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The 2026 Pre-Budget Report was presented at a Special General/Finance Committee Meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET at the Township of Muskoka Lakes Municipal Office.
Following public input and careful financial analysis, the 2026 Municipal Budget has been prepared and is now available for review. This report was deliberated at a Special Council Meeting on Monday, November 3, 2025at the Township of Muskoka Lakes Municipal Office.
Please note the Budget Meeting tentatively scheduled for November 24, 2025 is officially cancelled,as there have been no proposed amendments from Council at this time.Following the Provincially mandated 30-day period for changes, which ends on November 26, 2025, the Township’s 2026 Budget is deemed to be adopted.
About the Budget Process
Each year, the Township undertakes a comprehensive process to develop an annual budget that supports the delivery of essential services, ongoing operations, and long-term planning.
In accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001, municipalities are required to adopt a budget that outlines priorities and allocates funding for both operating and capital needs. The budget acts as a financial plan and a policy tool, ensuring resources are used effectively to meet community needs.
Of the property taxes paid annually by Muskoka Lakes residents:
55% is directed to the District of Muskoka (tax and rate supported)
23% remains with the Township of Muskoka Lakes *This engagement opportunity focuses on the services and investments delivered through that 23%.
The municipal budget is organized into two parts: operating and capital. An overview is available under Budget Key Terms in the sidebar.
How to Participate
Review the documents linked in the sidebar on this page
Share feedback here on Engage Muskoka Lakes
Please Note: Public input remains open until the formal budget report is finalized. You may continue to share feedback with your local Councillor, via Engage Muskoka Lakes AND/OR by applying for a delegation request to speak at a future meeting following the Pre-Budget Report presentation on September 17, 2025. Your input is a vital part of the budget process and will help ensure the Township’s priorities reflect the needs of the community.
The 2026 Pre-Budget Report was presented at a Special General/Finance Committee Meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET at the Township of Muskoka Lakes Municipal Office.
Following public input and careful financial analysis, the 2026 Municipal Budget has been prepared and is now available for review. This report was deliberated at a Special Council Meeting on Monday, November 3, 2025at the Township of Muskoka Lakes Municipal Office.
Please note the Budget Meeting tentatively scheduled for November 24, 2025 is officially cancelled,as there have been no proposed amendments from Council at this time.Following the Provincially mandated 30-day period for changes, which ends on November 26, 2025, the Township’s 2026 Budget is deemed to be adopted.
About the Budget Process
Each year, the Township undertakes a comprehensive process to develop an annual budget that supports the delivery of essential services, ongoing operations, and long-term planning.
In accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001, municipalities are required to adopt a budget that outlines priorities and allocates funding for both operating and capital needs. The budget acts as a financial plan and a policy tool, ensuring resources are used effectively to meet community needs.
Of the property taxes paid annually by Muskoka Lakes residents:
55% is directed to the District of Muskoka (tax and rate supported)
23% remains with the Township of Muskoka Lakes *This engagement opportunity focuses on the services and investments delivered through that 23%.
The municipal budget is organized into two parts: operating and capital. An overview is available under Budget Key Terms in the sidebar.
How to Participate
Review the documents linked in the sidebar on this page
Share feedback here on Engage Muskoka Lakes
Please Note: Public input remains open until the formal budget report is finalized. You may continue to share feedback with your local Councillor, via Engage Muskoka Lakes AND/OR by applying for a delegation request to speak at a future meeting following the Pre-Budget Report presentation on September 17, 2025. Your input is a vital part of the budget process and will help ensure the Township’s priorities reflect the needs of the community.
Ahead of sharing your feedback, please review the 2026 Pre-Budget Report materials here: Staff Report: 2026 Pre-Budget Report Presentation Deck: To come.
Please Note With the introduction of Strong Mayor powers in Ontario, the responsibility for presenting the formal municipal budget now rests with the Mayor. To support that process, Township staff have prepared a Pre-Budget Report, advising on the Township’s financial needs and anticipated service levels.
With the introduction of Strong Mayor powers in Ontario, the responsibility for presenting the formal municipal budget now rests with the Mayor. To support that process, Township staff have prepared a Pre-Budget Report, advising on the Township’s financial needs and anticipated service levels.
It is designed to:
Give Council, the Mayor, and the public a clear view of service and funding needs
Gather community feedback on staff’s perspective and priorities
Inform the Mayor’s direction to staff in developing the formal budget
The Pre-Budget Report is not the formal budget.
Timeline
Public Review and Engagement Begins
2026 Pre-Budget & Municipal Budget Reports has finished this stage
September 5, 2025
Presentation of the 2026 Pre-Budget Report to Committee
2026 Pre-Budget & Municipal Budget Reports has finished this stage
September 17, 2025
Staff to Analyze Feedback
2026 Pre-Budget & Municipal Budget Reports has finished this stage
September - November, 2025
*Public input remains open. To speak at future Budget Meetings, a delegation request is required (more information). See Key Dates below for more.
Formal Budget Presentation
2026 Pre-Budget & Municipal Budget Reports is currently at this stage
Assessment – a value attributed to a property for the purpose of taxation.
Capital Assets – infrastructure, land, buildings, machinery, equipment and other items that provide long term benefits to the community.
Capital Budget – funding long-term investments that help shape the future of Muskoka Lakes. This includes:
Road, bridge, and sidewalk construction
Park and greenspace improvements
Fleet maintenance and expansion (e.g. fire trucks, snow plows)
Strategic plans and service-level studies
Operating Budget – the annual plan for the purchase and financing of the Township's operations, funding the day-to-day services and programs that support our community, including:
Fire and emergency services
Township facilities (e.g. libraries, arenas, community centres, Township Hall)
Recreation programs
Road maintenance
Debt payments and contributions to reserves
Reserves/Reserve Funds – reserve and reserve funds are dollars set aside for specific purposes. There are two general types, obligatory (or statutory) reserve funds and discretionary reserve/reserve funds.
Tax Levy – amount of funds collected based on a tax rate applied on an assessed property.
All information including personal information received will be compiled and considered by staff for use under the purposes of this site. Personal Information will be collected and used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and other relevant privacy legislation. All comments made on this site may form part of Township records and may be subject to information request under the Act.
For general questions regarding Engage Muskoka Lakes or submitting your feedback, please contact: communications@muskokalakes.ca
