From the Muskoka Lakes Association and Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization.
On Saturday, August 9, residents, cottagers, lake associations and municipal councillors from across Muskoka will gather for a powerful show of unity at the “Stand Up for Muskoka” Rally at Milford Bay Community Centre. This is a community-wide event to support our political leaders defending the newly adopted Official Plan (OP) and protect Muskoka’s future.
Over several years, residents, cottagers and lake associations took part in an open, transparent and highly engaged public process to shape a new Official Plan (OP) for Muskoka. The result was a forward-looking, inclusive plan grounded in shared values: protecting the environment, supporting responsible development and preserving property values and community character. With strong public backing, District Councillors unanimously adopted the plan.
Now, a small group of developers and the aggregate industry are challenging it at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). They’re pushing for changes that would roll back long-standing policies that have guided responsible development in the region for decades. If they succeed, Muskoka risks losing what makes it special: clean water, clear air, forests and a strong sense of community.
“This rally isn’t just about one plan, it’s about the future of Muskoka,” said Ken Pearce, President, Muskoka Lakes Association. “A small group of private developers and aggregate industry players have appealed the plan to the Ontario Land Tribunal, trying to dismantle the very policies that have guided responsible development here for decades. It’s not just the content of the plan they’re challenging — it’s the integrity of the community-led process that created it. We came together to shape this plan and now we need to stand together to defend it, again.”
The Stand Up for Muskoka Rally brings together many lake associations and community organizations, all united by a shared goal: protecting the future of Muskoka by showing support for our political leaders defending the plan.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Time:
● 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET: Doors open. Music, mingling and Food Trucks
● 1:15 – 3:00 PM ET: Rally, speeches, pledges of community and political support Location: Milford Bay Community Centre, 1020 Beaumaris Rd, Milford Bay, ON P1L 1W8 Speakers: TML Mayor Peter Kelley, TML and District Councillor Guy Burry, District of Muskoka Chair Jeff Lehman (to be confirmed), Huntsville Deputy Mayor Dan Armour, David Donnelly of Donnelly Law, Gord Miller, Retired Environmental Commissioner of Ontario and the Presidents of the MLA and the Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization, who are co-sponsoring the event.
The rally will feature speeches, local musicians, stories of community action and food trucks on-site. Neighbours, municipal councillors and residents will come together in solidarity to defend the fair, transparent process that shaped the OP and support the shared vision it represents: clean water, protected forests, and a strong sense of place. Attendees are encouraged to bring signs and show their support for responsible development and community-driven planning.
“This is our moment to show up,” added Jeff Crocker, President, Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization. “This plan reflects years of community effort and shared vision. We can’t let short-term interests undo decades of progress. On August 9, we’re standing up for the lakes, the land and the future of Muskoka. And we want the rest of the community to stand up with us!”
For more information, click here.
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