Public Meeting for the Township of Muskoka Lakes Official Plan Review

The Township of Muskoka Lakes has initiated a review of its Official Plan and will hold a Public Meeting under Section 26(3)(b) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P. 13, as amended.
You are invited to attend a public meeting for the Official Plan Review to discuss what you feel may need to be reviewed and updated in the Township’s Official Plan.
DATE AND LOCATION OF PUBLIC MEETING:
Date: Time: Location:
August 16, 2019
9:00 am
Council Chambers, Municipal Building, Township of Muskoka Lakes, Port Carling, Ontario (corner of Bailey and Joseph Streets)
What is an Official Plan?
The Official Plan is a statement of goals, objectives and policies to guide future growth, land use and development within the Township of Muskoka Lakes for the next 20 years and beyond. The Township’s current Official Plan was approved in 2009 and has been subject to several amendments. A new Official Plan will be prepared to replace the 2009 Official Plan through this Official Plan Review.
Why are we reviewing our Official Plan?
The purpose of the Official Plan Review is to update the policies to conform to Provincial planning legislation and the District of Muskoka Official Plan, as well as to consider comments by the public and agencies.
The Planning Act requires that a municipality’s Official Plan be updated at least every five years. As the Township continues to mature, it is important to check the effectiveness of the Official Plan to ensure its collective vision is being realized, and to improve and enhance our policies to help the Township achieve its strategic goals and objectives.
Why your feedback is important:
The Official Plan affects everyone in the Township of Muskoka Lakes. Your vision and input are important for the Township to undertake a truly effective review of its Official Plan. Public consultation provides the opportunity for Township residents to participate in shaping the future vision and direction of the Township of Muskoka Lakes.
THE PURPOSE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNCIL is to discuss the revisions that may be required to the Official Plan. It is intended to provide an initial opportunity for the public to offer comments regarding any issue or matter that should be considered during the Official Plan Review process and to provide input to areas of the current Official Plan that should be changed or addressed differently in the new Official Plan. Please note that there will be a number of other opportunities to participate in this process.
Anyone wishing to address Council with respect to the Official Plan Review will be given an opportunity to do so at the Public Meeting. You may also provide written comments to Council up until the time of the Public Meeting. Please be aware that if you are submitting comments to the Township concerning the Official Plan Review, your name, any personal information included, and your comments will become part of the public record.
The Township’s current Official Plan is available for inspection online at:
https://www.muskokalakes.ca/node/49
For additional information or to be added to the project mailing list, please contact:
David Pink, Director of Planning
1 Bailey Street, PO Box 129, Port Carling, Ontario, P0B 1J0 T: (705) 765-3156 ext. 230