Bala Community Reserve Fund
Overview & Background
The Township of Muskoka Lakes is seeking input from the community on how to best allocate reserve funds set aside specifically for Bala.
Between 2016 and 2020, the Township received funds from a temporary land lease agreement with Swift River Energy Limited (SREL) during the construction of a hydroelectric generating station in Bala. These funds, totalling $192,400, remain unallocated and are now being made available to support initiatives that align with the community’s priorities.
This effort is part of the Township’s ongoing commitment to its Community Improvement Plan (CIP), which supports the revitalization and enhancement of our downtowns through thoughtful investment and meaningful public input.
We want to hear from residents, business owners, community organizations, and anyone with a vision for Bala’s future.
Project Update (as of September 2026)
Thank you to everyone who shared their ideas during the first round of community engagement in 2025. Your feedback helped identify initial priorities for community enhancements in Bala. On June 10, 2026, Council directed staff to conduct additional community engagement and call for proposals on the use of the reserve funds.
Based on what we heard and direction from Council, we’re now narrowing the focus and asking the community to provide feedback on specific priority areas for enhancements that are not already funded or planned through the Township’s 10-year Capital Plan, or that may not otherwise move forward without additional funding.
What’s Already Planned?
The Township’s 10-year Capital Plan currently includes the following projects in Bala:
| Project | Year | Budget |
|---|---|---|
River St Boat Ramp Replacement | 2027 | $43,700 |
Bala Cenotaph Washroom Renovation | 2027 | $43,700 |
Bala Bay Dock/Bala Cenotaph Pathway Resurfacing | 2027 | $27,300 |
Jaspen Park Beach Repairs | 2027 | $16,400 |
Weismiller St Boat Ramp Replacement | 2028 | $51,400 |
Weismiller St Dock Redecking | 2028 | $45,600 |
Jaspen Park Washroom Renovation | 2028 | $114,100 |
Bala Community Centre Playground Replacement | 2029 | $119,300 |
Muskoka Lakes Sports Park Playground Replacement | 2029 | $178,900 |
Gordon St Dock Replacement | 2029 | $41,700 |
Bala Bay Dock Boardwalk Replacement | 2030 | $186,900 |
Muskoka Lakes Sports Park Washroom Renovation | 2031 | $97,700 |
Muskoka Lakes Sports Park Parking Lot Resurfacing | 2031 | $130,200 |
River St Dock Replacement | 2031 | $39,100 |
Muskoka Lakes Sports Park Skate Park Replacement | 2033 | $142,200 |
Windsor Park Washroom Renovation | 2034 | $59,400 |
Muskoka Lakes Sports Park Field Replacement | 2035 | $1,242,400 |
These projects will continue to move forward separately from the Bala Community Reserve Fund.
Have Your Say
Which additional community improvements would you like to see prioritized in Bala? In this survey, we’ve included several potential opportunities that reflect what we heard through the first round of engagement and could be supported within the $192,400 available.
Let us which are most important to you and share any other ideas you think should be considered.
Complete the survey below by Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Feedback received will help inform recommendations to Council on potential future uses of the Bala Community Reserve Fund.
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Phone 705-765-3156 Email james.cox@muskokalakes.ca
