Council in the Township of Muskoka Lakes will take a data-driven approach to concerns about illegal construction activity, directing staff to review historical bylaw and Building Code violations before considering any contractor licensing program.
During its February meeting, council adopted recommendations one through 10 from the January planning committee but removed action item 11 for reconsideration at the request of Councillor Zavitz. The revised resolution shifts the municipality’s focus away from immediately exploring a licensing system and instead tasks staff with defining the scope of any problem.
Under the motion, staff will investigate and analyze available data related to construction without permits and other construction-related violations. The review is expected to examine trends over time, common types of infractions, recurring themes or systemic issues, and existing processes tied to permitting, inspections, education and enforcement. No timeline has been set for staff to report back.
The change follows input from local business and industry groups, including Our Muskoka Stakeholders Association, whose executive director Alyxandra Brown addressed council with concerns about the potential impact of contractor licensing.
Norah Fountain of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce said stakeholders were encouraged by council’s decision.
“In general [we] are happier with the outcome … that resulted in a change from exploration and feasibility including options for a licensing system to a resolution to direct staff to define the problem, if any, and its magnitude,” Fountain said, calling the move a reasonable compromise.
The discussion was sparked by a resident complaint raised at the Jan. 15 planning meeting alleging construction outside approved boundaries and significant property damage, including tree loss, erosion that destroyed a storage shed and the creation of unauthorized access roads using heavy equipment.
The complaint prompted council to consider stronger measures to prevent similar incidents, including a contractor licensing system. However, a joint letter from the Muskoka Builders’ Association, the chamber of commerce and stakeholders association argued contractors are already subject to provincial oversight and warned municipal licensing could add costs, create inconsistent standards and place added pressure on smaller trades.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox six times per week!
Click here to support local news
0 Comments