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Friends of Muskoka Waves Newsletter

WAVES - XXII
“Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so.”―Noam Chomsky
IN THIS ISSUE: (Press  to return to this index)

STRONGER CONDOMINIUM TERMS FOR VILLAS AND MIST/TOUCHSTONE DEVELOPMENTS
At the Township of Muskoka Lakes Council meeting on May 13, 2020, the final condominium agreements for Villas of Muskoka and Touchstone Resort were approved. Shockingly, the developers initially refused to include terms they had agreed to include at last year’s LPAT hearing. 

Since Friends of Muskoka was not allowed to speak at TML Council’s virtual meeting, we wrote to the Mayor and each Councillor urging them to require the developers to include these terms which will help ensure these developments are operated on a commercial basis, rather than as residential cottages.  We were also able to provide a legal opinion confirming Council was entitled to insist on these terms. We were very pleased with Council’s decision to include these terms, and thank them and planning staff for standing up to developers who are being unreasonable. 

The terms that have been added to the condominium agreements are listed in this excerpt from the LPAT decision, and include: 

  • owners may not occupy their units when they are in the mandatory rental pool

  • owners must check in and out of their unit, and may not keep a key

  • owners may not receive mail at their unit or have a personal landline

  • owners are not entitled to make alterations to their unit

  • owners are not entitled to determine the rental rate for their unit

  • owners must register their guests and guests’ vehicles at the front desk

  • owners must advise when their units will be in the rental pool by October 31 for the following year

  • an annual report documenting participation in the rental pool must be filed with the Township for 10 years (Council denied the developers’ request to make this 5 years), and securities for this obligation will be held by the Township for 10 years

HAPPY AND SAFE “ISOLATION” LONG WEEKEND
If you are in Muskoka this long weekend, we recommend you read this MLA release describing the public health rules and restrictions that are in place to help it be a safe one for you, your family and the Muskoka community. TML Mayor Harding also released this excellent and informative video with additional instructions. 
 
Mayor Phil Harding provides an update of COVID-19 in Muskoka. More information at the Township of Muskoka Lakes website here.

MEASURING WATER LEVELS ON LAKES ROSSEAU, MUSKOKA AND JOSEPH
In order to help address concerns about high water levels in Muskoka, the District of Muskoka and area municipalities are asking for our help in measuring water levels on Lakes Rosseau, Muskoka and Joseph. Residents on these lakes may measure water levels at their boat-house or non-floating dock, and submit them online through a Muskoka Water Level Report between now and June 5th. Further details, together with the online form, are provided at this link. 

SOUTH MUSKOKA HOSPITAL FOUNDATION - COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE FUND
The South Muskoka Hospital Foundation has launched an urgent appeal to permanent and seasonal residents, to help it deal with the COVID-19 emergency. Funds will be used to acquire equipment and supplies related to the pandemic. This Foundation receives no funding from the Government of Ontario to purchase new or replacement equipment, which means they rely on donations for these purchases. 

Additional information about the hospital and its needs are in this email from Mr. Colin Miller, Executive Director of the Foundation. Donation instructions are provided by the Foundation at this link. 
We wish you and your loved ones continued strength and good health as we move forward in confidence together.

Directors, Friends of Muskoka

FRIENDS OF MUSKOKA
Friends of Muskoka are a group of dedicated volunteers working to protect and to preserve the natural environment and unique character of Muskoka by promoting responsible use and development of its land and lakes. Friends of Muskoka believe that the environment IS the economy in Muskoka since millions of people come to Muskoka and invest here because of its clean water and natural, treed shorelines. Our lakes, forests and rivers are a resource that can drive Muskoka’s economy for decades to come if we put the environment first. To this end, Friends of Muskoka is trying to stop residential subdivisions on the waterfront in Muskoka and will work to enshrine sustainable development in the Municipal and District Official Plans.

JOIN FRIENDS OF MUSKOKA
You can help Friends of Muskoka to protect and to preserve the natural environment and unique character of Muskoka by promoting responsible use and development of its land and lakes.
JOIN FRIENDS OF MUSKOKA

IMPORTANT EVENTS
Click here and bookmark our constantly updated calendar of events or click here to download and import / subscribe to the Friends of Muskoka calendar in your desktop or phone calendar application.

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