PO Box 129, 1 Bailey Street, , , P0B 1J0 Tel: 705-765-3156 Fax: 705-765-6755 Website: www.muskokalakes.ca

2011

INDEX

Greetings from the Mayor 3 Contact Information 4 Township Structure 5 Township History 5 Township Geography 6 Municipal Officials 6 Municipal Representatives 7 Area and Population 8 Demographics 10 Services 12 Marine Information 16 Places of Worship 16 Municipal Cemeteries 17 Emergency Services 18 Medical Services 19 Township Departments 20 Garbage & Recycling 23 Sewage & Water Treatment 23 Transportation 24 Education 25 Weather 28 Communications 29 Map of the Township of 30

Statistics Canada information is used with the permission of Statistics Canada. Users are forbidden to copy the data and redisseminate them, in an original or modified form, for commercial purposes, without permission from Statistics Canada. Information on the availability of the wide range of data from Statistics Canada can be obtained from Statistics Canada's Regional Offices, its World Wide Web site at www.statcan.ca, and its toll-free access number 1-800-263-1136. *Statistics will be updated when further Census information is released.*

Welcome

What a privilege it is for me to be the Mayor of the Township of Muskoka Lakes, and to welcome you to our community and services.

Muskoka Lakes is an amazing place to both live and visit. We are home to 80 lakes and our opportunities to really embrace the outdoors are endless, including terrific trails, boating, swimming, fishing, golfing and cycling. Layered on to our outdoor tapestry is an ever expanding and extremely vibrant visual and performing arts community.

One of the hallmarks of our Township is the ready public access to our pristine water. In addition to 37 public docks, 19 public boat ramps and 10 public beaches we also enjoy such unique water features as the Port Carling Locks and the Bala Falls. There is nothing like sitting on a park bench in the summer, overlooking the sparkling water, and licking a Muskoka ice cream cone. Perfect.

Muskoka Lakes is more than just a summer destination, and tourism now spans all four seasons. In addition to our great winter trails for snowshoeing and snowmobiling we have ongoing family focused events throughout the year, including our Cavalcade of Fall Colours, Cranberry Festival, Winterfest and of course, our Spring and Fall Art and Studio Tours.

Muskoka Lakes really is the land of recreation and opportunity, attracting a growing level of day and overnight visitors, cottagers and permanent residents. Muskoka resorts are iconic, focusing on our traditional social and recreational heritage while offering full luxury services and amenities. There is a very entrepreneurial focus to our business development initiatives, continually adding diverse employment and dimension to our communities.

We look forward to helping you have an incredible Muskoka experience. Please contact us if there is any further information or assistance that you require.

Sincerely,

Alice Murphy, Mayor Township of Muskoka Lakes 3 COMMUNITY PROFILE 2011

CONTACT INFORMATION

TOWNSHIP OF MUSKOKA LAKES Mayor Alice Murphy Walt. Schmid, CAO Stephen Rettie, Treasurer

1 Bailey Street PO Box 129 Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0 Phone: (705) 765-3156 Fax: (705) 765-6755

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:15am - 4:00pm

Website: www. muskokalakes.ca Email: [email protected]

DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY OF MUSKOKA John Klinck, Chair Mr. Jim Green, CAO

70 Pine Street Bracebridge, ON P1L 1N3 Phone: (705) 645-2231 1-800-461-4210 *within 705 area code only Administration Fax: (705) 645-5319 Planning Fax: (705) 646-2207 Public Works Fax: (705) 645-7599

Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm (Labour Day to Victoria Day) Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm (Summer Hours)

Website: www.muskoka.on.ca Email: [email protected]

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FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATIVES

The Honourable Tony Clement, MP Parry Sound-Muskoka Constituency Office 2-202 Main Street West Huntsville, ON P1H 1X9

Tel: (705) 789-4640 Fax: (705) 789-8857

E-Mail: [email protected]

Norm Miller, MPP Parry Sound-Muskoka Constituency Office 165 Manitoba Street, Unit 1 Bracebridge, ON P1L 1S3

Tel: (705) 645-8538 (888) 267-4826 Fax: (705) 645-8148

Email: [email protected]

TOWNSHIP STRUCTURE

The District Municipality of Muskoka was established January 1, 1971 and is comprised of six area municipalities; the Town of Gravenhurst, the Town of Bracebridge, the Town of Huntsville, the Township of Lake of Bays, the Township of and the Township of Muskoka Lakes. The District Municipality of Muskoka represents the upper tier in a two- tiered government system. The District is responsible for regional matters. The six area municipalities represent the lower tiers and are responsible for issues relating to their jurisdiction.

The Township of Muskoka Lakes has one mayor, and nine municipal councillors. Township Council is comprised of the Mayor plus 3 elected members from each respective ward; A, B & C. The Mayor and one Councillor from each ward also sit on District Council. Township Council is elected and serves a four-year term.

TOWNSHIP HISTORY

The Township of Muskoka Lakes was established in 1971 and is an amalgamation of several former municipalities including the Township of Cardwell, the Township of Watt, the United Townships of Medora and Wood, the Town of Bala, the Village of Port Carling, the Village of Windermere and a portion of the former Township of Monck.

