News

Update: The Baysville Library has reopened following a precautionary closure earlier today due to a small propane leak. The issue has been resolved, and the facility is now safe for staff and visitors to return during regular operating hours.

Following a period of public consultation and feedback, the Township of Lake of Bays Council repealed the Roads License Agreement (RLA) By-law on February 11, 2025. At the same meeting, Council adopted a new Unassumed Road Improvement By-law focusing on procedures and policies for those who want to build new driveways or access roads on municipal land.

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.