Community Profile, the District of Muskoka Has Demographic and Economic Profiles Available
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The District of Muskoka Source: District of Muskoka Planning Staff Community In addition to a Community Profile, The District of Muskoka has Demographic and Economic Profiles available Profile September 2011 The District of Muskoka Profiles In addition to a Community Profile, the District of Muskoka has Demographic and Economic Profiles available through the Planning and Economic Development Department. Please feel free to contact us should you require either of the additional profiles. Source: District of Muskoka Planning staff The District Municipality of Muskoka Planning and Economic Development Department 70 Pine Street Bracebridge, ON P1L 1N3 Tel: 705-645-2231 Fax: 705-646-2207 www.muskoka.on.ca [email protected] Message from the District Chair Welcome to Muskoka. Chances are this isn’t your first time visiting our beautiful part of the province. In fact, many who come here are drawn back, year after year, because of the breathtaking landscape and exciting experiences Muskoka has to offer. Now, imagine you lived here year round. Muskoka’s vibrant communities, natural environment and cultural amenities would be at your doorstep. From picturesque countryside and waterfront retreats, to the bustle of quaint downtown streets, to a thriving arts and culture scene, Muskoka has something for everyone. Whether you are looking to establish a business here or looking to move here year round, there are many reasons to choose Muskoka for your home or business. We hope that after you have read the following pages, your choice will be made a little easier. There is a wide range of employment, business, and lifestyle options for you to consider. The appeal of Muskoka’s lifestyle combined with our range of employment opportunities sets this area apart. Our healthy natural environment is something that we pride ourselves on, and we are working hard to maintain a balance between growing our economy and protecting the natural beauty that has been drawing people here for generations. We also aim to expand our strong business community by welcoming entrepreneurs and employers from many different economic sectors. We hope that you find this information helpful and we thank you for your interest in obtaining a copy of this document. If you need further information, feel free to drop by or contact the District offices in Bracebridge or any one of the Area Municipal office listed inside. Yours truly, Original Signed John Klinck District Chair Source: District of Muskoka Planning Staff Muskoka Advantages Welcome to Muskoka, a land of clear, sparkling lakes and rivers, fresh pine- scented air, and outcroppings of granite among lush, green forests. It is an area where vast and unspoiled nature awaits discovery as well as active urban centres, each one unique, offering residents the charm of yesterday and the modern services of today. Whatever your activity, boating, golfing, skiing, snowmobiling or enjoying a beautiful sunset, Muskoka provides its residents with a healthy lifestyle in a uniquely beautiful setting. Source: District of Muskoka Planning Staff The District of Muskoka extends from the shores of Georgian Bay in the west to Algonquin Park in the east; north past the Town of Huntsville and south to the Trent-Severn inland waterway. In all, it includes some 4,761 square kilometres dotted with more than 600 pristine lakes. Muskoka takes pride in its legacy of a predominantly forested landscape that supports diverse and functioning ecosystems including lakes, wetlands, forests, barrens and open fields. Interspersed in the natural setting are small to mid-sized communities and rural and waterfront development that provide a range of economic opportunities and lifestyle options. Due to the large proportion of seasonal residents, Muskoka is able to offer the amenities of a large metropolitan city and the attractive lifestyle of a small community with virtually no crime, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Canadian Shield. Imagine no traffic jams, short commutes, even walking through forests or along waterfronts and trails to work. Source: District of Muskoka Planning Staff Location Access to Muskoka is gained via Highway 11, linking the District with Barrie and Toronto to the south and North Bay to the north. Highway 400 and Highway 69 provide links to the scenic Georgian Bay area within the District of Muskoka. Both highways also provide access to Barrie and Toronto to the south and Sudbury to the north. A series of District roads link the urban centres to the communities and the many lakes and resorts. Muskoka is located within a one day trucking distance of more than 125 million North American consumers. In fact, over 5 million residents, representing a significant portion of Canada’s buying power live less than 200 km away. Muskoka to Pearson International 140 km Airport in Toronto Muskoka to Jack Garland Airport in 101 km North Bay Source: District of Muskoka Planning Staff The combination of Muskoka’s own full service airport and the close proximity of Pearson