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TOWNSHIP GEOGRAPHY

The Township of Muskoka Lakes is situated at the southern tip of the Canadian Shield. The craggy cliffs that rise above lakes and roadways date back to the days when life first began on this planet. About two million years ago, this section of the Shield was covered by a series of glaciers, which carved out the numerous lakes that define the municipality today.

The Township of Muskoka Lakes encompasses a large geographic area around Lakes Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph. Within the 781.6 sq kilometres lie 80 lakes. The natural beauty of the shorelines and the abundance of wildlife make Muskoka Lakes a pre-eminent tourism destination. While the Canadian Shield is a challenge to farmers, pockets of tillable land support a thriving local agricultural community.

Whether you prefer small communities, rural areas, country settings or spectacular waterfront properties, the Township of Muskoka Lakes has it all. The municipality has encouraged positive growth, while at the same time protecting the historic significance, character and natural beauty of the area. The communities of Bala and Port Carling are the largest urban centres. Bala is located at the confluence of and the . Port Carling is situated between Lakes Rosseau and Muskoka.

Depending where you live in the Township of Muskoka Lakes you will find yourself relatively close to towns such as Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville and Parry Sound. The city of Barrie is about an hour’s drive away, while North Bay, Sudbury and Toronto are easily accessible in about a two hours drive.

MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Walt Schmid

TREASURER Stephen Rettie, CA

CLERK Cheryl Mortimer, AMCT

PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT Leonard Troup, AMCT, CRS. (S), CMM

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COORDINATOR Neil Donald, CBCO

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING Stephen Fahner, BA (Hon), AMCT, CMM III MCIP, RPP

FIRE CHIEF Richard Hayes

MANAGER OF PARKS, RECREATION Lise Saumur AND FACILITIES

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MUNICIPAL REPRESENTATIVES

Alice Murphy Box 222 MAYOR (705) 762-0775 (home) Bala, ON Mayor [email protected] (705) 765-3156 (work) P0C 1A0 2381 Musk Rd 169 District & Ruth Nishikawa Torrance, ON Township [email protected] (705) 762-0622 P0C 1M0 Councillor Brad Burgess Box 645 (705) 762-1925 (h) Township Ward A Bala, ON (705) 762-4422 (b) Councillor [email protected] P0C 1A0 (705) 762-4322* Bob McTavish Box 651 Township (705) 762-0526 Bala, ON [email protected] Councillor (705) 762-2787* P0C 1A0 Box 128 District & Allen Edwards Windermere, ON Township [email protected] (705) 769-2214 P0B 1P0 Councillor 1208 Beaumaris Donald Furniss Rd Township Ward B (705) 764-1757 (h) RR #1 [email protected] Councillor (705) 645-1516 (b) Utterson, ON P1L 1W8 Box 173 Gault McTaggart Township Windermere, ON [email protected] (705) 769-1180 Councillor P0B 1P0 Phil Harding 1003 Ranwood Rd District & (705) 706-5495 Port Carling, ON Township [email protected] (647) 402-6678 P0B 1J0 Councillor Jean-Ann Baranik Box 445 (705) 765-6221 (h) Township [email protected] Ward C Port Carling, ON (705)765-1162 (b) Councillor P0B 1J0 (705) 765-5290* PO Box 447 Ron Brent Township Bala, ON [email protected] (705) 644-7040 (cell) Councillor P0C 1A0

* Fax Numbers 7 COMMUNITY PROFILE 2011

AREA AND POPULATION

Area of Municipalities The Township of Muskoka Lakes has the largest land area 18.40% of the six 13.50% 17.50% municipalities within the District of Muskoka at 781.55 sq. kilometres – 20.4% of 14.00% 20.40% the entire area of the 16.10% District of Muskoka. The Township’s boundaries stretch Bracebridge Georgian Bay Gravenhurst from the Severn River Huntsville Lake of Bays Muskoka Lakes in the south to the Huntsville border in Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2006 the north.

Currently the POPULATION Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2006 Township of www.statcan.ca ‐ October 27, 2008 Muskoka Lakes and District Municipality of Muskoka, has a population 2004 Second Home Study www.muskoka.on.ca density of 8.3 people per square kilometre. The Township of 35000 Muskoka Lakes 30000 25000 People 6227 experiences an 20000 7065 24946 of 10930 increase in 15000 15652 14684 18280 11439 poopulation six 10000 11046 5000 2340 3570 6467 times over during Number 0 the summer months. This is the largest population increase in the District of Permanent Population Seasonal Population Muskoka.

