NewsFlash

March 29, 2024

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events ...



Understanding Wildfires and Protecting Your Property with FireSmart

The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department will host a one-hour presentation on reducing the threat of wildfire in your home and community.

Guest speaker Ken Cox, Fire Advisor for Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, will introduce Huntsville and Lake of Bays residents to the FireSmart program. The presentation will cover Response and Operations, Wildland Fire Effects, how fires start and grow, and how property owners can improve their structures' chances of surviving a passing wildfire using FireSmart Canada tactics and strategies.

"Just a few years ago, Ontario experienced the highest number of wildfires on record in over 25 years," stated Steve Markham, Public Education and Fire Prevention Officer for the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department. "This presentation is essential for preparing our community in Huntsville and Lake of Bays for potentially challenging wildfire seasons ahead. By embracing FireSmart principles and making practical changes around our homes and neighbourhoods, we can really make a difference in reducing the risk that wildfires pose to our community."

All are welcome to attend and learn about being FireSmart.

Date: Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Location: Active Living Centre

20 Park Dr, Huntsville, ON

(behind the Canada Summit Centre)

For additional resources and information about the FireSmart program and how to protect your property from wildland fires, visit firesmartcanada.ca.

For more information contact:

Steve Markham

Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department

Public Education/Fire Prevention Officer

705-789-5201 x 3609

media@hlobfire.ca

Public Invited to Engagement Sessions for Economic Development Strategy

The Township of Lake of Bays is excited to announce two upcoming public engagement sessions as a crucial part of developing its updated Economic Development Strategy. These sessions aim to gather valuable insights and input from the community to shape a prosperous future for the township. Residents, business owners, and stakeholders are encouraged to participate and contribute their ideas and visions for economic growth and sustainability.

Date: Monday, April 8, 2024

Dwight: 1:30 to 3:00 PM at the Community Centre in Dwight

Baysville: 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Community Centre in Baysville

Refreshments will be served.

"We are at a pivotal moment in shaping the economic future of the Township of Lake of Bays," said Stephen Derraugh, Economic Development for the Township of Lake of Bays. "These public engagement sessions are a key step in ensuring that our Economic Development Strategy reflects the needs, aspirations, and unique character of our community. We strongly encourage everyone to participate and share their ideas."

Feedback collected during these sessions will be instrumental in developing a comprehensive Economic Development Strategy that aligns with the community's goals and priorities. This strategy will serve as a roadmap for economic growth, job creation, and enhanced community services in the coming years.

The Township of Lake of Bays looks forward to engaging with the community and working together to build a vibrant and sustainable economic future. To learn more about the Economic Development Strategy, visit lakeofbays.on.ca/EDStrategy.

For more information, contact:

Stephen Derraugh

Economic Development Officer

Township of Lake of Bays

sderraugh@lakeofbays.on.ca

(705) 635-2272 ext. 1235

Stakeholder Updates

To keep the local community updated on the progress of their plans and upcoming engagement opportunities, Muskoka Algonguin Healthcare (MAHC) is releasing weekly updates. MAHC encourages all community members to sign up at mahc.ca/stayinformed to receive these updates directly.

This Week's Update: Read it Here>

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Reading, Interesting Links and Events

Newsletters and Updates

• FEDERATION OF ONTARIO COTTAGERS' ASSOCIATIONS: March 2024 Elert>

• FRIENDS OF THE MUSKOKA WATERSHED: March 2024 Newsletter>

• ON NATURE: Spring 2024 Magazine>

In the News

• NEWER TECHNOLOGY COULD SAVE 30% OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION AT THE BAYSVILLE COMMUNITY CENTRE: Read more at MuskokaRegion>

• HUNTSVILLE/LAKE OF BAYS FIRE DEPARTMENT IS ADDING A FURRY MEMBER TO THE CREW: Read more at MuskokaRegion>

• HIGHWAY 35 NEAR DWIGHT REOPENS AFTER WASHOUT: Read more at Cottage Life>

• NO REAL THREAT OF SPRING FLOODING IN PARRY SOUND-MUSKOKA THIS YEAR: Read more at MuskokaRegion>

• DISTRICT INTRODUCES MUSKOKA'S COMMUNITY ENERGY AND EMISIISIONS REDUCTIONS PLAN: Read more at Dopper>

Photo by Paul Madder

2022 Photo Contest submission