A few weeks ago we sent out an email asking if there were questions you would like the candidates to answer about their policies, views, and platform regarding the upcoming 2018 Municipal Election – specifically as it relates to Six Mile Lake.   The email was sent to all of our email subscribers and not just our Members and we had a great response from the entire community.   We focused our efforts on the 3 positions that we as Six Mile Lake residents can vote for: Mayor, Councillor Ward 3 and Area Councillor 1&3.

To access a printable PDF copy of this summary please download this document:  2018_Election_Candidates

Candidates Answers Summary

QUESTION 1.Your Involvement:  Describe the nature and length of your relationship with Six Mile Lake and similar areas of Ward 3 or with the other Wards in the Township that you seek to represent.  What have you done for the Six Mile Lake community in recent years; and where and when have you shown leadership on key lake or waterfront issues?  If elected, what will you be pushing for that will benefit Six Mile Lake owners?  In the context of this experience and your skills and objectives, why are you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?

Larry Braid: Familiar with Georgian Bay Township since the 60’s. What have I done? Too many things to list, but have supported your requests such as road improvements, tennis court, docks, signage, water testing, Regatta monies, your 6 Mile Lake Plan, to name a few, as well as trying to convince the two associations to work together to come to an agreeable decision re the Gross Floor Area question. (not sure yet if this has been successful.)  Pushing for: any reasonable request that benefits many and doesn’t make the budget go whacky. Why am I best candidate: if you listen to some groups, I’m a lousy candidate, but I disagree. With almost 18 years experience on Council, my integrity, my honesty, my broad knowledge of the construction industry and the Township in general, my willingness to listen and act on even the smallest issue even though it might not get resolved to a residents satisfaction, but hopefully some sort of a compromise.  I have and will always try my best to come to an amicable decision no matter the issue. I have a great working relationship with most of the current Council members; we don’t always agree, but for the most part we have moved the business of the Municipality ahead in a positive manner. I have also been advocating at District for more fair representation at their Council table as well as more bang for the bucks we send up there. As we have got deeper into the bowels of District operations, we have found out we are more of a cash cow to the Towns than we originally thought. I, along with my Township colleagues, have been whittling away at that problem.  Hopefully next term we have the continued support.

Peter Koetsier:    I have had very limited involvement with Six Mile Lake.  Sitting on the Committee of Adjustment, I have learned about the current GFA debate, and certainly heard from a number of Six Mile Lake residents on both sides of this challenge.  I have also sat on a number of advisory groups which included Six Mile Lake input.  Most of my experience has been related to Georgian Bay, which shares many similar concerns as those of Six Mile Lake.  I believe that experience (Land Trust, Biosphere Reserve, Honey Harbour Assoc., etc.), my commitment to our Township, my drive to bridge our communities, and my fresh energy will help lead our Council to achieve a better future for all of us.

Paul Wiancko : I have been on the Six Mile Lake Cottagers’ Association Executive Board for 32 years, since joining the SML community. I was involved in the Big Chute issue, the development of the Community Lake Plan, Wahta Land Claim and I continue to monitor the potential logging at the north end of the lake. As President of SMLA for 12 years, we initiated both the Annual Fireworks Show and the Golf Tournament. During this time, I was also on the Board of the Baxter Snowriders, SEGBAY Chamber of Commerce, a member of the TGB Historical Society, MacTier Festival Committee, MacTier Community Development Association, North and South Policing Committees and Chaired the successful Trent Waterway Locke 45 100^th Anniversary and the recent Eurasian Milfoil Seminar at the Baxter Community Centre.

Since 1998, as part of a TGB-wide water quality program, I have organized the bacteria sampling of SLM, and have begun sampling for late summer nutrient levels (Total Phosphorous) at eight locations. Both of these programs assess the swimability and the health of the lake.

I consistently attend most of the inland lakes AGM, Annual Road Associations and community social events (golf, dinners and special events). My involvement in all these areas results in meeting with many individuals and diverse organizations and listening to concerns pertinent to TGB staff activities and Council considerations. Finally, I publish a monthly “Council Update” email to over 600 residents including many from SML.

If re-elected, I intend to continue this level of involvement with all of these groups as well as continue the water quality program and Council Update emails.

Kristian Graziano : As the President Emeritus of the Six Mile Lake Rate Payers Alliance, I have invested a substantial amount of my time to ensure that the Township of Georgian Bay’s by-laws are applied fairly and consistently to everyone. My time as the former president included many meetings with concerned members and non-members who were confused by the process, or concerned about the arbitrary interpretations which have been made in the past.

Additionally, I have collaborated with the District of Muskoka in educating our lake and non-lake community on the importance of our waterfronts and water quality. Advocating for, and supporting the Hutchinson Environmental Sciences Limited (HESL) final draft on the District’s Recreational Water Quality Model, I have presented HESL’s recommendations to council in the context of Six Mile Lakes concerns.

