District tax program open, Port Carling wall replacement, UTV for paramedic services, Hammond announces retirement, new speed limit for Settler’s Ridge

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.

TAX season help from district of muskoka

The District of Muskoka’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is back to help those in need get access to free tax clinics throughout the district.

The program is a partnership between community experts and the District, which is registered with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) to run this program. Volunteers file tax returns for eligible people with a modest income and a simple tax situation.

Filing taxes is essential for accessing vital government benefits and credits, including the Ontario Child Benefit, GST credit, and Old Age Security, and more.

To be eligible for the tax clinic program you must be a resident of Muskoka and your family income cannot exceed the total family income threshold as outlined on the District’s website at www.muskoka.on.ca/incometaxclinics. 

To learn more about the tax clinic program, what you need to bring to your appointment and information about the District’s involvement with this program, visit www.muskoka.on.ca/incometaxclinics

For more information regarding the CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and general information on tax returns visit the CRA website.

port carling Retaining wall replacement

Work has begun on a new retaining wall at 114 Medora Street in Port Carling after it was determined that a simple repair would not be sufficient to fix a portion of the wall that failed in December 2022.

The full replacement is to provide a lasting and safe solution for the community, according to a media release by the Township of Muskoka Lakes. The new wall will mesh beautifully and exhibit the same feel and look as the neighbouring walls.

Construction was set to being in late February and is expected to be completed by Victoria Day Weekend in May.

The new retaining wall system will consist of steel sheet piling behind a stacked dimensional stone wall in front, which was chosen because it is the best choice with the limited space available to build.

The Township is advising residents that as the work is ongoing, there will be periods where an abundance of dust, noise, vibrations, as well as impacts to traffic and access. Access to all businesses and properties within the construction zone will be maintained.

However, these will mostly be during business hours as night work between sunset and sunrise as well as work on weekends and statutory holidays will not be permitted unless approved by the Township.

Approval of such measures will only be provided in the case of an emergency or to maintain project schedule and is not planned at this time.

UTV to boost paramedic services

A need identified in 2019 after the intense flooding is finally being filled after a utility terrain vehicle for paramedic services was purchased and subsequent staff training took place last year.

The $90,000 utility terrain vehicle features removable tracks, 360-degree emergency lighting, a trailer, and is equipped with necessary emergency equipment. The emergency equipment was an add-on bought with $40,000 in grant money through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

In 2019, Muskoka Paramedic Services realized that their fleet was sorely lacking a vehicle that could travel through or go around water, traverse rough terrain and navigate other difficult areas.

They began investigating the best options for the District and it was determined the utility terrain vehicle was the right fit to do the job. It has seats for two people as well as an area for patient transport and security.

More importantly, it has all-season capability, a heated climate control compartment, and can protect its drivers and passengers from whatever the environment throws at them.

The vehicle joined the Muskoka Paramedic Services fleet last year, with officials training staff and  developing procedures for it to come into full use this year.

Usage will be more than just for emergencies like the flood season, as they are planning to use it for large outdoor events, to reach remote access areas, and more.

hammond announces retirement

The Township of Muskoka Lakes’ CAO, Derrick Hammond, announced on February 29 that he will be retiring this year.

Hammond spent almost all of his 34 year career in this region, working for the District of Muskoka, the Township of Lake of Bays, the Town of Huntsville, and finally at the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

Over the coming months, Mayor Peter Kelley will work with Council and Human Resources to begin recruitment for the Township’s next CAO.

New speed limit for settler’s ridege

The speed limit at Settler’s Ridge in Huntsville will be reduced to 40 km per hour, down from 50 km per hour.

An amendment to the by-law was approved during the February 26 regular council meeting. The speed limit reduction will include Homestead Lane, Prestwick Drive, Selkirk Drive, and Braeside Crescent.

Chaffey Township councillor Cory Clarke indicated there were hundreds of names on a petition to make the change, citing safety for children and pedestrians in the ever-growing subdivision.

A request to post more speed limit signs was also approved.