A round-up of recent news from communities throughout our beautiful region

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

Muskoka Lakes Draft By-law Address STRs

A minimum stay of seven nights for renters, a $1,000 licensing fee, and occupancy limitations of two people per bedroom are a few of the proposed restrictions with a draft short-term rental (STR) accommodation licensing by-law being considered by Township of Muskoka Lakes Council.

The draft by-law, which comes after months of public input opportunities including an online survey, was presented to the Township’s planning committee on October 12. Included in the process was a review of best practices and initiatives from other municipalities with STR licensing by-laws.

Within the draft by-law includes several regulations including an occupancy maximum of two people per bedroom with the township being able to further restrict occupancy based on sewage disposal system size. The draft by-law also indicates a total maximum occupancy of no more than 16 renters at a time. 

Other highlights of the draft by-law include increased responsibility for operators when issues arise, a complete fire safety plan and site map being filed with the township, and renters being provided with relevant information such as a code of conduct to follow and the township by-laws and associated penalties.

A minimum of seven-nights stay to reduce the amount of turnover was included in the draft by-law after a committee amendment. Staff had originally recommended a two-night minimum stay.

The staff report on the by-law included a licensing fee program would see $1,000 per two-year STR licence in the township. Staff indicated they would expect that program to bring in $200,000 in the first year (assuming only 25% compliance) with increased revenues as more STRs became compliant year-over-year.

Going on the same compliance assumptions, they would expect to see around $100,000 in fines in the first year after the by-law is enacted. This would provide $300,000 in income via the by-law.

However, staff indicated that the first year of by-law enforcement would cost around $305,000 comprised of wages, software, hardware, vehicles, admin fees, and other necessary costs.

Up next will be public meeting, likely to be held in the new year, to provide the public further opportunity to have input on the draft licensing by-law. Following this meeting, Township staff will provide more information and recommendations, if any are needed, to council regarding the by-law.

SANTA SKI SHOW raises ton for food bank

A truck load of Campbell’s Soup was delivered by Hunters Bay Radio on behalf of The Bay Food Crew to the Santa Claus Charity Ski Show in Kearney earlier in November.

The soup was among the record donations of food (over 3,000 lbs.) and cash (over $7,000) that will support the Burk’s Falls & District Food Bank.

Attendees enjoyed a great show by the Canadian Waterski team and appearances by elves, the Grinch and even Santa himself.

additional bed funding for mAHC

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare will be adding 22 beds to its complement (which will now be 123 total beds) after receiving $14 million in provincial funding to cover the operating costs.

In the November 17 announcement, MAHC indicated this will include permanent funding for surge beds, an additional Intensive Care Unit bed at each site, and 10 new inpatient rehabilitation beds. 

“This is very good news for our organization, our community, and for patients and families who rely on us for high-quality healthcare when and where they need it,” Cheryl Harrison, President & Chief Executive Officer of MAHC, said in the media release. “We are also thrilled to be in a position to expand the rehabilitation services provided to inpatients in the future.”

In the weeks and months to come, MAHC is moving through the internal planning to bring the new critical care beds and inpatient rehabilitation beds into operation on care units within the existing hospital footprints, and to develop and recruit the specialized health human resources to support the care model.

At the same time, the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation and Huntsville Hospital Foundation are looking forward to engaging community-based support to purchase the physical beds and other required hospital equipment to establish the enhanced services.

HOPE ARISES CELEBRATES FIRST YEAR

The Hope Arises Project celebrated the completion its first year, last week. The not for profit group has grown from two members to nine.

Their vision and mission include the revitalization of Indigenous ways of being and knowing, strengthening cultural understanding and knowledge, and addressing cultural misconceptions and barriers. 

Joyce Crone the founder of the organization says Hope Arises is proud of its first year, which was packed with community support, several educational and community projects, and opportunities for community networking.

Crone says the group plans to apply for charitable status in the coming year, saying things are getting exciting for the group. 

LOB LOOKS TO DESIGNATE PAINT LAKE CEMETARY & SCHOOL HOUSE

The Paint Lake Cemetery and Schoolhouse in the Township of Lake of Bays could be designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Township Council approved the request to file a notice of intent to designate the Paint Lake property as a cultural heritage facility.

Located in the Ridout Ward, the schoolhouse is considered a pioneer and has cultural heritage value because of that. The municipal cemetery has been used from the 1800s to the present day.

This process began in September 2015 with the Heritage Advisory Committee discussing the possibility and in 2021, the committee continued their research to see if the property met the necessary criteria.

According to Lake of Bays staff, the goal of designation is to “preserve, protect and promote (a) culturally significant property within the municipality.”

Councillor, and HAC board member, Nancy Tapley, advised that a booklet is being created for the cemetery.

The legal cost to designate the site is $600, to register the by-law on title, and it will be incurred in the 2024 Budget.

Once the notice of intent is made public, people will have 30 days to comment.