If elected, I intend on partnering with your ward councilor and the community to bring harmony to an otherwise divided lake. This includes working closely with the Six Mile Lake Cottagers Association and the Six Mile Lake Ratepayers Alliance. Additionally, I will seek to address the garbage issues which have culminated in safety concerns/issues for residents of Six Mile Lake. Water quality is also a top priority for me. I will seek to continue the current paid water quality service that my opponent charges back to the Township, suffice it that the data cannot be acquired for a cheaper cost, or for free. I intend to also support or work with any/all volunteers who seek to educate others, with water quality testing, and/or evasive species eradication. Lastly, I intend on working with our community leaders such as the marinas, or other key subject matter experts on ensuring a safe and fun environment for all.

Brian Bochek : Starting in 1975 fishing Gloucester Pool and Six Mile Lake in a canoe and yes sorry to say camping on the shores of both, my visits to Six Mile Lake hold some of my fondest memories fishing with my two sons and occasionally my wife Mary-Anne. As our family grew we would land in Port Severn 25 years ago becoming  permanent residents while pursuing business opportunities. During these years we attended many fund raisers and community events, meeting many friends with families on Six Mile Lake. My formal education on the lake came from a family near Stump Bay. Later meeting a family from Hungry Bay offering me a different view of the lake but they had a common goal which was keep Six Mile Lake from becoming overdeveloped and looking like the shores of some Muskoka Lakes. During the last four years I have met with dozens of families with concerns from roads, bi-law enforcement, oversize new builds and even garbage issues. I have attended the AGM meetings and listened to different opinions on matters of planning and land use. When elected in 2014 I would have never imagined  I would be advocating to stop lumbering on the shores of Six Mile Lake or meeting with folks like Anne Lewis to stress how important and valued nature and wildlife is in the wetlands that surround SML. In recent years volunteering with the historical society, we joined a team of volunteers from SML to move the Milne Cabin to Port Severn to be restored and displayed for all to enjoy. Meeting my constituents and supporting fund raising efforts including  golf tournaments and fireworks. This has given me a great perspective of Six Mile from many different views. I have sat on council with no agenda of my own and want to continue to represent and be a voice for Six Mile Lake.

Susan Stokes:  While I am new to this role, I do have friends on Six Mile Lake and have made a point of listening to their concerns. The People of Six Mile feel very strongly about what goes on, not only on their waterway, but on their roads as well.  I have a lot of respect for this dedication, and in that sense will advocate for your interests as strongly as possible.

 

QUESTION 2. Cottage Size:  The appropriate size limit for cottages on Six Mile Lake is a complex issue and involves many aspects of our Community Official Plan and Zoning By-laws. The potential size of dwellings on the Lake is affected by the consideration of what should be included in the definition of Gross Floor Area (gfa), the appropriate maximum gfa limit for a dwelling, and the maximum additional gfa that may be approved through a variance application. The Six Mile Lake Cottagers Association will soon be involved in sending out a survey to all lake residents to determine their views on these matters. Do you have particular views on this broad cottage size issue or the particular aspects noted above, and in any case, what action or approach do you anticipate taking in response to the eventual results of this lake-wide survey?

Graziano : This matter is a complex one, however one that can be understood with some historical context. That said, I wish to address the question at hand rather than summarize the history. My cottage is currently 1200sqft. I have no plans on developing it, nor have I ever applied for a permit within the Township of Georgian Bay. The knowledge I have pertaining to this matter has come via in-depth and thorough analysis of our current by-laws, including comparing the by-laws of other lakes within the District of Muskoka. I have also spoken to numerous cottagers on the matter and have listened to their concerns with the utmost interest. I do not support large developments, nor do I support restrictive development. What I do support is consistent and fair development. Currently the two lake associations have been mandated by council to conduct a lake wide survey. Council’s go forward plan is a result of two presentations that I had made before them, advising that they explore a lake wide referendum. Currently, our two lake associations are working together to develop a set of questions which will be easy to understand yet will also determine the lakes preferences. As your District Councillor, I will work with your ward councillor to review the outcome of the survey. Both parties will need to participate and approve the final survey. Once the information has been verified, I will recommend a working group comprised of one member of each association and two unbiased members of our lake community to develop a plan which will address the survey’s results. My platform seeks to include all when shaping our future. Let’s bring harmony back to our lake.

Wiancko: I support a lake-wide and community review of the cottage size limit and as your councillor will support the majority opinion. SML has one of four Community Plans in the TGB that contain a limit on cottage size developed by their members (SML – 275 sq. m.).   Since it was approved in 2004, recent concerns that due to the increase in the permanent population or the use of cottages for investments, the limits need to be reviewed. This concern was brought up again when basements ground floor area (GFA) was included in the total size.

As a resident of SML and as your Councillor, I am completely open to a review of the cottage size limits as long as the entire lake population is consulted and that all options are considered.

