News and Public Notices

The Township of Lake of Bays’ Draft 2025 Operating and Capital Budget was presented to Council, and the public today, Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at a special budget meeting. Discussions at the meeting gave staff direction on the changes needed and set the timelines for approving the final 2025 Operating and Capital Budget. 

Another budget meeting to ratify the 2025 budget is scheduled for Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, after the Planning Matters Council Meeting.

At the December 10^th Council Meeting, members of the Huntsville Sting U13-Black hockey team were celebrated for their outstanding achievements. The team, which calls the Lake of Bays Arena in Baysville their home ice, joined Council for a special photo unveiling. The photo of the team, commemorating their victory earlier this year in the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup, will be proudly displayed at the arena.

Firefighters discovered a small fire inside a wall that had spread to an adjacent wood cabinet. Fire crews quickly contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to the home. At the time of the fire, three construction workers were working on the exterior of the home. They heard the smoke alarms sounding inside and quickly acted, using a 5lb ABC dry chemical portable fire extinguisher and buckets of water to knock down the fire. The cause of the fire was determined to be an electrical malfunction involving a wall outlet and has been classified as accidental.

Please note that due to inclement weather, the Municipal Office in Dwight will close at 2:30 p.m. today (Monday, December 9).

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Take notice that applications for the Environmental Projects Grant Program in Lake of Bays are closing soon. The program aims to fund initiatives that benefit the local ecosystem through support, promotion, education, celebration, and preservation efforts.

(Huntsville/Lake of Bays) The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department is gearing up for the 36th annual Project Porchlight Food Drive in support of the Salvation Army, on Wednesday, December 4. However, with snow in the forecast for Wednesday, we want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate, even if we are unable to reach every home as planned.

To ensure that everyone can contribute, Huntsville Station 1 and all Lake of Bays Stations will be open for donations from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on December 3.

The District of Muskoka has declared a Significant Weather Event for our area due to heavy snowfall expected over the next 24 to 48 hours. Drivers are advised that road conditions may change rapidly. Drive with caution and avoid travel whenever possible. Staying proactive and prepared for winter storms is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property during inclement weather.

(Lake of Bays, ON) With over two decades of dedicated service, the Township of Lake of Bays announces the upcoming retirement of Stephen Watson, Director of Building and By-law Services and Chief Building Official (CBO), effective March 31, 2025. 

Stephen’s 26-year career began with the Township in September 1998, primarily working as a one-person operation. He progressed from Deputy Chief Building Official to Chief Building Official, and eventually to Director of Building and By-law Services. As the municipality grew, Stephen developed into a successful leader, overseeing a team and managing a thriving department.

(Huntsville / Lake of Bays, ON) Over 60 municipal leaders from thirteen (13) upper and lower tier municipalities in and around the Muskoka watershed gathered together on Thursday, November 28 at an Integrated Watershed Management Workshop at the Active Living Centre in Huntsville, hosted jointly by the Town of Huntsville and Township of Lake of Bays. Attendees included District Chair Jeff Lehman as well as Mayors, Council Members, CAOs, and senior municipal staff members from the District of Muskoka and various municipalities throughout the Muskoka watershed area, as well as First Nations representatives.

With the first significant snowfall of the season, the Township of Lake of Bays urges all drivers to prioritize safety on our roads. Remember to drive according to road conditions.

Our plows will be actively working to clear the roads throughout the Township, so please be patient with our operators giving them plenty of room to operate safely and effectively.

Important Reminder: There is NO PARKING or standing of vehicles on any road or street allowed in the Township of Lake of Bays when it interferes with winter operations. Thank you for your cooperation!