Economic Development Strategy (2026 - 2031)
Project Overview
The Township of Muskoka Lakes is updating its Economic Development Strategy for 2026–2030. The updated strategy will set clear priorities and practical actions to support a resilient, year-round economy that reflects local values, opportunities, and community identity.
WHY NOW? Muskoka Lakes’ current strategy was adopted in 2020. Since then, economic conditions have shifted significantly, including changes related to the pandemic, inflation and cost pressures, workforce challenges, and broader uncertainty. This update is an opportunity to confirm what’s working, adjust where needed, and ensure the Township has a clear, realistic roadmap for the next five years.
How To Get Involved
Comments and questions are always welcomed! Email the project manager at james.cox@muskokalakes.ca or call 705-765-3156.
Completed:
- Survey & in-person sessions with Business Owners, Community Organizations & Year-round Residents
- Survey for Seasonal Residents
Project Overview
The Township of Muskoka Lakes is updating its Economic Development Strategy for 2026–2030. The updated strategy will set clear priorities and practical actions to support a resilient, year-round economy that reflects local values, opportunities, and community identity.
WHY NOW? Muskoka Lakes’ current strategy was adopted in 2020. Since then, economic conditions have shifted significantly, including changes related to the pandemic, inflation and cost pressures, workforce challenges, and broader uncertainty. This update is an opportunity to confirm what’s working, adjust where needed, and ensure the Township has a clear, realistic roadmap for the next five years.
How To Get Involved
Comments and questions are always welcomed! Email the project manager at james.cox@muskokalakes.ca or call 705-765-3156.
Completed:
- Survey & in-person sessions with Business Owners, Community Organizations & Year-round Residents
- Survey for Seasonal Residents
-
Draft Economic Development Strategy (2026-2031) goes to General/Finance Committee on July 15, 2026
Share Draft Economic Development Strategy (2026-2031) goes to General/Finance Committee on July 15, 2026 on Facebook Share Draft Economic Development Strategy (2026-2031) goes to General/Finance Committee on July 15, 2026 on X (formerly Twitter) Share Draft Economic Development Strategy (2026-2031) goes to General/Finance Committee on July 15, 2026 on Linkedin Email Draft Economic Development Strategy (2026-2031) goes to General/Finance Committee on July 15, 2026 linkWhat happened last?
Over the Winter and Spring, the Township engaged with the community in the following ways:
- Survey & in-person sessions with Business Owners, Community Organizations & Year-round Residents
- Survey for Seasonal Residents
What’s next?
The draft Economic Development Strategy (2026-2031) is slated for review and discussion at General/Finance Committee on Wednesday, July 15.
Meeting Details
Township of Muskoka Lakes General/Finance Committee Meeting
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. ET
Location: Township Office, Council Chambers
Virtual Option: YouTube(External link)The following documents are available for review:
- Staff Report DSES-2026-024 (July 2026)
- Economic Development Strategy (2026 - 2031): At A Glance
- Draft Economic Development Strategy (2026 - 2031)
- A Practical Guide to Establishing a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)
How to participate
You can participate in the upcoming meeting in person or virtually by Zoom, by submitting a delegation request.
Learn more about this process here: Speaking at a Meeting | Township of Muskoka Lakes
What happened last?
Over the Winter and Spring, the Township engaged with the community in the following ways:
- Survey & in-person sessions with Business Owners, Community Organizations & Year-round Residents
- Survey for Seasonal Residents
What’s next?
The draft Economic Development Strategy (2026-2031) is slated for review and discussion at General/Finance Committee on Wednesday, July 15.
Meeting Details
Township of Muskoka Lakes General/Finance Committee Meeting
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. ET
Location: Township Office, Council Chambers
Virtual Option: YouTube(External link)The following documents are available for review:
- Staff Report DSES-2026-024 (July 2026)
- Economic Development Strategy (2026 - 2031): At A Glance
- Draft Economic Development Strategy (2026 - 2031)
- A Practical Guide to Establishing a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)
How to participate
You can participate in the upcoming meeting in person or virtually by Zoom, by submitting a delegation request.
Learn more about this process here: Speaking at a Meeting | Township of Muskoka Lakes
-
For Year-round Residents
Share For Year-round Residents on Facebook Share For Year-round Residents on X (formerly Twitter) Share For Year-round Residents on Linkedin Email For Year-round Residents linkThank you for getting involved! Your input is being reviewed by our team. Have questions? Call us at (705) 765-3156.If you are a year-round resident in Muskoka Lakes, here's how you can get involved.
