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19 Comments

  1. Earle Robinson says

    Hi Muskoka. There was encouraging news yesterday!

    Your District Council chose to defer approvals to construct an unneeded $600,000 alternate grass runway to accommodate the request by an individual to construct a building on the existing more favourable grass runway. This new runway introduces serious hazards to aircraft and pilots which will decrease safety and increase liability. It also hobbles economic growth at this airport which is so important for Muskoka’s future.

    I would like to thank the councillors that voted down this motion yesterday and hope they continue to lead more visionary decisions for the future of this airport and all of Muskoka.

    Well done Councillors.

  2. Kay Godden says

    Is Muskoka going to the dogs?

    This summer I have observed a dog (not a service dog) sniffing at the produce and meats in a small grocery store. He could have as easily lifted his leg and urinated. The manager said there was nothing he could do!

    I was waiting for my car to be serviced when I had a dog jump onto my lap and the owner thought it was just wonderful! Another dog was romping around the waiting room unleashed. The owner said he was not going restrict the dogs (or their owners).

    I was mauled by a dog as a child and as a nurse have seen what dogs can do. Dogs are not people, folks, and should not be expected to behave as people in people settings..

  3. RONALD RITCHIE says

    It seems everywere in the world people are not satisfied with the governing power. When did we loose the meaning of ” think for yourself”? So many people have problems and government can not begin to serve them all, so maybe it time to for people to start planning and doing for themselves, as well as others when possible. Being thankful for the people willing to step forward to run our country as best they can is important. Borrowing every year to satisfy the voters is not working and taking us into bankruptcy and still leaving many people with their own problems. If only we could be more positive! We are free and do live in the best country in the world!

  4. June Dunlop says

    If resources are used (Eg firefighting men and equipment) due to carelessness, all charges SHOULD go to the person(s) who caused the issue. And perhaps if more people were aware of having to pay for their poor or unthoughtful actions, more care would be taken. Similar to skiing or sledding in prohibited areas, etc

  6. Earle Robinson says

    “Public ALERT . . . please pay attention!
    Your airport is being reduced to a worthless business park through continuing short term vision and poor planning so please take action. Write a letter to your District Councillor (all councillors is better) and the District Chair and tell them to put runway 09/27 back into service now as a grass runway to prevent further damage and harm to existing tenants, stakeholders, businesses and taxpayers. This runway should be preserved (again) for future use so options are still available when the councillors and Board finally realize that they actually do need it to sustain future economic growth and scheduled flights. After all, it is the only into wind runway at the airport. Even birds know better than removing such a valuable asset. They takeoff into wind too, just like airplanes. Seven generations should be a planning objective, as our First Nation friends have been saying. They are right!” This is your economic future at stake, and your children’s, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s future.as well.”

    FYI, below is the letter that I sent to Council on May 15, 2023

    (Correspondence received 23-232)

    Greetings Councillors

    This email is another attempt to prioritize awareness and reason on airport issues before Council on Monday. This airport Board and this CEO have demonstrated to Council, on multiple occasions, that they have no interest in building or keeping a grass runway. Their arguments to Council have been technically incorrect. Proof and links were provided to Council explaining these details. They recommended NO grass runway and if you recall Council did not accept that. Now it is clear that they are trying to skirt the safety and economic issues using inflated costs and deferring construction.

    This is completely consistent with their stated objectives. I am very concerned that Council is losing oversight control over them.

    If elected officials want a robust economic future for Muskoka by properly managing this key infrastructure, it must put runway 09/27 back into service as a grass runway in the short term and must protect it as an extended and paved runway in the long term for large aircraft. This is the only feasible option at Muskoka, as explained in multiple presentations to Council. This must be done before it is too late. Saving runway 09/27 will solve most of the issues which have been raised to Council for years.

