• The Orillia Power Corporation made another presentation on a proposal to install a 8,000 kW station at Sandy Grey Falls between Gray Lake and Go Home Lake. They have been after this site since the 1970’s. The Township owns the Road Allowance around the falls.
• Minor changes to the noise and animal by-laws were discussed. Both should be approved at the next Council meeting on Nov. 14.
• The CEO of the new Muskoka-East Parry Sound Health Services discussed the recent amalgamation of the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital and Algonquin Health Services. They also have a $5 million diagnostic imaging project underway (CT Scan, 2 X-rays and more space).
• The Cognashene Cottagers’ Association is developing a Neighbourhood Plan for early next year to address increasing concerns about the trend in shoreline development. A 14 member Strategic Planning Group has been formed to steer the process.
• I updated Council on a recent meeting we had with Norm Miller, MPP-Muskoka Parry Sound, OPP, MNR, Trent-Severn Water Way, and Severn River Association of Property Owners concerning the damage from camping at Pretty Channel (east of the Big Chute). The MNR cannot legally post “No Camping” signs on Crown Land. However, the OPP/MNR will initiate aggressive patrols next year and the Township will post any Township Road Allowance property.
• The application of the Georgian Bay Blasting By-law will be considered for inland lakes in the new year after review by the various lake cottager associations. Please submit any comments by the end of the year.
• There will be Public Meetings at the Council meeting on November 14 concerning 4 new By-laws resulting from the June Planning Workshop.
  • Increased lot coverage for Gloucester Pool and Severn River (10% for normal size lots and 7% for larger lots).
  • Number, length and width of docks per lot on Georgian Bay north of Honey Harbour (2 for lots under 122 metres plus 1 dock per additional 61 metres). Dock length to be increased to 20 metres.
  • Percent enlargement (gross floor area and front yard width) of dwellings within 20 metres of the shore.
  • Maximum height of dwellings north of Honey Harbour of 7 metres.
    November Meeting Notice
• A 1 to 2 year interim by-law, not requiring a Public Hearing, will also be passed to control the maximum gross floor area for main dwellings north of Honey Harbour to 325 square metres.
• The Garbage Bin Site on Go Home Lake Road needs to be moved as a result of the Wahta Land Claim. However, it is hoped that this will not happen until a new site is selected.

Paul M Wiancko
Six Mile Lake
pwiancko@csolve.net