(Choose one or both of the following options below)Survey
Deadline: February 20, 2026
Complete it online here: Have Your Say: Muskoka Lakes Economic Development (Public) Survey
In-person submissions: A print-ready version is available online (click here to download) or can be completed in person at the Township Office. Either option can be dropped off at the front desk of the Township Office (1 Bailey St. Port Carling), and addressed to the Economic Development Department.
Information & Engagement Sessions (in-person)
This is a facilitated, open conversation. No registration required.
Session 1 Thursday, February 19
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Port Carling Community Centre
3 Bailey St., Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0Can't attend an in-person session but want to chat with our consultants?
Book a one-on-one call with Kyra from KLB Consulting by emailing kyra@klbconsultants.ca
If you are a year-round resident in Muskoka Lakes, here's how you can get involved.
(Choose one or both of the following options below)Survey
Deadline: February 20, 2026
Complete it online here: Have Your Say: Muskoka Lakes Economic Development (Public) Survey
In-person submissions: A print-ready version is available online (click here to download) or can be completed in person at the Township Office. Either option can be dropped off at the front desk of the Township Office (1 Bailey St. Port Carling), and addressed to the Economic Development Department.
Information & Engagement Sessions (in-person)
This is a facilitated, open conversation. No registration required.
Session 1 Thursday, February 19
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Port Carling Community Centre
3 Bailey St., Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0Can't attend an in-person session but want to chat with our consultants?
Book a one-on-one call with Kyra from KLB Consulting by emailing kyra@klbconsultants.ca
-
For Businesses / Community Organizations
Share For Businesses / Community Organizations on Facebook Share For Businesses / Community Organizations on X (formerly Twitter) Share For Businesses / Community Organizations on Linkedin Email For Businesses / Community Organizations linkThank you for getting involved! Your input is being reviewed by our team. Have questions? Call us at (705) 765-3156.If you are a business owner and/or member of a community organization, here's how you can get involved.
(Choose one or both of the following options below)Survey
Deadline: February 20, 2026
Complete it online here: Have Your Say: Muskoka Lakes Economic Development (Business) Survey
For in-person submissions: A print-ready version is available online (click here to download) or can be completed in person at the Township Office. Either option can be dropped off at the front desk of the Township Office (1 Bailey St. Port Carling), and addressed to the Economic Development Department.
Information & Engagement Sessions (in-person)
Attend one (1) of the sessions below. Both will cover the same content.
This is a facilitated, open conversation. No registration required.Session 1 Session 2 Thursday, February 19
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Port Carling Community Centre
3 Bailey St., Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0Friday, February 20
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Bala Community Centre
1008 Maple Ave. Bala, ON L0K 1E0Can't attend an in-person session but want to chat with our consultants?
Book a one-on-one call with Kyra from KLB Consulting by emailing kyra@klbconsultants.ca
If you are a business owner and/or member of a community organization, here's how you can get involved.
(Choose one or both of the following options below)Survey
Deadline: February 20, 2026
Complete it online here: Have Your Say: Muskoka Lakes Economic Development (Business) Survey
For in-person submissions: A print-ready version is available online (click here to download) or can be completed in person at the Township Office. Either option can be dropped off at the front desk of the Township Office (1 Bailey St. Port Carling), and addressed to the Economic Development Department.
Information & Engagement Sessions (in-person)
Attend one (1) of the sessions below. Both will cover the same content.
This is a facilitated, open conversation. No registration required.Session 1 Session 2 Thursday, February 19
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Port Carling Community Centre
3 Bailey St., Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0Friday, February 20
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Bala Community Centre
1008 Maple Ave. Bala, ON L0K 1E0Can't attend an in-person session but want to chat with our consultants?
Book a one-on-one call with Kyra from KLB Consulting by emailing kyra@klbconsultants.ca
Who's Listening
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Phone 705-765-3156 Email james.cox@muskokalakes.ca -
Email kyra@klbconsultants.ca
Key Dates
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April 15 2026
Online Surveys
Documents
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Economic Development Strategy (Project Overview) (3.15 MB) (pdf)
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TML Draft Economic Development Strategy (2026 - 2031) - At A Glance.pdf (3.17 MB) (pdf)
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TML Draft Economic Development Strategy (2026 - 2031).pdf (51.8 MB) (pdf)
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A Practical Guide to Establishing a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT).pdf (6.96 MB) (pdf)
-
Surveys (Concluded)
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Staff Reports
Why Engage?
With input from residents, business owners and organizational stakeholders, by May/June 2026, the project will produce:
- A refreshed vision and priority areas for economic development (2026–2030)
- A set of strategic actions grounded in local context and community input
- A measurable implementation plan that includes roles, timelines, resourcing considerations, and performance indicators
- An executive summary and Council-ready materials to support adoption and ongoing reporting