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HISTORICAL MUSKOKA LAKES POPULATION Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2006 www.statcan.ca ‐ October 27, 2008 The permanent 7000 population of the 6000 Township of Muskoka 6467 5000 6061 6042 Lakes is expected to 5498 4000 4950 PEOPLE increase steadily as more seasonal users convert to 3000 2000

permanent residents TOTAL 1000 0 1986 19911996 2001 2006 YEARS

POPULATION BY AGE Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2006 www.statcan.ca ‐ October 27, 2008 The trend of ‘youth- out-migration’ 700 continues. Young 600 people in their late teens and early 500 twenties move away 400 from the Muskoka People

300 Lakes area (usually

Total for schooling or work 200 reasons) and return to 100 the area in their late twenties and early 0 thirties to raise their Age 0‐ Age 5‐ Age Age Age Age Age Age Age Over families. 4 14 15‐19 20‐24 25‐44 45‐54 55‐64 65‐75 75‐84 85

Females Males

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DEMOGRAPHICS

The Sales & Service and Trades, Transport, Equipment Operators & Related occupations dominate the workforce in the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

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INDUSTRY BY SECTOR Within the Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2006 Township of www.statscan.ca ‐ October 27, 2008 Muskoka Lakes 900 800 the Service 700 600 sector and the 500 Manufacturing 400 300 & Construction 200 sector are the 100 0

leading &

ng i

Industries. Real

Social Other

&

/

Services actur

fi f Retail Services Estate Agriculture Services Educational Wholesale Construction Health Finance Manu

Business

The 2006 total unemployment rate for the Township of Muskoka Lakes was 3.6%.

61.5% of the unemployed labour force are women.

38.5% of the unemployed labour force are male.

11 COMMUNITY PROFILE 2011

TOWNSHIP SERVICES

Arenas

¾ Bala Sports Centre , 1009 Maple Avenue ¾ Port Carling Arena , 3 Bailey Street, Unit 2

Banks

¾ Scotiabank (Port Carling) ¾ TD Canada Trust (Bala)

Several other financial institutions are found in the surrounding urban centres.

Community Centres

¾ Bala Community Centre 1008 Maple Street, Bala ¾ Cardwell Community Centre 1448 Hekkla Road ¾ Foot’s Bay Community Centre 1006 Buckeye Road ¾ Glen Orchard Community Centre 3951 Muskoka Road169, Unit 3 ¾ Milford Bay Community Centre 1020 Beaumaris Road ¾ Peninsula Recreation Centre 1131 Juddhaven Road ¾ Port Carling Memorial Community Centre 3 Bailey Street Unit 1 ¾ Raymond Community Centre 2013 Highway 141 ¾ Torrance Community Centre 1030 Torrance Road ¾ Ullswater Community Hall 1503 Old Parry Sound Road ¾ Walker’s Point Community Centre 1074 Walker’s Point Road ¾ Windermere Community Centre 2416 Windermere Road

Information Centres

¾ Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce 3181 Muskoka Road 169 P.O. Box 536 Bala, ON P0C 1A0 Tel: (705) 762-5663

¾ Duke House Visitor Information Centre (May to October) 90 Joseph Street Port Carling ON Tel: (705) 765-0714 Offseason Tel: (705) 765-3156

*Tourist Information during the off season is available at both the Township of Muskoka Lakes Municipal Office and the Norma & Miller Alloway Muskoka Lakes Library in Port Carling.

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Libraries

Main Branch – Port Carling

Norma and Miller Alloway Muskoka Lakes Library 69 Joseph Street Website: www.muskoka.com/library Tel: (705) 765-5650 Fax: (705) 765-0422 Email: [email protected]

Branch Libraries

Bala Milford Bay 1008 Maple Street 1020 Beaumaris Road Tel: (705) 762-1086 Tel: (705) 764-0283 Web: [email protected] Web: [email protected]

Walker’s Point 1074 Walker’s Point Tel: (705) 687-9965 Web: [email protected]

Municipal Docks and Marine Facilities

Lake Public Launching Lakes Parking Access Docks Ramps Points Lake Muskoka 14 7 7 4 4 2 0 0 8 2 2 1 Skeleton Lake 3 1 1 0 Three Mile Lake 1 1 0 0 Leonard Lake 1 1 1 0 Nine Mile Lake 1 1 1 0 Brandy Lake 1 1 1 0 High Lake 1 1 1 0 Long Lake 1 1 1 0 Moon River 2 1 0 0

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Museums

Muskoka Lakes Museum Bala’s Museum 100 Joseph Street, PO Box 432 1024 Maple Avenue, PO Box 14 Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0 Bala, ON, P0C 1A0 Tel: (705) 765-5367 Tel: (705) 762-5876 1-888-579-7739 Parks and Beaches

The Township of Muskoka Lakes has a number of well-loved parks and beaches to suit all needs. From playgrounds and beaches, to pavilions, soccer and baseball, our well-kept facilities are a must see. You can sit and enjoy the renowned waters of the many lakes or you can overlook the picturesque Bala Falls.

We have 16 parks with picnic tables, most of which have public washroom facilities. Jaspen Park in Bala and Hanna Park in Port Carling have pavilions, which are well utilized for family and community functions. Ten of these sites have beautiful beach areas. Four have children’s playgrounds including the famous Muskoka Adventure Playground at Hanna Park, Port Carling.

Port Carling Locks and Port Sandfield Swing Bridge

In 1871 the construction of a lock at Port Carling and canal at Port Sandfield created a unique navigation corridor that allowed boats to travel from Lake Muskoka to Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph. In the early days of settlement, the movement of goods and people was accomplished via steamboat. The ships of the Muskoka fleet still travel from Gravenhurst to the upper lakes to this day. Website for Steamboats: www.muskokasteamships.com.

The Port Carling locks are the connecting link between Lake Muskoka and Lake Rosseau via the . The small and large locks and lift bridge operate seasonally from spring to fall. The Port Sandfield swing bridge lies at the narrows between Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph. User fees support the maintenance of these facilities, which are operated by the District Municipality of Muskoka.

