The Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA) who collaborate with Friends of the Muskoka Watershed will endorse a candidate.
While many municipal candidates can speak about environmental stewardship. My perspective comes not only from supporting those principles, but from years of environmental advocacy and meeting in 2023 with Provincial Ministers of the Environment from across Canada.
(Sometimes it’s a challenge to share my experience because it’s so broad and deep. I’m always in motion everyday of the week, everything happens outside that front door.)
I had the opportunity to sit at the table with provincial Ministers of the Environment to discuss issues affecting our waters, watersheds, and our communities. Those experiences provided valuable insight into how environmental policy is developed, how government decisions are made, and how effective advocacy can influence outcomes.
I have also participated in the Friends of the Muskoka Watershed Annual General Meeting which included a presentation and research that road salts have on our lakes.
The President of the MLA, Ken Pierce recently explained to me how Gull Lake and Silver Lake here in Gravenhurst were particularly susceptible. I was the only participant attending this 2025 AGM from Gravenhurst.
That experience reinforced my belief that our community needs a stronger voice in regional environmental conversations and a greater presence at the tables where important decisions and discussions are taking place.
These experiences reinforced an important lesson: protecting our lakes, watersheds, forests, and natural heritage requires more than good intentions. It requires informed leadership, strong relationships, thoughtful planning, and a willingness to work collaboratively toward practical solutions.
As Gravenhurst continues to grow, I believe we have a responsibility to balance economic opportunity, housing, infrastructure, and development with the long-term protection of the natural environment that defines Muskoka and supports our quality of life.
In service,
Protecting our environment is not separate from building a strong community.
It is part of building a strong community.
In service, Marc Mantha
“Catch People Doing Things Right.”