newsflash

June 9, 2023

A Settlement Hearing regarding development on Langmaid’s Island took place on Wednesday June 7

Langmaid’s Island Corp. (LIC) reached a settlement agreement with the District of Muskoka, Town of Huntsville and Township of Lake of Bays in late May. The Lake of Bays Association and Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation subsequently signed a settlement agreement (called Minutes of Settlement) with LIC on Friday June 2. The presiding Tribunal Member, Bryan Tuckey, spent three hours reviewing the District’s agreed upon Conditions for Subdivision Approval. LOBA and LBHF were represented at the hearing and our Minutes of Settlement are included in the official record of the hearing. The tribunal member will be providing a written Decision, which he said will be forthcoming quickly. 

We expect no surprises from the written Decision, however we are unable to share the Conditions for Subdivision Approval and Minutes of Settlement until after the Decision is rendered. At that time, we will share all documentation and provide our members with further information about how development will proceed on Langmaid’s Island.

Lake of Bays Association Director

Presented with Ontario Senior of the Year Award

On June 6, 2023, in celebration of Seniors Month, The Township of Lake of Bays’ Council presented the Ontario Senior of the Year Award to local resident Caroline Konarzewski.

This accolade recognizes Caroline's exceptional contributions to the community and her unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship in Lake of Bays.

Caroline's environmental leadership shines through her role as Chair of the Lake of Bays Association (LOBA) Environment Committee since 2014, where she spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at preserving the local ecosystem. Her efforts in shoreline stewardship were recognized when she was honoured with the Doug Cross Stewardship Award in 2022 by the Muskoka Watershed Council.

Caroline's other volunteer contributions and accomplishments include:

• Member of the LOBA Board of Directors since 2013
• LOBA representative on the Muskoka Watershed Council since 2013
• Initiated and managed the Frog Watch citizen science program, monitoring frog populations
• Managed the Love Your Lake program, enhancing waterfront sustainability for private property owners
• Currently promoting the Natural Edge Program, encouraging shoreline re-naturalization through Watersheds Canada
• Oversees the LOBA Water Quality Testing Program
• Assisted with the creation of the Oxtongue River Paddle Guide

The Mayor, Council, and Staff extended their congratulations to Caroline Konarzewski and thank her for the continuous support and commitment to our community.

"Caroline has either sourced or written countless articles on environmental topics that have served to educate LOBA members and the community at large about environmental issues. She is always on top of emerging trends and has been tireless in her drive to understand what the issues are and share her knowledge with others," said Lake of Bays Mayor Terry Glover

"Thank you so much! I am really thrilled. I've only been doing things that I love doing. It's not like anybody has forced me to do any of this, and I really do appreciate this honour," said Caroline.

About the Ontario Senior of the Year Award:

Established in 1994, the Ontario Senior of the Year Award is an annual recognition program that allows each municipality in the province to honour one local senior who has contributed to enriching the social, cultural, or civic life of their community.

TOTAL BAN on all Fires Still in Effect

Restricted Fire Zone in Effect for Muskoka

As of 12:01am June 1st, 2023, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has notified The Township of Lake of Bays that as the area is part of the Minden/Parry Sound/Bracebridge MNRF District, Lake of Bays is now a Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ). 

Information on the Restricted Fire Zone:

• A Restricted Fire Zone is a temporary measure put in place when the fire danger is extreme to prevent human-caused fires. A Restricted Fire Zone order may last from a few days to weeks depending on conditions. The restrictions are lifted as soon as conditions allow.
• When a Restricted Fire Zone is declared, it is illegal to set an open fire within the affected area. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to $25,000 and three months in jail, as well as the financial responsibility for any costs incurred in fighting a forest fire caused by the illegal act.
• Heat for cooking and warmth will have to be from a portable gas or propane stove. Portable charcoal equipment is illegal for use during a Restricted Fire Zone except close to a dwelling that you legally own or occupy or in an organized campground.

For more information on Restricted Fire Zones, visit: ontario.ca/forestfire

To report a wildfire in northern Ontario, call 911.

#AlertMuskoka

In times of crisis it is important that residents have access to trusted, timely and accurate information to ensure their own safety and that of their family and loved ones. In response to this need, the Muskoka Emergency Response Committee (MERC) has chosen Voyent Alert! as the communication service provider for these kinds of events.

By downloading the Voyent Alert! app and registering, residents and visitors can select to receive notifications from a wide variety of communication channels including mobile apps, text/SMS alerting, email or voice calling. The system will also allow you to create and track multiple locations such as “Kids School”, “Work”, “Cottage” or “Mom’s House”.  Any event or communication related to your tracked locations will be forwarded to you along your preferred communication channel(s).  Smart alerting capabilities ensure that you will only get notified when a communication is relevant to you or one of the locations you are tracking.

How to Register:

Registration for the service is FREE, simple and totally anonymous.

For Mobile App Alerts: Download and install the Voyent Alert! app from the Apple or Google Play app stores.

For Email, Text Message or Voice Call Alerts: Register online at https://register.voyent-alert.com

photo by Kathleen Fasken

Second Place, Landscape, 2022 Photo Contest