TOTAL BOAT PASSAGES 15000 The large and small locks in Port Carling 10000 are used by

PASSAGES thousands of 5000 boaters during the

TOTAL 0 late spring, summer and early fall. 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 YEARS

District Municipality of Muskoka - Total Passages Summary – January 2010 14 COMMUNITY PROFILE 2011

Post Offices

Post offices within the Township of Muskoka Lakes include; Bala, Milford Bay, Minett, Port Carling, and Windermere. The Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Rosseau, Mactier and Utterson offices serve some Muskoka Lakes residents, although the post offices are not within the Township.

Public/Private Golf Courses

¾ Beaver Run Golf Course – Semi-Pvt Bala ¾ Beaumaris Yacht Club – Semi-Pvt Beaumaris ¾ Maple Hills Golf Course - Public Minett ¾ Diamond in the Ruff - Public Raymond ¾ Kirrie Glen Golf Club - Public Muskoka Road 118 W of Bracebridge ¾ Milford Manor Golf Course - Public Milford Bay ¾ Windermere Golf and Country Club – Semi-Pvt Windermere ¾ Muskoka Woodlands - Public Foot’s Bay ¾ The Rock Golf Course - Public Minett ¾ Lake Joseph Club - Private Port Sandfield ¾ Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club - Private Port Carling ¾ Oviinbyrd Golf Course – Private Foots Bay ¾ Port Carling Golf and Country Club - Private Port Carling

Public Tennis Courts

¾ Milford Bay Community Centre ¾ Walker’s Point Community Centre

Sports Fields

¾ Milford Bay Community Centre – 1020 Beaumaris Road ¾ Port Carling Lions Club Ball Diamond – 1090 Ferndale Road ¾ Torrance Ball Diamond – 2677 Muskoka Road #169 ¾ Township of Muskoka Lakes Sports Park (Soccer Fields, Skateboard Park) - 3224 Muskoka Road 169, Bala Trails

RECREATIONAL TRAILS - Hike, bike, walk or run as you discover the Muskoka Lakes trails that are easily accessed and maintained by our Recreational Trails Committee.

Trails include: Hardy Lake Provincial Park, Hazlewood Trail, Huckleberry Rock Trail, Raymond Trail, Skeleton Lake Fish Hatchery Trail and the Torrance Barrens Trail. The Torrance Barrens is the first Dark Sky Reserve in Ontario. Brochures are available at the Township office in Port Carling. There are also a number of privately maintained trails within the Township.

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS - Endless snowmobile trails run throughout the Township of Muskoka Lakes, connecting the surrounding areas of Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, and Parry Sound. The Muskoka Lakes Snow Trails Association (MLSTA) maintains most of 15 COMMUNITY PROFILE 2011

the snowmobile trails within the Township of Muskoka Lakes. Other clubs responsible for trails in the Township include the Muskoka Sno-Bombers, Snowcrest Riders and the Parry Sounds Snowmobile District. The MLSTA is one branch of the Muskoka Snowmobile Region. Website: www.msrsnowtrails.com

MARINE INFORMATION

EMERGENCY (Dispatch) O.P.P. MARINE UNIT 1-800-461-4455 Jack McIrvine (Bracebridge) (705) 646-0763 POWER SQUADRON Hank Smith (Gravenhurst) (705) 687-3892 COAST GUARD Parry Sound, Ontario (705) 746-2196 BOAT LICENCE Service Canada, 2nd Floor, 98 & REGISTRATION Manitoba St., Bracebridge (705) 645-2204 (above Canada Post Office) LOCK OPERATING HOURS Port Carling Locks (705) 765-3761

PLACES OF WORSHIP

Anglican Churches

* Trinity St. Alban’s (Bala) * St. John’s (Beaumaris Island) Year Round Seasonal * Christ Church (Minett) * St. James' Anglican (Mortimer’s Point) Seasonal Seasonal * St. James' Anglican (Port Carling) * St. George Anglican (Port Sandfield) Year Round Seasonal * St. Mark' s (Milford Bay) * St. Thomas Church (Ullswater) Seasonal Year Round * Christ Church (Windermere) Year Round

Congregational Churches

* First Muskoka Congregational Christian Church (Glen Orchard) Year Round

Community Churches (non-denominational)

* Glenwood Chapel (Glen Orchard) * Lakeside Church (Walker’s Point) Year Round Year Round * Bannockburn Community Church (Acton Island Road) Seasonal * Lake Joseph (Gregory, Minett) * Kettles Church (Mortimers Point) Seasonal Seasonal

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Presbyterian Church

* Zion Presbyterian (Torrance) * Knox Presbyterian (Port Carling) Year Round Year Round

Roman Catholic Church

* St. Anne's (Fenn’s Point,Whiteside) * St. John's the Baptist (Minett) Seasonal Year Round

United Churches of Canada

* Bala United Church (Bala) * Windermere United (Windermere) Year Round Year Round * Foot’s Bay United (Foot’s Bay) * Utterson United (Utterson) Seasonal Year Round * Port Carling United (Port Carling) Year Round