    In my opinion, this Council should recognize that the previous Council’s and Board’s short term “vision” demonstrated so far is inappropriate for Muskoka’s long term future growth. Council should develop and provide a new, broader, well considered and fully reviewed Terms of Reference for the Board and CEO to follow. These TORs must be reviewed by all airport users, stakeholders and businesses prior to Council voting on them. A robust review will ensure proper directions for long term growth at this airport. Seven generations, as the First Nations suggest, is a very good model.

    Local airport businesses and stakeholders are being hurt as a direct result of the current airport policies. This will continue to have large negative impacts on this airport’s future, and hence on Muskoka’s future economic growth unless changed by Council.

    The recent Finance and Corporate Services committee resolution to look into a Municipal Corporation, in my view, is yet another attempt to minimize Council’s oversight on this Board and for some Councillors to simply off load this responsibility. This will also have a negative impact on the airport’s future and will let short term business interests and influences have even more control and influence.

    It is Council’s role to protect infrastructure and the public’s interest. Taxpayers and voters expect this.

    Please take these issues seriously and manage the direction of this airport soon before it is lost.

    Regards

    Earle Robinson,
    M.A.Sc, P.Eng.

  7. Bill Warren says

    Why are you not publishing the death notices for the local funeral homes now? I would expect that this would be a free service provided by your newspaper for the Funeral homes for the people of Muskoka.

    Please re-instate this service immediately. It is basically and no cost item to you and service to the community and goodwill to you. It is a win win situation please take the necessary action.

  8. John Whitty says

    Even Doug Ford admitted his mistake, reversed course and apologized.
    Is the District going to do the same?
    The District destroying a public asset to benefit a single business sounds like something Ford would do.
    In spite of the latest and earlier consultants, and many others, showing there is plenty of land for development available beside instead of on top of a runway and that leaving the grass runway intact is the best long term plan.
    Just like there is plenty of land for housing without using the Greenbelt.
    Is the District going to do the same as Ford?
    Admit their mistake, reverse course and apologize?
    Doubt it.
    Even Doug Ford has a shred of integrity.
    Facts and truth don’t matter to this Council.
    Snake oil from the incompetent is the way to go.
    A number of ruses and a plethora of misinformation was used to fool District councillors into making a massive mistake.
    Talk about a flawed process.
    The alternate runway 12-30 was never a viable option.
    Nothing to do with cost. A ruse that worked.

    Details of the District’s massive mistake based on bunk are documented here:
    https://johnwhitty3.wordpress.com/2023/07/11/snake-oil-salesmen-selling-to-the-gullible/
    https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/do-we-let-anger-win/

  9. Garth Elliot says

    Chicken Little is coming home to Roost.

    Numerous articles have been written about climate change/global warming. Many have utilized some very impressive research. Nevertheless, with very rare exceptions most have missed the most important key points.

    Time is running out.

    There is nothing easy about climate change/global warming. In hopes of pleasing industry, workers and enabling families to keep a roof over their heads while placing food on tables, politicians of every stripe and nation endeavour to find a middle ground -lest they find themselves replaced by others. This is our “Achilles heel” – the problem of self-interest that is setting the stage for destruction of life on earth as we know it.

    By the time the next Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) summary is completed, it really will be too late. The specters of economic man and political man will do far worse than deny the IPCC’s most hopeful predictions. The scientific world is constantly playing catch up with the real world. This continues even while scientists note we are in previously “uncharted waters”.

    I for one will not -and cannot- trust those producing reports such as those from the IPCC.

    There is an old saying that when going into the woods one should go loaded for grizzly bear. If you meet a grizzly bear you are ready for it. If you meet something less dangerous than a grizzly bear you will be more than prepared.

    The real world on the human side of the equation is controlled by political and business self-interest coupled with the fear of losing control.

    Nevertheless, food chains will break. Pestilences will increase. Attentive people with a modicum of intelligence will note these things have already commenced.

    The possibility of riots in the streets and breakdowns of law and order is gaining traction. When they occur, it will definitely be too late. We can only blame ourselves.

    Money might enable the agonies of the wealthy to last longer than those of the poor, but it will not save anyone.

