District Council Highlights  April 2017
Spring is in the Air!
As the snow melts away, Muskoka is gearing up for a busy spring with some special community events and programs:
 
Ready for Kindergarten Events
The District's Community Services Department is hosting free events to help families with children preparing to enter kindergarten.  Families can ride the school bus, get information about kindergarten programs, child care, health and community resources, and participate in games and activities. Developmental, hearing and vision screenings available. Free healthy snacks and your own backpack to take home.   Choose from one of three dates/locations: 
 
Gravenhurst - Tuesday April 4
4 to 7 p.m. at Gravenhurst Public School 
 
Huntsville - Wednesday April 19
4 to 7 p.m. at Saint Mary's Catholic School in Huntsville
 
Bracebridge - Thursday May 4
4 to 7 p.m. at Monck Public School in Bracebridge.

For more information contact Brenda Boothby by calling (705) 645-2412 ext 467 or by visiting Muskoka Community Services / Children and Youth Services - Registration is not required.
 
Smart & Caring Muskoka Celebration  
In support of Muskoka Community Foundation and donor-sponsored charities, the fourth annual celebration event takes place May 5 at 11:30 a.m. in the Mark O'Meara Clubhouse at Grandview Golf Club in Huntsville.   Tickets are $50. Email Lynn DeCaro  or call ( 705) 646-1220.

"Join us in celebrating the Muskoka charities that make an important contribution to the health and well-being of the District of Muskoka," says District Chair John Klinck. 
March Council Meeting Highlights
Council Supports Proposed High Speed Connectivity Project to Expand Fibre Routes
More high-speed connectivity could be coming to Muskoka. District Council approved in principle a loan of up to $10 million to Lakeland Energy to support the proposed Connect to Innovate high-speed internet project.  The loan is subject to a successful federal grant application and approval by Lakeland's shareholders.  

Read the Staff Report 4(2017)-4  or view the presentation
made to Council on March 20, 2017.   View the  resolution that was passed. 

Standing Committee Highlights
Standing Committee recommendations adopted by Council at the March 20, 2017 District Council Meeting:
2017 Tax Supported Budget Highlights

At its regular meeting on February 21, Council voted to adopt the 2017 Tax Supported Operating Budget and 2017 Capital Budget and Forecast.

Now Accepting Applications! 
Applications for 2017 grants are open until 12 noon on Friday, April 14. The Pay it Forward Muskoka program provides community investment grants of up to $2,500 to community members and groups wishing to build a stronger Muskoka together. 

What Are Audible Pedestrian Signals?
Audible signals tell pedestrians who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind when they have the right-of-way to cross at a signalized intersection. The "cuckoo" indicates north-south right-of-way and "tweet" indicates east-west right-of-way. 

There are currently four Accessible Pedestrian Signals installed at pedestrian crossings in Muskoka: two in Huntsville, one in Bracebridge and one in Gravenhurst.  

Public Works Spring Notices
Reduced Load Periods
Restrictions  began March 3, 2017 and will remain in effect until May 31, 2017.   Every spring, the District imposes a weight restriction on vehicles of five tonnes per axle to ensure protection of certain District roads. This restriction is in place from early March until the end of May, as outlined in By-Law 2016-4.   Read More...

Bridge Rehabilitation Projects
  • Garter Snake Bridge Rehabilitation project was awarded to Alexman Contracting Inc. and will require the closure of  Muskoka Road 6 (Housey's Rapids Road) between Barkway Road and Doe Lake Road in the Town of Gravenhurst from May 1 until November 7, 2017. Note: Public Open House on April 4 at 6 p.m. at Ryde Community Co-op. RSVP by email.
  • Dorset Bridge Rehabilitation project was awarded to Willis Kerr Contracting Inc. and will require the closure of the bridge section on Main Street between Harvey Avenue and Highway 35 in the Township of Lake of Bays and County of Haliburton from April 3 until June 30, 2017. A detour for the bridge section has been provided.
Water and Waste Water Capacity 
Areview of water and sewer capacity tracking has identified a need to review Muskoka's current water and sewer capacity allocation strategy in order to ensure effective long term asset management and capital planning for this important District resource.

In order to streamline the process and to ensure a consistent approach, a District-wide Water and Sewage Capacity Allocation Strategy is being recommended, as opposed to individual strategies for each urban centre under the current approach. The Engineering and Public Works Department and Planning and Economic Development Department are collaborating on a revised strategy that is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2018. Read More...
© 2017 The District Municipality of Muskoka
70 Pine Street, Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1N3
Telephone: 705-645-2231
Automated Assistant: 705-645-2100
Fax: 705-645-5319
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