MUNICIPAL CEMETERIES

CEMETERY ADDRESS

** Doherty Cemetery 1450 Doherty Road Foot’s Bay Cemetery 1036 United Church Road Glen Orchard Cemetery 1017 West Whites Road Milford Bay Cemetery 1000 Old Lakeshore Road * Morinus Cemetery 1227 Morinus Road * Port Carling Cemetery 46 Joseph Street Torrance Cemetery 1026 East Bay Road Ufford Cemetery 1450 Doherty Road ** Ufford United Cemetery 1570 Windermere Road ** Ufford Anglican Cemetery 1520 Windermere Road Ullswater Cemetery 1289 Old Parry Sound Road Ziska Cemetery 1139 Ziska Road

*Within the Port Carling and Morinus Cemeteries, all lots have been sold; however, burials are still carried out. **Ufford United, Ufford Anglican and Doherty Cemeteries are closed.

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EMERGENCY SERVICES

911 911 emergency service is available in the Township of Muskoka Lakes for police, fire and ambulance. The District of Muskoka implemented the 911 system in 1997 and it has proven to be very successful.

Police OPP – The Township of Muskoka Lakes has a community-based police office in Port Carling and a satellite detachment office in Bala. For non-emergency police calls telephone 1-888-310-1122.

OPP detachment stations are located in Huntsville and Bracebridge. OPP Headquarters are located in , just south of the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

MUSKOKA WATCH – Muskoka Watch is a community/OPP initiative for crime prevention. Muskoka Watch helps ensure safety by reporting crimes, impaired/dangerous drivers, snowmobile/watercraft incidents and suspicious persons or vehicles.

CRIME STOPPERS – Crime Stoppers is an anonymous service available to provide information regarding crimes. Call 1-800-222-TIPS or 1-800-222-8477.

Fire The Township of Muskoka Lakes’ Fire Department is on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergency situations. The Fire Department consists of one full time fire chief, one full time assistant chief, seven district chiefs and 165-185 part-time firefighters (depending on the season). There are 10 fully equipped fire stations located throughout the Township of Muskoka Lakes. The fire chief and fire fighters are well trained in medical first response, auto extrication and water, ice and winter rescue.

There are 10 fire stations located within the Township of Muskoka Lakes:

¾ Bala 1015 Grey Street ¾ Foot’s Bay 1006 Buckeye Road ¾ Glen Orchard 3951 Muskoka Road 169 – Unit 2 ¾ Milford Bay 1229 Milford Bay Road ¾ Minett 1131 Juddhaven Road ¾ Port Carling 1 Lee Valley Drive ¾ Raymond 1002 Spring Street ¾ Torrance 1030 Torrance Road ¾ Walker’s Point 1074 Walker’s Point Road ¾ Windermere 2201 Windermere Road

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TOTAL EMERGENCY CALLS

Source: Township Fire Department ‐ January 2010 The majority of calls the Fire Department 600 responds to are medical 500 emergencies, brush 400 fires, and storm events. 300 200 100 0

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Ambulance

The District Municipality of Muskoka is responsible for all land ambulance services. On January 1, 2009, Medavie EMS Inc. officially assumed the management of land ambulance operations within the District Municipality of Muskoka. One of the satellite ambulance stations is located in Port Carling.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Hospitals *Indicates hospitals within the District Municipality of Muskoka

BRACEBRIDGE * South Muskoka Memorial Hospital…………………….……..(705) 645-4400 75 Ann Street Bracebridge, ON, P1L 2E4

HUNTSVILLE * Huntsville District Memorial Hospital..……………………….(705) 789-2311 100 Frank Miller Drive Huntsville, ON, P1H 1H7

ORILLIA Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital………………………….....(705) 325-2201 170 Colborne Street West Orillia, ON, L3V 2Z3

PARRY SOUND West Parry Sound Health Centre……………………………..(705) 746-9321 6 Albert Street Parry Sound, ON, P2A 3A4

ROYAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL 201 Georgian Drive Barrie, ON, L4M 6M2 …………………………………………..(705) 728-9802

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Doctors

There are two family medical clinics presently operating within the Township of Muskoka Lakes, one in Bala and one in Port Carling.

Retirement and Nursing Homes

Bracebridge

- Bracebridge Villa – Capacity 95 - James Street Place – Capacity 73 - Pines Long Term Care Residents (owned and operated by the District Municipality of Muskoka) – Capacity 160

Gravenhurst

- Gravenhurst Manor – Capacity 50 - Leisureworld Caregiving Centre - Muskoka – Capacity 180 - PineRidge Retirement Community

Huntsville

- Country Moments Retirement Home – Capacity 10 - Fairvern Nursing Home – Capacity 76 - Muskoka Haven Rest Home – Capacity 10 - Muskoka Landing – Capacity 94 - Roger’s Cove – Capacity 60

TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENTS

Development Services Department

The Development Services Department is diverse in its workload and substantially busier during the summer months. Development Services administers the Ontario Building Code, by- law enforcement, and the municipal buildings. They issue numerous building permits annually and carry out all necessary inspections required.

BUILDING PERMIT STATISTICS Source: Township Building Department

1367 1172

1168 967 1121 1098 951 1000 1063 951 940

20 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 COMMUNITY PROFILE 2011

TOTAL BUILDING PERMIT VALUES Source: Township Building Department 16000000 14000000 12000000 10000000 Dollars 80000000 in

60000000 Value 40000000 20000000 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

The total value of construction has increased dramatically since the mid-1990’s.