    Instead of watching televised sports, movies, rock concerts, etc. ad nauseum we would be wiser to write to -and demand from- our elected leaders, that they get in front of the coming tribulations.

    No longer a mere fairy tale, Chicken Little has come home to roost.

    This time it’s for real.

    Garth Elliot 4 October 2023

    Bracebridge.

  10. John Whitty says

    Why is municipal the worst level of government? 
    Because there is no official opposition to investigate and inform the public what they are really doing. 
    They know they can get away with anything.
    Why is municipal level media the worst? 
    Because they never investigate to find out the truth, just repeat verbatim ridiculous statements from the District and staff.
    Often only one side of a story is printed.
    Unlike media at the provincial and federal level. 
    The only reason Rasheed resigned in Ontario is because CTV news investigated and found out he was lying about Vegas with the developers. 
    Lies are not investigated at the local level. 
    Scandals remain hidden at the municipal level. 
    Destroying a public asset to benefit a single business with undue influence sounds like something Doug Ford would do.
    Except even Doug Ford has admitted his mistake, reversed course and apologized.
    Is the District going to do the same?
    To be fair, councillors initially resisted the obvious bunk from the snake oil salesmen.
    For years.
    Then totally caved and destroyed a Muskoka asset entrusted to them by the federal government.
    For no reason at all.
    The latest and earlier consultants showed council there is plenty of room beside instead of on top of a runway.
    Just like there is plenty of room for housing without using the Greenbelt.
    Doesn’t matter to this council.
    Unlike an earlier enlightened council that paid attention and did the right thing.
    “The truth doesn’t matter, facts don’t matter, morality doesn’t matter.”
    Are all District decisions based on bunk?
    https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/do-we-let-anger-win/
    https://johnwhitty3.wordpress.com/2023/07/11/snake-oil-salesmen-selling-to-the-gullible/

  11. John Whitty says

    “Ford government removes 50-storey Mississauga tower from MZO amid Pearson Airport concerns”
    Ford blindly approved a 50 storey building right in the flight path of the airport.
    Reversed by the competent people in the room.
    District Council blindly approved development right on top of a runway at Muskoka airport.
    There are no competent people in the room here.

    The latest and earlier consultants showed there is plenty of room for development beside instead of on top of a runway.
    And preserving the runway most often into the wind is the best long term plan.
    That was the recommendation of a report council asked for and then ignored.
    Destroying a public asset to benefit a single business sounds like something Doug Ford would do.
    As in the Greenbelt.
    In spite of the fact there is plenty of room for development elsewhere.

    A number of ruses and a plethora of misinformation was used to fool councillors into closing a runway.
    There never was a valid reason to close the existing runway.
    To be fair, not all councillors were fooled, just the majority.

    All airport management around the world, including Muskoka, know that a second runway improves safety and usability at any airport. Now and in the future.
    Are all District decisions based on bunk?
    Ford is reversing his many mistakes. The District needs to do the same.

    All of the above is documented here including video of council considering doing the right thing and reopening the existing closed runway.
    https://johnwhitty3.wordpress.com/2023/07/11/snake-oil-salesmen-selling-to-the-gullible/

  12. Garth Elliot says

    I wonder what incentivizes so many Councillors to degrade prospects for the continuing success of long established airport businesses where cutting edge aeronautical development work occurs and and critical maintenance work is conducted to ensure safety of pilots, passengers, and people on the ground? Something is driving them to embrace the stunning foolishness found in closing east-west runway 09-27.
    How any competent airport manager/CEO could bear to work in such a mismanaged place is beyond belief. They should be held accountable for their actions – and in the event of serious injuries leading to lawsuits, how can Councillors and officials expect to be covered by any insurance coverage after wilfully ignoring years of knowledgeable warnings that they are choosing to place themselves on the wrong side of long proven knowledge?
    Those people cannot blame others for accidents due to the unsafe conditions they create.

