Protecting Muskoka Bay While Planning for the Future

Muskoka Bay (aka the old Muskoka Regional Centre) is more than a shoreline and acreage. It represent the greatest concern in protecting our waters and shores. 70+ acres of pristine shoreline.

This land is also part of an ecosystem that supports wildlife, contributes to water quality, and our lakes are the vitality of our tourism economy. Our lakes define the character of our community.

Today, these lands are the subject of one of the most significant development proposals Gravenhurst has ever seen.

I want to be clear. Gravenhurst needs investment.

We need housing. We need jobs. We need businesses that are prepared to invest in our future.

Responsible development is part of building a strong community.

But responsible development also means asking good questions before permanent decisions are made.

We’re at risk! A possible MZO. What is that?

You may have heard the term MZO, which stands for Minister’s Zoning Order. What is it, what does it mean?

Simply put, an MZO allows the Province of Ontario to approve zoning and can bypass the normal municipal planning process.

Normally, major developments move through public meetings, environmental studies, technical reviews, and decisions by your locally elected council.

An MZO can bypass that local process.

Our community is concerned because it restricts local decision-making and can disregard your input.

That is why this proposal has generated so much discussion throughout Muskoka.

What are residents concerned about?

Residents are asking whether the proposal, as currently presented, is the right fit for Gravenhurst.

Questions have been raised about:

the large scale and density of the development,
buildings up to six storeys,
more than 1,200 residential units,
development extending over the water,
a large pier and additional docks,
the proposed sale of portions of crown lakebed,
traffic and servicing,
impacts on water quality and wildlife,
whether the project reflects Gravenhurst’s Official Plan,
and whether local residents have had a meaningful opportunity to help shape the outcome.

This is bigger than one project.

This discussion is about the future of our town.

How do we deal with growth while protecting the natural beauty that draws people here in the first place?
How do we create housing and economic opportunity while respecting our lakes, shorelines, forests, and neighbourhoods?
How do we ensure development today does not create unintended consequences for future generations?

These are questions that deserve good planning, not bypassing our the Town of Gravenhurst’s official plans.

My Perspective

My professional career has focused on helping organizations improve, solve problems, and reach their fullest potential.

I believe communities deserve the same thoughtful approach.

My perspective comes from years of environmental advocacy and practical experience.

I have had the opportunity to sit across the table from provincial Ministers of the Environment and other to discuss issues affecting Muskoka, our watersheds, and our communities.

Those experiences taught me that good environmental decisions are built on collaboration, transparency, and long-term thinking.

I have also participated in Friends of the Muskoka Watershed Annual General Meeting last year and the Muskoka Lakes Association Annual General Meeting, because I believe Gravenhurst should have a strong voice wherever important conversations about our environment are taking place.

I learned much at the Friends of Muskoka Watershed Annual General Meeting in 2025.

At this year’s Muskoka Lakes Association AGM, the looming MZO was covered by Ken Pearce.

Protecting our environment and supporting economic growth are not opposing goals.

Good planning achieves both.

Moving Forward

My council will be responsible development, transparency, local decision-making, and environmental stewardship.

Major decisions should be transparent.
Residents deserve meaningful opportunities to participate.
Environmental impacts must be fully understood.
Development should respect the character of our community.
And Gravenhurst should continue to grow in a way that future generations will thank us for.

Our lakes are part of our identity.

Once they are fundamentally changed, there is no going back.

The choices we make today will shape Gravenhurst for decades.

Let’s make them wisely. We can collaborate and work together.

In service.