• The overall residential tax rate (for those not on water and sewer like in Port Severn and MacTier) will be DECREASING by 2.35% from the 2017 rate if your MPAC Assessment did not go up in 2018. However, assessments typically go up each year as the increases are phased in over MPAC’s 4-year re-assessment periods.
• Beaches in Port Severn and MacTier were check for hazardous materials after a threatening letter was received in Muskoka about potential vandalism.
• The Integrity Commissioner recommended that Councilor Edward continues to have limited contact with Township Staff after failing to comply with a previous request last year to cease bulling and harassing of staff. He is also required to mainly communicate through the Mayor to the end of the Council term (Nov.).
• The Cove on Lake Joseph Road near MacTier will undergo a face lift and addition to their main sales office and construction of a new semi-enclosed rack for up to 120 boats.
• Residents turned out to comment on revised development plans for three phases at Oak Bay. More townhouses will increase new units from 482 to 564. Concerns ranged from lack of amenities, increased density and traffic, lack of parking, road width, setbacks, snow removal and environmental issues.
• Our BDO Annual Audit did not find any control deficiencies and showed improvements in our financial position.
• Event grants of $2K each were approved for the Honey Harbour Jazz Feast and the MacTier Events Committee for their Big Weekend.
• Council will consider appointing a Councilor as an ex-officio, non-voting member to SEGBAY Chamber of Commerce once their By-laws are revised to reflex this new position.
  Council was briefed on Bill 139 which will replace the Ontario Municipal Board with a Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. This will mostly impact appeals to Official Plans and Zoning By-laws changes. There will be less impact on the appeal process for variances.
• The MacTier arena will be utilized extensively by a commercial enterprise – Northern Athletic Education Inc – from May 22 to August 31 to offer training activities to local youth primarily within the hockey community. Pitching, batting, basketball, lacrosse and football will also be available. Council approved a reduced rental rate.
• Portions of Haskett Road will receive major gravel cover this year while a collapsed culvert on Muskoka Road behind the LCBO in MacTier will be replaced in June.
• Staff at the Township and District will consult with Oak Bay Golf Course to determine if environmental monitoring is taking place and if previous results are available.
• District Engineering Staff briefed Council on the ongoing invasive weed control program on District Roads in the Township (mainly phragmites). Council then passed resolutions to request the District to assist the Township for controls on their own roads, eradicate phragmites close to waterways and to contact Provincial and Federal authorities to request programs on their lands (Beausoleil Island).
• Loomex Group presented the draft Master Fire Plan that will assist in future Fire and Emergency Service decisions. Analysis looked at organization and staffing structure, health and safety, training, public education, emergency response, equipment and fleet, fire stations and record management.
• A resolution will be sent to the District to request that a consultant be hired and a committee be formed to determine the cost per service they provide to the Area Municipalities (water and sewer, policing, garbage, hospitals, roads, etc.). Some 40% of our tax dollars go to the District.

Paul Wiancko
Six Mile Lake