NewsFlash

February 27, 2026

LOBA Comments on the District Official Plan Review

The Lake of Bays Association, along with Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA) provided comments on the District of Muskoka Official Plan Amendment 61, and both Associations also presented at the February 19 Community and Planning Services Committee Meeting. In summary, LOBA supports increased shoreline protection policies being recommended in the Official Plan review.

Tim Hadwen, chair of the LOBA Planning, Development & Government Relations Committee, lead the LOBA response and presented at the February 19 meeting.

• Read LOBA's letter to the District>
  
• Read MLA's letter to the District>
  
• Read the District's Report>
  
• Watch MLA's presentation (starts at minute 2:00), LOBA's presentation (starts at minute 10:45), and the presentation by the District's consultant (starts at minute 49:45)>

We welcome your thoughts and comments.

Email us at info@loba.ca.

The Muskoka Watershed Council is pleased to announce an exciting collaboration with the Huntsville Art Society to present Watershed, a month-long art exhibition celebrating the natural beauty and ecological richness of the Muskoka region. The exhibition will run from March 2 to April 9, 2026, at the Partners Hall in the Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville.

This unique show brings together local artists whose work is inspired by Muskoka’s forests, waterways, wildlife, and interconnected ecosystems. Through a diverse range of artistic styles and media, the exhibition aims to highlight the intricate relationships that sustain the region’s natural environment and to deepen public appreciation for its preservation.

The exhibition will open with a public reception on Tuesday, March 3, from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring a special guest talk by Rob Stimpson, who will share insights on conservation and the role of community engagement in protecting natural resources.

Lake of Bays Association director Penny Thomas has been part of the

organizing team for this exhibition

and the opening reception is sponsored by LOBA.

From the Township of Lake of Bays:

• Logging Chain Park survey open - The Township of Lake of Bays purchased the Logging Chain Lodge property in 2025 to protect an important community space in Dwight and to make sure its future use reflects community priorities. The land is a spacious waterfront adjacent site in the heart of Dwight, close to the village core. From the property, you can look directly across to Dwight Beach, one of the busiest and most loved public shorelines in Lake of Bays. Planning for this land will be a multi-year process that includes several stages of public engagement, technical review, and design work.
  Read more about the project and participate in the first public survey>

• Planned Hydro One power outages on March 1 and 4 - Hydro One will turn off power so crews can safely complete maintenance on local equipment.
  Read the details and see the map here>

• Township Council awards contract to replace Glenmount dock - At the February 10 council meeting, Lake of Bays Councillors awarded the contract to replace the Glenmount dock for a sum of $259,749.75+HST. The contract went to Pipefusion.
  Read the full article here>
  Read the staff report here>

• Lake of Bays Township Public Library - is seeking applications for the volunteer position of Member of the Library Board. Deadline March 2, 2026.
  Read more about the position and how to apply>

• MR 117 Baysville project - Spring is on the way, and construction season will begin soon on the Muskoka Main Streets project along Muskoka Road 117 in Baysville. As work gets ready to resume, the District is hosting another community drop-in event to reconnect with residents and share what to expect this spring - Thursday March 12, 12-2 p.m., Baysville library.
  Read more about the project>
  
• Baysville Farmers' Market set to launch in the heart of the hamlet - The Township of Lake of Bays will launch a Baysville Farmers’ Market for the 2026 season, ensuring the community continues to have access to a local market after the previous private operator stepped away. At the February 10, 2026, council meeting, Council approved a limited term three-year plan for the Township to step in and manage the market while a long‑term community partner is identified.
  Read more here>

Summer Job Opportunities in Lake of Bays

The Lake of Bays Tennis Club is hiring summer camp staff for 2026. You do not need to be a member of the club to be hired. Please send a cover letter and resume that includes: 

• Tennis experience and any OTA certifications (or details of intended courses), OTA level 1 preferred.
• Current first aid and lifesaving certification (or plans to certify), Bronze Cross requested.
• Any prior experience at LBTC (as participant or instructor).
• Leadership, organizational or personal attributes and strengths

Please submit to Caroline Mandell (cgibbings@gmail.com) and Aly Tsourounis (atsourounis@gmail.com). Applicants will be contacted for an interview. Contracts and/or job offers will be confirmed in March.

Lumina Resort if looking for summer staff. Full and part-time positions available. Competitive wages and meals provided.

Join the team at Lumina and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Click here for more details.

Please send resume to info@luminaresort.com.

Do you have family or friends who would like to keep up to date with LOBA NewsFlashes?

Direct them to the LOBA Homepage

and click the E-NEWS button on the right of the page

Reading, Interesting Links and Events

NURTURING OUR MUSKOKA SUGAR MAPLE FORESTS WITH FIREWOOD ASH: Read more at MuskokaRegion.com>

DISTRICT OF MUSKOKA CLIMATE CORNER - MUSKOKA BUSINESSES JOIN THE CLUB: Read more>

FEDERATION OF ONTARIO COTTAGERS' ASSOCIATIONS: February 2026 e-news>

LAKE OF BAYS TO CONTINUE GOING AFTER UNREGISTERED SHORT-TERM RENTALS: Read more at DopplerOnline.ca>

photo by Jacqueline Paterson

2024 photo contest submission

Through education, advocacy and engagement, our mission is to foster a healthy natural environment, responsible waterfront development, a thriving community, and a Lake of Bays shared respectfully and safely by all.

Lake of Bays Association

info@loba.ca

www.loba.ca 

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