NewsFlash December 2, 2022

Thanks to All of You for Telling us Your Views LOBA Member Survey Now Closed Thank you to the 582 members who shared their views with us in the LOBA Member Survey. Over the coming months, we look forward to sharing results with you. We will use the information to update our priorities and ensure that our activities are aligned with the needs of the community we serve, and to plan our strategic direction over the next five years.

More Homes Built Faster Act Isn’t Right for Waterfront and Rural Ontario The provincial government has now passed Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, despite real concerns about its impact on rural and waterfront Ontario. Environmental protection tools are weakened. There are no tools to increase truly affordable housing in rural municipalities. Rights to appeal planning decisions are curtailed. In keeping with LOBA’s mandate to protect the natural environment of Lake of Bays, we submitted this letter of concern during legislative committee review of the bill. Our letter raised similar concerns to letters from the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Association, the Muskoka Lakes Association and many other groups. Despite all these letters, there was little change to the bill. The one relevant improvement is the absolute restriction on appeals by anyone other than the developer and institutional parties was altered to allow appeals of official plan and zoning by-law changes, but not variances. We will continue to monitor provincial legislation and make comments when needed to help protect Lake of Bays.

Langmaids Island Development Appeal - Phase 2 Case Management Conference Re-Scheduled to December 13 The Phase 2 Hearing for the Langmaid’s Island Development Appeal will deal with the Plan of Subdivision for the island and the waterfront landings on South Portage Road. A Case Management Conference (CMC) will be held on December 13 (rescheduled from December 2). The parties are Langmaids Island Corp., Town of Huntsville, Township of Lake of Bays, District of Muskoka, Lake of Bays Association, Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation and Kelly Zytaruk. There are several residents listed as participants. Party and participants are restricted to those who participated in the Phase 1 Hearing (held February 2021). Each party has submitted Issues Lists which will be reviewed at the CMC and details of the hearing will be decided. LOBA and LBHF will be jointly represented at the CMC by Harold Elston who represented the two organizations in the Phase 1 Hearing. At the outset, the Ontario Land Tribunal ruled that the appeal by Langmaid’s Island Corporation would be heard in two phases. The Phase 1 Hearing was to determine if development would be allowed. If the development was approved, then a Phase 2 Hearing would address issues specific to the terms and conditions of the Plan of Subdivision. The Decision from the Phase 1 Hearing approved amendments to the Lake of Bays Official Plan and Development Permit By-law that will allow development of a maximum of 32 lots on Langmaid’s Island. Rezoning of the two mainland properties on the South Portage Road (in the Town of Huntsville) to serve as waterfront landings was also approved. The Lake of Bays Association and the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation remain engaged with the appeal to ensure our concerns raised in the Phase 1 Hearing are addressed appropriately in the Plan of Subdivision. Members of the public are welcome to virtually attend the CMC. When: Tuesday December 13, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Link:   https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/927921077   Phone Access: Canada (Toll Free): 1 888 299-1889 or Canada: +1 (647) 497-9373   Access code: 927-921-077

2022 PHOTO CONTEST Deadline is Approaching Open to all Lake of Bays Association members and families. Photos must be previously unpublished and taken in the current year--limit of 5 per category. They must be in high-resolution, digital format and sent to info@loba.ca, subject line Lake of Bays Association photo contest. Deadline December 30, 2022. LIFE at the LAKE: people, pets and dwellings NATURE: wild plants and animals LANDSCAPE: land, water and sky photo by Gary Chapman 2021 Photo Contest submission

Reading, Interesting Links and Events Township of Lake of Bays DECEMBER 1 PUBLIC NOTICE BOARD: Read It Here> NEW COUNCIL: Lake of Bays mayor ushers in new council with address, thanks and optimism > PASSPORT TO HOLIDAY FUN: 'Fun Way" to celebrate local Dwight businesses > LAKE OF BAYS BUSINESS WINS $10K MUSKOKA FOUNDERS CIRCLE AWARD: Read about Wild Muskoka Botanicals > DISTRICT CHAIR CANDIDATES' DEBATE: Housing, health, environment, economy among priorities > FRIENDS OF THE MUSKOKA WATERSHED EARNS CHARITABLE STATUS: Learn more and donate > MUSKOKA SENIORS MAGAZINE: Fall/Holiday 2022 issue >

Lake of Bays December 1, 2022

The purpose of the Lake of Bays Association is to promote, sustain and enhance a clean and healthy natural environment, a well-serviced community and a safe and peaceful Lake of Bays. 

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