Clerk’s Office

The Clerk’s Office provides support and guidance to Township Council and Committees of the Township of Muskoka Lakes. The Clerk’s Office is also responsible for the administration of many facets of the municipal operation from cemeteries, lottery licenses, by-laws and road closings to reports, agendas and minutes. This department prepares policies, maintains municipal records and vital statistics as well as dealing with personnel matters, overseeing the purchase or sale or municipal property and organizing municipal elections.

Public Works

The Public Works Department is responsible for township roads, bridges and culverts, roadside maintenance, hard and loose top maintenance, winter control, safety devices (signs and barriers) equipment, street lighting, parks and cemeteries. Waste management is the responsibility of the District Public Works Department.

Treasury Division

The Treasury Division maintains over 13,000 property tax accounts, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, general ledger, issues receipts and tax certificates, processes tax adjustments, records daily cash flow and bank deposits, and maintains budgets for all municipal departments and programs. Municipalities set tax rates depending on how much money they require to provide local services such as; fire fighting, roads maintenance, maintenance of parks and recreation centres and snow removal.

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Ontario has an 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and a 5% Government Sales Tax (GST). Special taxes may also apply on food and liquor in restaurants and room tax for accommodations.

Assessed land values in 2010 for the Township of Muskoka Lakes are as follows:

Payment in Lieu $19,525,085 Exempt $94,158,667 Commercial $212,682,329 Industrial $2,063,060 Residential and Farm $7,342,261,104 Managed Forest $21,307,934 Farmlands $4,236,877

Total $7,696,235,056

Planning

The Planning Department provides various planning services for the Township under the Planning Act, making recommendations to Council and following up on development. The Planning Department controls: site plan agreements, severances, deeming by-laws, pits and quarries applications, zoning inquiries and municipal record searches.

Bala and Port Carling are the two larger communities within the Township of Muskoka Lakes. The main streets of both towns are zoned core commercial, with residential lands surrounding. Most of the land zoned between these two towns is designated highway commercial. There are very few portions of land zoned industrial within the Township. Most of the waterfront is zoned residential or commercial.

Economic Development

The CAO is the acting Economic Development Officer for the Township. Economic development matters are brought forth to the Committee of the Whole. The Township’s economic development goals are to work on projects and initiatives that enhance the economic strength of the Township of Muskoka Lakes. The Township’s Economic Development Strategy was completed in January 2008 as a result of a Business Retention and Expansion project and includes many goals and objectives included in the Township’s Strategic Plan.

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GARBAGE AND RECYCLING

The District Municipality of Muskoka is responsible for waste management in the Township of Muskoka Lakes including the collection, diversion and disposal of solid waste. The Eveleigh Road Waste Transfer Station is located in the Township, off Muskoka Road 118, West of Port Carling.

Summer Hours: (Victoria Day to last Sunday in September) Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

Winter Hours: (Balance of the year) Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Saturday – 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Sunday – noon – 4:00 pm

The Eveleigh Road Transfer Station is closed at all other times not stated, including the following statutory holidays: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday. For more information on Garbage, Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste you can contact the District Municipality of Muskoka, Public Works office at (705) 645-6764 or contact the Eveleigh Road Transfer Station at (705) 765-5955.

SANITARY SEWAGE AND WATER TREATMENT

The District Municipality of Muskoka is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all municipal water and sewage works in Muskoka including Muskoka Lakes. There are two sewage treatment plants in the Township, one located in Port Carling, the other in Bala. Currently the plants run at approximately 1/3 capacity for the majority of the year and at approximately ½ capacity during the summer months. Daily and bi-weekly water tests ensure that water quality is up to health standards.

A new water treatment plant has just been built in Port Carling, which is similar to the modern treatment plant in Bala. The conventional water treatment operation includes flocculation, sedimentation and filtration. Capacity for both plants takes into consideration population projections for the future. These facilities comply with the requirements of Ontario’s Drinking Water Protection Regulation.

WATER TESTING - For more details regarding water testing please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at (705) 705-684-9090.

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TRANSPORTATION

Roads

Muskoka Lakes Township is accessed by three major highways: Highway 11, which runs through the centre of the District of Muskoka, Highway 69, which runs through the western portion of Muskoka, and Highway 141, which connects Port Sydney with Rosseau via the community of Raymond. Major roads within the Township of Muskoka Lakes include Muskoka Road 118 connecting Bracebridge to Port Carling, and Muskoka Road 169 connecting Gravenhurst to Bala. Roadways within the municipality are scenic and well maintained. To preserve the natural (scenic) heritage of our major roads, the Township’s Official Plan designates Scenic Corridors. Also, the recently established Frank Miller Memorial Route utilizes District roads to create a circle tour around Lake Muskoka.

