the Energy Limited to pay fines totalling with members of the new Council in the
story. $45,000 in order to work beyond times coming years.
Keep in mind that it can take time – some- outlined in Township by-laws, We remain the eyes and ears of all
time months – to come to a resolution. That • opted out of allowing retail cannabis residents of the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try, though. stores in the Township,
“We are here to help,” says Popple. “If • discussed first storey boathouse uses By Dee Denyar and Mike Webb
you have a complaint, fill out the form and it as the Township has become aware Communications Committee
will get looked at.” that some boathouses are being used as
Muskoka Ratepayers’ Association 2019 Yearbook | 25You can also read
