News

At a Special Council Meeting on January 28, 2025, the Township of Lake of Bays Council approved the 2025 Operating and Capital Budget. This budget ensures property owners in Lake of Bays will experience the lowest dollar-amount tax increase compared to other Muskoka municipalities. Additionally, the Township continues to maintain the second-lowest overall residential tax rate in the District of Muskoka.

On January 26, 2025, the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Fighters responded to a structure fire on Menominee Lake Road in Lake of Bays. Fire crews acted quickly to contain the fire and prevent the flames from spreading further. Although an adjacent garage sustained damage to its siding, firefighters were able to extinguish the flames effectively. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the total damage is estimated to be at least $200,000. 

Proposed by-laws will come before the Township of Lake of Bays Council for consideration at its regular meeting to be held in a hybrid setting (in-person and electronically), on the 11th day of February, 2025, at the hour of 9:00 a.m. o’clock, in the morning. 

At the January 14, 2025, Council Meeting, Council approved amendments to the Roads License Agreement (RLA) Program, effectively repealing the current by-law. These proposed changes, detailed in the staff report titled “Future of the Roads License Agreement Program,” will undergo a public review and comment period before being presented for final approval at the February 11, 2025, Council Meeting.

TAKE NOTICE THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Lake of Bays will be continuing its review and potentially ratifying the 2025 Municipal Budget on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., following the Planning Matters Council Meeting.

Firefighters discovered an electric school bus engulfed in flames. Fire crews used water from a nearby fire hydrant to extinguish the fire. The fire did not damage any of the homes on Earls Road and no injuries have been reported. The school bus had broken down prior to the fire starting. The driver of the bus had called for a replacement bus which picked up the passengers shortly before the flames became visible.

Please note that the single-lane closures in Baysville, originally scheduled for January 13-14, have been rescheduled to January 15-16, 2025, due to weather.

The agenda for the January 14, 2025, Council meeting is now available. It includes a draft report on the Roads License Agreement (RLA) program, which will be presented and discussed at the meeting

The Ministry of Natural Resources – Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety Bulletin is in effect in the District until Tuesday, January 14, 2025.