Air

The Muskoka Airport is located on Highway 11 between Gravenhurst and Bracebridge and is operated by the District of Muskoka. This airport is situated on 558 acres and has the largest runway length between Toronto and North Bay. The Muskoka Airport features:

¾ Illuminated 6,000 ft. paved runway ¾ 2,180 ft. turf runway ¾ Passenger and freight charter services ¾ Aircraft re-fuelling and re-finishing ¾ Aircraft parking – inside and outside ¾ Vehicle parking ¾ A non-directional beacon 24 hours

The Muskoka Airport is able to accommodate a Boeing 737 and if necessary an Airbus 320. For service and information contact (705) 687-2194, or for more information on flight planning call 1-800-463-6377.

Pearson International Airport, Toronto, is located approximately 2 hours drive time south of the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

Water

The Township of Muskoka Lakes encompasses three of the largest lakes in Muskoka: Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph. Public landings on lakes allow people to launch their boats and enjoy the water. Boaters are able to travel between these lakes by using the public locks. Lake Muskoka and Lake Rosseau meet in Port Carling. Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph meet in Port Sandfield.

There are numerous smaller lakes in the Township including Skeleton Lake, Nine Mile Lake, Three Mile Lake, Clear Lake, Medora Lake and Brandy Lake along with many others. There is also the Joseph River, the Indian River, the Moon River and the Severn River.

24 COMMUNITY PROFILE 2011

Bus Lines

Hammond Transportation Ltd.

Hammond Transportation is located in Bracebridge Tel: (705) 645-5431 Website: www.hammondtransportation.com

Ontario Northland Bus Service

Ontario Northland operates bus service at Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Huntsville. Tel: 1-800-461-8558. Website: www.webusit.com

Penetang-Midland Coach Lines Limited

Penetang-Midland Coach Lines Limited operates bus service at Milford Bay Tel: 1-800-661-8747 Website: www.greyhound.ca

Taxi Service

To Your Door DD and Delivery Tel: (705) 205-9733

There are also several taxi services within the surrounding urban areas.

Rail

PASSENGER – Ontario Northland Rail passenger service stops in Gravenhurst and Huntsville. Tel: 1-800-461-8558 Website: www.ontarionorthland.ca

FREIGHT – Freight services are provided through national operators.

EDUCATION

Trillium Lakelands District School Board - English Public

The Trillium Lakelands District School Board was formed in 1998 after the amalgamation of the Victoria County Board of Education, the Muskoka Board of Education, and the Haliburton County Board of Education. This school board covers a large geographical area within Central Ontario.

Bracebridge Board Office Tel (705) 645-8704 Toll free 1-888-719-9030 76 Pine Street Bracebridge, ON, P1L 1N4

School Board Trustee: Tony Armstrong 25 COMMUNITY PROFILE 2011

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

There are two public elementary schools within the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Watt Public School and Glen Orchard Public School. Both schools have students enrolled for primary, junior and intermediate grades.

Watt Public School Phone: (705) 769-3643 Fax: (705) 769-3762 2794 Hwy 141 , Ullswater RR #1, Utterson, ON, P0B 1M0

Watt Public School is located in Ullswater, along Highway 141. There are approximately 180 students enrolled. The motto at Watt Public School is “Be the Best You Can Be!”

Glen Orchard Public School RR #3, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0 (705) 765-3144 (705) 765-5706

Glen Orchard Public School is located between Bala and Port Carling along Muskoka Road 169. There are 350 students enrolled here and range from primary, junior and intermediate grades.

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

There are no secondary schools within the Township of Muskoka Lakes, however there are several within the District Municipality of Muskoka.

Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School 100 Clearbrook Trail Bracebridge, ON, P1L 2E9 Tel (705) 645-4496 Fax: (705) 645-2552

Gravenhurst High School 325 Mary Street South Gravenhurst, ON, P1L 1X7 Tel (705) 687-2283 Fax (705) 687-4132

26 COMMUNITY PROFILE 2011

Huntsville High School 58 Brunel Road Huntsville, ON, P1H 2A2 Tel (705) 789-5594 Fax (705) 789-2269

Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (Ward 4) – English Separate

46 Alliance Blvd. Barrie, ON, L4M 5K3 Tel (705) 722-3559 Fax (705) 722-6534

Schoolboard Trustee: Rick Maloney

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Monsignor Michael O’Leary School Saint Mary’s 2 Tamarack Trail 36 Silverwood Drive Bracebridge, ON, P1L 1Z2 Huntsville, ON, P1H 1N1 Tel: (705) 645-8759 Tel: (705) 789-6481 Fax: (705) 645-8585 Fax: (705) 789-0054

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

St. Dominic’s Catholic Secondary School 955 Cedar Lane Bracebridge, ON, P1L 0A1 Tel: (705) 646-8772 Fax: (705) 646-7613

Conseil Scolaire Public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario (Zone A) – French Public

PO Box 3600 310 Algonquin Avenue North Bay, ON, P1B 9T5 Tel (705) 472-3443 Fax (705) 472-5757

Schoolboard Trustee: Michel Faucon

Conseil Scolaire de District Catholique Centre – Sud (Ward 64) - French Separate

110 Drewry Avenue Toronto, ON, M2M 1C8 Tel (416) 397-6564 Toll Free 1-800-274-3764 Fax (416) 397-6576

Schoolboard Trustee: Cindy Labas

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Post Secondary Education

There are no post secondary education institutions within the Township of Muskoka Lakes, however, there are universities and colleges within a few hours radius of the Township. Nipissing University and Georgian College offer courses at satellite-campus locations in Bracebridge.

