LAKE OF BAYS – The economic development buzz floating around Lake of Bays for the last several months will continue to play a major role in council discussions as 2013 progresses. The majority of council thinks this is an important key to keeping the township viable and competitive.
Improving access to health care and promoting tourism will also be on this year’s agenda.
Read your councillors wishes for 2013 below:
“In 2013 I hope we can build on the efforts of our economic development intern to establish collaboration between businesses in Lake of Bays and Algonquin Highlands to the benefit of the whole community. I also hope we can continue the positive working relationships between staff and council in 2013. At the District of Muskoka, I hope our district community services staff can continue to help those on Ontario Works find employment and skills training.
Happy New Year!”
Shane Baker
Township and District
“I would like to see council continue to support improved digital infrastructure throughout our township. I believe that high-speed Internet and cellular service are essential for economic development and the health and safety of our residents. Wishing peace, health, and prosperity for all in 2013!
Warmest holiday wishes.”
Ginny Burgess
Sinclair/Finlayson Ward
“My hope for 2013 lies with a balanced budget. Specifically, I am very optimistic about the new economic development strategy that we are working on with the businesses and staff of Lake of Bays. This plan not only will unite Dwight, Dorset and Baysville to create a stronger brand but a more unified approach to marketing and event tourism. I am convinced it will lead to economic growth and sustainability in Lake of Bays.”
Terry Glover
McLean Ward
“My Christmas list for 2013 would be to see a resolution to the Lake of Bays health care situation; any of the three options would suffice: to have weekly visits by a nurse practitioner to our communities, a permanent nurse practitioner clinic facility like Muskoka Lakes is hoping for or a mobile medical unit, which has been suggested. The people involved in all of these options must wait for financial approval from the Ministry of Health before any of these options are able to proceed. There are currently no medical facilities in the Lake of Bays township so any of these three options would be huge for our communities, not only for the locals who live here year round, but for the thousands of seasonal residents and tourists who visit our area as well.”
Bob Lacroix
Township and District
“My hopes for my ward are that the Dorset community projects can continue to develop with the support of the Township of Lake of Bays. Working with the neighbouring Township of Algonquin Highlands is high on my list to pull all of us together. Continue progress toward keeping people working in the township of Lake of Bays by developing more opportunities with the help of an economic development co-ordinator. Thank you to my constituents for allowing me to represent you at council.”
Ruth McEachern Ross
Ridout Ward
“If Santa would bring the province a map locating Muskoka ‘in the north’ (as it is at the federal level) that would make a big difference. Tourism is beginning to recover - hopefully that upward trend continues, aided by the good work being done by the community groups. On a lighter note, I hope for peace on Earth. Or at the very least, at Norway Point Park.”
Nancy Tapley
Franklin Ward