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.
Project Update (as of October 2026)
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Township's community engagement opportunities for the Bala Community Reserve Fund.
Following the first round of engagement in 2025, Council directed staff on June 10, 2026, to conduct additional community engagement and call for proposals on the use of the reserve funds.
The second community survey, "Bringing Ideas Into Focus," closed on September 30, 2026. This survey invited the community to help identify priorities for enhancements in Bala that are not already funded or planned through the Township's 10-year Capital Plan.
Township staff are now reviewing the feedback received and preparing a report with recommendations for Council's consideration at a future meeting.
Further updates will be shared on this project page as they become available.
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.
What's Next?
Staff are reviewing the results of both rounds of community engagement to help inform recommendations on the future use of the Bala Community Reserve Fund.
A report outlining the engagement findings and recommendations will be presented to Council at a future meeting. Subscribe to this page for project updates!
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Phone 705-765-3156 Email james.cox@muskokalakes.ca