  13. Garth Elliot says

    I understand (and this is word of mouth) that Transport Canada, in a current lawsuit, has brought the District of Muskoka in as a third party. Transport sold the Airport to the District of Muskoka in 1996, and with the transfer of the Airport the District signed off that they did their due diligence on all the then current contracts and verbal agreements, etc. that they were obligated to honour and follow. The extensive Transfer Documents involved, were very specific and did not give the District unlimited authority to do things their way. The District was accountable to Transport and Transport was obligated to see that the District was following the contracts, leases etc. Transport agreed to take action if violations were happening.
    I understand the District commenced a heavy- handed approach in dealing with tenants -by adding conditions to some leases -as if there were no leases at all. The District followed up with legal action against tenants who did not fall into line. This application of a heavy-handed approach to tenants eventually resulted in the current lawsuit. It boils down to Transport disregarding the rights of the tenants while the district’s approach (especially considering that it has an “in house” solicitor etc.) appears to be truly strange.
    One might surmise that some officials at Transport are astonished with what has taken place at the Muskoka Airport. Complaints over the years to Transport were presumably ignored with no action by Transport to investigate.
    I further understand that even with the present legal action in progress the District continues to disregard the conditions in the leases.

  14. Garth Elliot says

    AIRPORT LAWSUITS MIGHT IMPACT TAXES.

    Herewith my opinion on the best information I have.
    1. Due to the district’s alleged mismanagement of Muskoka Airport, Transport Canada (federal government) is being sued. It in turn brought in the District of Muskoka as a third party. The lawsuit will probably be successful. District will be obligated to cover all financial costs (substantial?) of Transport Canada. Would the district get the money by increasing taxes?
    2. District is now on notice that unless closed grass runway 09-27 is re-opened it will be sued. By closing it, District allegedly violated guarantees endemic in some tenants’ leases. District might need more tax money!
    3. Further lawsuits possible.
    4. These results arise from years of allegedly heavy-handed actions at the airport.
    5. Extremely competent (among Canada’s best) people have tried to help the district manage the airport properly, but district and Council did nothing. Councilors understanding the problems are too few to force necessary changes.
    4. I cannot imagine insurance payouts when so many perfectly competent people have tried to help district manage the airport. Is willful mismanagement worthy of insurance payouts?
    5. For decades the airport has been managed under the “guidance” of a series of allegedly unhelpful District “Chairs”.
    6. In my opinion, the current “Chair” is providing astonishingly poor guidance supporting closure of runway 09-27 and now, supporting placement of our airport under a “municipal corporation”. I understand this would give the current airport administration greater freedom to do as it wishes and reduce District Council’s oversight-possibly via committee resolutions subsequently “buried” by Council’s “blanket” acceptance of that committee’s resolutions. The tradeoff for councilors would see them with less work for the same money. Nice for them. Terrible mess for Muskoka.
    7. I believe district councilors, tired of Council discussions, want the “airport problem done and gone”. However, they are sworn and trusted to make their very best efforts in properly servicing the best interests of the electorate. This isn’t a selective interest -and applies to all users of the airport. Heaven help Muskoka if they violate the trust- or abuse the power- they are given.
    The matter deserves a dramatically longer write-up.

    Garth Elliot
    Bracebridge.