International Airport in Toronto, just 120 minutes by car or 45 minutes by air, gives businesses and residents global access to markets and resources. The combined seasonal and permanent populations have enabled Muskoka to develop extensive communication and telecommunication infrastructure in the urban centres. This, together with Muskoka’s skilled labour force, very competitive industrial and commercial taxes and an excellent quality of life, make Muskoka the ideal place to start or expand your business. Contact The District Municipality of Muskoka Planning and Economic Development Department 70 Pine Street Bracebridge, ON P1L 1N3 Tel: 705-645-2231 Fax: 705-646-2207 www.muskoka.on.ca [email protected] Location Map The "Muskoka Web Map", is an online interactive mapping application. You can search for a specific address, road or lake and view high resolution aerial photography for the entire District of Muskoka. The photographs were flown in April 2008. The path to the interactive District of Muskoka Web Map is https://maps.muskoka.on.ca/exponare/public.html Community Living Muskoka is dominated by a forested landscape that supports diverse and functioning ecosystems, including lakes, rivers, wetlands, forests, barrens and open fields. Interspersed in this natural setting are small to medium sized communities and rural and waterfront development. Muskokans value this unique relationship between a pristine natural environment and developed areas where we can enjoy the beauty the area has to offer. Towns The District of Muskoka contains three major centres: Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Huntsville. Significant residential and commercial development during the past decade has resulted in a variety of dwellings for various levels of income. Services are easily accessible from any location and the beauty of the waterfront and rural areas are just a short drive or walk away. Each of the Towns have fully serviced areas located around the urban core. Municipality Permanent Seasonal Population Population** (2006)* Bracebridge 16,309 7,045 Gravenhurst 11,510 11,036 Huntsville 19,048 6,171 Source: District of Muskoka Planning Staff * St ati sti cs Canada, 2006, i ncl udi ng t he 4 % undercount ** Watson & Associ at es Lt d., 2008 Townships and Villages The District of Muskoka contains a number of smaller communities ranging in size from approximately 2,000 people to less than 100. Some of the Townships have municipal services, including: Port Carling, Bala, MacTier, Port Severn and Baysville. Every village and hamlet is proud of its unique character and heritage, and all share a close-knit sense of community. Visitors can often find special events and products unique to the area. Municipality Permanent Seasonal Population Population** (2006)* Georgian Bay 2,438 14,766 Lake of Bays 3,720 11,480 Muskoka Lakes 6,739 25,129 * Statistics Canada, 2006, including the 4% under count Source: District of Muskoka Planning Staff **Watson & Associates Ltd., 2008 Community Living Rural Area The aesthetic appeal of Muskoka's rural area, with its subtle variations, is ideal for those wishing to live in a rural setting. Nowhere else can compare to the tranquility of nature and the panoramic views of the Canadian Shield interspersed with lakes of all sizes and shapes. Source: District of Muskoka Planning Staff Source: District of Muskoka Planning Staff Waterfront Area The presence of over 600 lakes within the District of Muskoka provides a unique opportunity of living year-round on their shores. Here, you can enjoy breakfast while overlooking the crystal clear waters and listening to the call of the loon, before heading off to work and returning in time for a late afternoon swim or an evening boat cruise. Source: District of Muskoka Planning Staff Cultural Activities Festivals and Events Muskoka is increasingly being recognized as a centre for arts and culture, and has been declared a Designated Arts Community. The works of a significant community of artisans are showcased at annual festivals and highlighted in the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour. The Muskoka Lakes Music Festival offers world renowned entertainment from a variety of musicians and performing artists. The acoustically acclaimed Port Carling Memorial Hall is the venue for the performances. The annual two week Huntsville Festival of the Arts featuring national and international performances was launched to critical acclaim in 1993. The Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst is home to one of the busiest farmer’s markets in Muskoka and hosts several attractions and events throughout the year. Muskoka's famous antique wooden boats are the focus of major boat shows in Gravenhurst and Port Carling. The Gravenhurst Opera House attracts visitors from across the province and the northern United States, with its top-quality, year-round entertainment and magnificent edifice. Bracebridge and Gravenhurst also have theatre programs. Source: District of Muskoka Planning Staff While in Muskoka, why not attend the Bala Antique and Nostalgia Show and Sale over the Canada Day weekend and the weekend before Thanksgiving.