NewsFlash

May 31, 2025

LOBA Comments on the Township Official Plan Review

LOBA is actively participating in the Township’s Official Plan review process. In consultation sessions early in 2025, we advocated for a balanced approach to development that protects the natural shoreline. In response to an initial report from the Township's consultants in March, LOBA was pleased to see emphasis on issues of importance to LOBA's members and submitted this letter.

More recently we commented on the Official Plan Policy Directions Report highlighting:

• The importance to consider both new development and redevelopment that involves the retention and enlargement of existing structures equally when it comes to retention of vegetation, avoidance of tree removal, construction of accessory structures, roads and driveways and other manmade features.
• Our concerns about the proposal to introduce smaller lot areas for waterfront backlot development to 1 ha (2.5 ac).

Read LOBA's letter to the Township>

The next step will be the presentation of the draft Official Plan and there will be opportunities for public input over the summer months. We will advise our members of the dates for these consultations when they are announced.

You can keep up to date on the Official Plan Review at the township's Engage Lake of Bays site.

LOBA will continue to participate in the Township Official Plan consultations. Any input from members would be gratefully received at info@loba.ca.





Most of you have received your 2025 Lake of Bays Association Annual.

If your copy does not arrive by mid-June, please contact the office at info@loba.ca or

705-767-3395.

Please let us know what you think of the book.

Your Lake, Your Views Fourth Safe Quiet Lakes Survey Coming Soon

The next Safe Quiet Lakes Survey is coming soon. It will be the fourth such survey (once every 4 years). Last time Safe Quiet Lakes had over 6,000 responses and many were from LOBA members. This fantastic participation tells us that our members are deeply engaged in their lake and boating experiences. Other areas surveyed included Georgian Bay, Lakes Muskoka, Joseph and Rousseau and others. Haliburton will be added in this year’s survey. In fact, this lake resident survey is the largest survey of its kind in North America. 

The survey, which is being conducted by Earnscliffe Strategies this time, looks at top pleasures of the lake experience, boating use and behaviour, the quality of the lake experience, what’s changing about the lake experience, what the top concerns are and what people think solutions might be. 

Many of the questions are the same as last time. This will provide important information about whether things have changed for better or worse in our lake communities. Results will be used to inform municipal governments, lake associations and for policy development with all levels of government.

Our lake communities are changing -- and it’s important for our members to share what they value and what worries them. 

Be on the lookout for a link to this important SQL survey in June! You can learn more about the last survey on the Safe Quiet Lakes website.

And you can read Lake of Bays specific results from the 2021 survey which we published in the Spring 2022 Current Connection newsletter.

Read the article here>

From the Township of Lake of Bays:

Township Launches 'Engage Lake of Bays' - a new online hub where residents can connect, share ideas and stay updated on key community projects.

More information>

Roadside Brushing has Begun - which helps improve safety and maintain road infrastructure. More information and a video with Mayor Terry Glover>

Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Task Force Formed - to shape the Township's MAT program, supporting and growing local tourism.

More information>

Township Aiming for Completion of Baysville Playground and Splash Pad this Summer

Read more at DopplerOnline.ca>

From the District of Muskoka

Muskoka Invites you to Shape the Future of Waste - with a series of Open Houses about the Solid Waste Master Plan:

In-Person Open Houses: 

• Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Partners Hall, Huntsville (within Algonquin Theatre – 37 Main Street E Huntsville) 
• Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Muskoka Lumber Community Centre, Bracebridge (Leon’s Auditorium – 56 Salmon Avenue) 

Virtual Open House – Lunch & Learn Style: 

• Thursday, June 5, 2025, between 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Pre-registration required – register now! 

Visit the project’s Engage Page to learn more>

Between Two Pines Read the current update from the District>

Save the Date District Chair's Dock Party in Support of United Way Simcoe Muskoka Saturday August 9, 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Port Cunnington Lodge

This special event supports critical programs in Muskoka through United Way Simcoe Muskoka. With a commitment of over $615,000 invested over three years, United Way is creating real, lasting change through local partnerships. Programs like the Mobile Youth Wellness Hub, Getting Ahead Across Muskoka, and the Home Relief Bank are not only addressing immediate needs-they are offering dignified, sustainable solutions. More information about the Dock Party>

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

photo by Bernie Ross Herons and Chicks "This photo cost me about 6 hours over 2 days and a litre of blood that I donated to the black flies."

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.