  15. Garth Elliot says

    Herewith is my opinion. What has been stated is just the tip of the iceberg. There is much more to this sorry mess created by politicians in what I believe is a partnership (complex) between politicians and one or two business interests.
    District is zipped up tight, so comments by the public are difficult or impossible.
    I suggest information is manipulated, and those in charge of the airport lack relevant skills…although some talk a good line.
    If a municipal corporation is created by the district politicians to manage the airport the situation might get far worse. But even now it is terrible.
    What is appropriate in taking public funds to make life difficult for many while using those funds to support one or two select commercial interests?
    But, comments by the press are not part of the “official” record. Worse still, I believe Council just wants the airport “problem” done and gone. District officials have for decades coveted the land on which the runway sits. It has therefore used truckloads of tax monies to keep presenting the same plan for the airport.
    The created Airport Board is a total disgrace…Described as “skills based” we have never seen relevant skills used on that board. It is a sales group put together to support district’s agenda which I view as anti-democratic, biased, anti-Muskoka etc. But it supports only one or two business interests at the expense of everyone else. Some existing -very, very successful airport businesses are suffering the loss of clients.
    District has even banned ski planes from the airport.
    Apparently, district is trying to force tenants with “Queen’s Leases’ (King’s Leases now) to leave the airport. Talk about overreach! Rights in those leases were conferred by the state itself. Petty district cannot cancel them but it can try to make life difficult for those holding those leases such that they will leave and district can then take them over by default. I am not a lawyer but cannot tolerate such behaviour on the part of the District Municipality of Muskoka. This possibly deserves police investigation? Everywhere one looks on the airport there are problems…such as building -induced turbulence so that the paved runway 18-36 is dangerous for smaller aircraft. District was warned not to put large buildings too close to the runway but permitted them anyway.
    Representatives of those successful and long-term honest businesses at the north end of the airport should be on a governing board.
    I believe “consultants” hired by the district are hired only if they sign on to support district’s agenda. The district can surely find better use for such funds.
    The Muskoka Airport Master Plan 2020 (parts relating to closing the east-west runway 09-27) is not worth the paper it is written on.
    Credentialism is used to impress the unwise…in my opinion it is like saying ” These people are really smart. Don’t you know WHO they are?” How dare you challenge their knowledge and expertise”…

    I will stop writing -for now. The fact that Council is being treated by district as if composed of fools is extremely offensive -to the point of making me sick.

  16. D. Robinson says

    Pony Up Muskokans!

    In a recent mailing from MP Scott Aitchison he is imploring his constituents to ‘Support our Local Food Bank’.

    Sadly there are many more food banks, food pantries, community meal programs and school food programs in Parry Sound Muskoka than those listed on the mailing.

    Hundreds of Volunteers donate thousands of hours of their time and many, many very generous donors contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to operate these programs.

    As one of those many Volunteers involved in a local food bank pre, during and post pandemic I am keenly aware of the needs of the vulnerable in our Community. At the beginning of the pandemic there was great concern that all of the food providers would be overwhelmed. With the timely implementation of the CERB program that onslaught did not occur. However, when that program wound down the number of families then seeking help increased and continues to do so at an alarming rate.

    Rather than reach out to his Constituents to further fund these needs perhaps consideration should be given to a Basic Income Program. Folks could then be in a position to seek training to improve their skills or access child care which would allow them to take on a job, or, or, or.

    The residents of South Muskoka are now embroiled in the hospital debacle. The planning process proceeded to identify two sites to be optimum on the understanding that many millions of dollars would need to be raised by the Community in addition to the government funding. Residents were recently broadsided by the announcement that the new Bracebridge hospital would not offer the services currently available. The outcry of the public was swift and loud. Even the many talented, over-worked Doctors made their voices heard. It is not known at this point what the next steps will be.

    There is also the issue of the gross mismanagement of the Muskoka Airport by elected officials, staff and appointed Board Members. The powers that be are willing to squander millions of economic development dollars generated by the Airport to support the wishes of a single Tenant. In addition they are exposing ratepayers to significant potential financial liability as a result of decisions made by them which create avoidable safety hazards. The benefit of those economic development dollars could be directed to improve the serious issues of food insecurity, lack of affordable housing and mental health facing many in our Community.

    The challenges are many. In difficult times such as these we look to our government, at all levels, to provide leadership to a path forward.

    Fellow Muskokans, we are not well represented!

    D. Robinson
    Bracebridge

  17. Garth Elliot says

    MUSKOKA AIRPORT POLITICS:TRUTH DISMISSED TO PLEASE A VERY FEW.