WEATHER

The Weather Network Source: www.theweathernetwork.com Muskoka Statistics January 2010

District of Muskoka - Temperature by Month DAILY MAX. DAILY MIN. MONTH MEAN TEMPERATURE TEMPERATURE January -4 -15 -10 February -3 -15 -9 March 2 -8 -3 April 10 -1 4 May 18 4 11 June 22 9 16 July 25 12 19 August 24 11 17 September 19 7 13 October 13 2 7 November 5 -2 1 December -1 -11 -6

*Temperatures are in degrees Celsius

District of Muskoka - Precipitation by Month

SNOW COVER MONTH RAIN (mm) SNOW (cm) TOTAL (mm) (cm) January 15 86 88 46 February 17 53 63 46 March 34 38 70 12 April 59 14 73 0 May 82 3 85 0 June 85 0 85 0 July 77 0 77 0 August 92 0 92 0 September 109 0 109 0 October 93 4 97 0 November 72 43 111 10 December 33 85 107 31

28 COMMUNITY PROFILE 2011

COMMUNICATIONS

AREA NEWSPAPERS

The Bracebridge Examiner The Muskokan Cottage Times The Gravenhurst Banner The Muskoka Sun The Beacon Star The Weekender Muskoka Today News North Country Business Huntsville Forrester Muskoka Magazine The Parry Sound North Star

RADIO STATIONS

Moose 100.9 FM Bracebridge Moose 103.3 FM Parry Sound Moose 105.5 Huntsville Kool 107.5 FM Barrie Rock 95.7 FM Barrie Chay FM 93.1 Barrie Life 98.9 FM Huntsville Life 100.3 FM Barrie CBC Radio One 99.1 FM CBC Radio Two 94.1 FM B101 101.3 Barrie

TELEPHONE

Local telephone companies will have information on residential, commercial and industrial service rates.

As of 2010 10-Digit dialling in is effect. You must dial (705) to connect local calls.

HIGH SPEED INTERNET

Depending on your location, high speed Internet service may be available to you. To confirm if high-speed Internet access is available in your area, and for cost information, please call a local Internet service provider.

Wireless high speed is available in most parts of the populated areas of the Township. A new tower was erected in Bass Lake and the Township completed the purchase of the Ministry of Transportation tower in Torrance, for which Core Broadband is our tenant.

SATELLITE PROVIDERS

Satellite Services are available to residents within the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

TELEVISION

Cable TV is available within certain areas of the Township of Muskoka Lakes, including Port Carling and Bala.

The Township of Muskoka Lakes is included in the coverage areas of:

A-Channel News 1-800-461-5820 MCTV – North Bay 1-705-476-3111

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TOWNSHIP OF MUSKOKA LAKES

DistrictDistrictDistrict of ofof Parry ParryParry Sound SoundSound

TownTownTown of of of Huntsville Huntsville Huntsville TownTownTown of of of Huntsville Huntsville Huntsville

3

SKELETONSKELETONSKELETON LAKE LAKELAKE WARDWARD BB

TownTownTown of of of Huntsville Huntsville Huntsville TownTownTown of of of Huntsville Huntsville Huntsville 141

24 35 DistrictDistrictDistrict of ofof Parry ParryParry Sound SoundSound THREETHREETHREE MILEMILEMILE LAKE LAKELAKE 4 MILEMILEMILE LAKE LAKELAKE 4 LAKELAKELAKE ROSSEAU ROSSEAUROSSEAU LAKELAKELAKE ROSSEAU ROSSEAUROSSEAU WindermereWindermere

LAKELAKELAKE JOSEPH JOSEPH JOSEPH

TownTownTown of of of Bracebridge Bracebridge Bracebridge 4 25 TownTownTown of of of Bracebridge Bracebridge Bracebridge

WARDWARD CC TownshipTownshipTownship of of of Georgian Georgian Georgian Bay Bay Bay TownshipTownshipTownship of of of Georgian Georgian Georgian Bay Bay Bay 47 PORTPORT 118 CARLINGCARLING

MilfordMilford Bay Bay

LAKELAKELAKE MUSKOKA MUSKOKA MUSKOKA

BALABALA

TorranceTorranceTorrance

WARDWARD AA 13 TownshipTownshipTownship of of of Georgian Georgian Georgian Bay Bay Bay AA TownshipTownshipTownship of of of Georgian Georgian Georgian Bay Bay Bay

TownTownTown of of Gravenhurstof Gravenhurst Gravenhurst TownTownTown of of Gravenhurstof Gravenhurst Gravenhurst TownTownTown of of Gravenhurstof Gravenhurst Gravenhurst

Produced by the Township of Muskoka Lakes under licence from Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Copyright (c) Queens Printer 2002

The information on this map is supplied without expressed or implied warranty of any kind, including any warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. LEGEND

In no event will the Township of Muskoka Lakes or the District Municipality DISTRICT ROAD of Muskoka be liable for any damages whether incidental, consequential or direct in conjunction with, or arising from the furnishing or use of this information. KING'S HIGHWAY COMMUNITIES MUSKOKA LAKES BOUNDARY WARD BOUNDARY

Oct. 2002