    In my personal opinion the pathetic rationales for closing east-west runway 09-27 (presently it is a grass runway) have never been properly addressed by Muskoka District Council. Experts (real ones -including a report by Tulloch Engineering) pointed out that without runway 09-27 the airport does not achieve 95% usability. Even the Muskoka Airport Master Plan 2020 showed it only achieved 84% at best. Actually, at the time it might have been less than 84%. For one runway to suffice at least 95% usability is necessary. It is right there in the Airport’s master plan! Read it!
    During the last few years safety has decreased even more, to the point of making Muskoka a truly dangerous airport – even for light jet aircraft. This, because despite multiple warnings not to do so, district has permitted the erection of large buildings on the west side of the south-north paved runway 18-36. Such buildings are very dangerous because they generate turbulent airflows across that runway when the prevailing westerly winds are dominant -i.e. most of the time.
    Runway 09-27 (grass) was wonderfully positioned to take advantage of those dominant (prevailing) westerly winds. District closed that runway due to wishful thinking built upon manipulated and false statistics. A house of cards built upon the sands of falsehoods. All in order to satisfy the interests of one or two businesses, and at the expense and safety of all other companies at the airport, and the eventual loss of jobs. These results harm all of Muskoka. Muskoka has never been ready for scheduled air service. Perhaps eventually -but not yet. Settling for only one runway will prevent scheduled flights permanently. For Muskoka Airport the one runway concept is a red herring.
    The manipulation of the airport’s safety aspects is also a disgusting, offensive, stupid and a pathetic child-like breach of honesty. District Council has been led down a path permitting one or two companies to use District resources and taxpayer dollars to build a fiefdom for those one or two business interests. All paid for by the taxpayers of Muskoka. All endorsed by an uncaring district government. So, why does our municipal government behave this way? Could it be because they have no skin in the game?

    Over many years the district has been warned of the dangers that would result from closing runway 09-27. I fear people will surely die. I have personally experienced building-induced wind turbulence. No person wants to ride in an aircraft that is absolutely out-of-control. Apparently, some think it is okay as long as they themselves are not on board.
    This stupidity has gone on for many years. Councilors get worn down by it all. They just want the matter settled. This places them in a situation where they can be led astray – a position where they can be induced to do absolutely stupid and dangerous things.
    Hidden within a scattered “bodyguard of misinformation” the Airport Masterplan 2020 revision 3, is confirmation that the expert public and negative criticisms appearing in the press are absolutely and unimpeachably correct.
    The district must immediately restructure the airport administration and airport board based on a responsible code of ethics, truth, and a solid adherence to a true moral compass. Currently these are non-existent at our airport.
    Following through with the present plan of placing the airport in the hands of a municipal corporation would both glue -and nail in place- the lids on the coffins of Muskoka’s economic well-being and the Muskoka Airport.
    The district should immediately restructure airport management and the airport board in its entirety -based on a responsible code of ethics, truth and solid adherence to a moral compass. Currently these do not exist at our airport. Failure to do so would say a lot about their lack of open mindedness and agenda driven intentions.
    Unfortunately, politically driven failures are not uncommon.
    Politics led to experts being ignored which led to the space shuttle Columbia disaster with all aboard killed.
    In Muskoka politics is leading to experts being ignored. There is a very definite commonality -with the stage for disaster being set right here at Muskoka Airport.
    After decades of warnings from experts, if those in control fail to act who will be the victims in Muskoka?

  18. Leon Kushner says

    Someone told me that a giant sturgeon (over 6 ft long, over 400 lbs) was caught in Lake Muskoka recently.
    I had no idea that sturgeon lived in Muskoka. I could not find any report on this.
    Apparently the MNR were notified.
    Can you confirm this?

    Thanks!

  19. Jack Martin says

    How about installing sprinklers at 100 Oakwood Heights as requested by the fire inspector Failure to comply with the inspectors order is creating anguish on the handicapped who will be evicted for failure to comply Sprinklers are already in the garbage area and there is a fire bib at the front door so the water supply is already there Sprinklers are always a good protection As elected members representing the people of Muskoka I ask you to do the right and humanitarian thing

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