In my opinion, it all comes down to the size of the lot under consideration, the height of the cottage, setbacks from the lake, neighbour property lines and built form view from the lake.

Stokes : I believe the Township has a responsibility to ensure appropriate building size verses lot, height, set back from the water and septic accordance.  How this is measured should be uniform throughout the Townships’ water-front community. Whereas, some lots, waterfront measure may be smaller in an allocated area and other areas may insist on a larger waterfront measure.
Bochek : To be completely honest, I would not ever consider speaking my personal opinion about the lakes future when it comes to planning or building issues. My job is to represent the residents and support the commonly held views for the direction you want your lake to be developed. Saying that I will offer my opinion of how I would like to see it fashioned if it was on my cottage lake. I believe the profile of a main dwelling should be no more the two stories and if the foundation is completely back filled on four sides with no access from the outside then it should not be in the GFA. Real estate and Mpac does not include that space in GFA and feel it would be used for maintenance room and storage. A maximum height restriction, lot coverage, setbacks, with a cap on GFA will limit properties from being over developed. Once again this would be on my lake, if residents on Six Mile Lake would like greater restrictions and a consensus is agreed upon then that would be the voice I bring to council. I would have to rely on the fair and non bias survey to inform me as to the direction Six Milers want to move forward. Your community plan evolved from a public process and is the longest standing plan in the TGB Official Plan. I believe it should be honored as is and if any changes or amendments are desired then the same pubic process input should be considered by council.

Koetsier :  I will be very interested to learn the results of your survey.  I believe Council should respect the wishes of the majority of residents.  My concern with the range of GFA definitions is that they can be an incomplete measure of the visual impact of any cottage or addition, which is what many neighbours may be most interested in limiting.  Careful consideration has to be given to how we set limits, allowing some flexibility, while taking into account the visual and environmental consequence of all development.

Braid: My opinion on this is unchanged. This Council put the issue back to the two associations to come up with agreeable wording if any change was to be made to the existing wording in the current bylaws. To date I have seen nothing from them.  The Interim Control Bylaw has now ended and so we are back to the same as before. From what I have seen and heard, this Council has not changed their position. Should there be a major change in Council composition, their line of thinking could be different. However, if re-elected, I am hopeful the two associations will present an acceptable solution to Council for approval. I would encourage the Council of the day to support those wishes.

QUESTION 3. Enforcement Concerns:  Many owners on the Six Mile Lake are becoming significantly concerned with an apparent lack of consistent enforcement of building permit regulations and rules, and of Zoning By-law and other municipal By-law requirements, even after complaints are made to the Township.  Do you share this concern or have you been aware of examples of inadequate enforcement, and if so and if elected, what measures will you be pursuing to ensure proper and consistent enforcement of Township rules and by-laws?   If you do not consider proper enforcement to be lacking, what measures will you take to verify and communicate that perspective to the community?

Bochek : Enforcement of bi-laws is a power the Township carries in order for the rules of planning and building to be  followed. Once the application is complete both Planning and Building must approve before issuing permits. The inspections during the project should check to see the project reflexes what was approved. If an infraction happens during this process an order to comply is issued. If the order is not complied with then a fine and order to remove must be issued. The cost of courts, lawyers,planning consultants mount up very quickly and this cost affects our taxes. I believe our staff should make all attempts to have the build to what was approved and only then proceed to the courts charging costs to the individual(s) not in compliance.

Stokes : Expansion should be allowed in keeping with bylaws of lot size. Small variances should be allowed within the allowed footprint.  Deck size, should not be part of the square footage of the building. Small variances should be allowed if not causing an obstruction. Bylaws regarding cottage/house size should be upheld, with minor variances allowed providing there is no obstruction. Council needs to stick to a clear plan.  This will benefit our lakes and the overall view on the lakes. As our population grows so should our enforcement.  I also have found that law and bylaw, enforcement in our Township lacking.  It seems to come and go. Council needs a clear plan.  Hopefully we can find the money to keep our Enforcement present. With the amount of taxes we pay we are certainly worthy of this.

Braid:  Opinions differ on the enforcement issue. The current Council also has mixed feelings, but we are limited to the number of staff available to police the whole Township re building infractions.  Complaints do come in and are acted on. Tickets are issued if warranted, and owners are forced to make applications for building permits, Zoning , Official Plan amendments or Variances.  Some people end up in court and this usually ends up costing us all in the wallet.  Staff do see some of the non-compliance issues when on the roads or lakes, but it is virtually impossible to catch all. If the community wants to throw lots of money at extra staff, we can have that discussion at budget time at the Council table. However, there are residents that don’t like the number of staff we have already and the amount of tax dollars they have to pay.  A very tricky balancing act for Council. Communication: Staff have already been tasked with improvements to that. So far we have a number of communication devices, but it is up to our residents to follow agendas, our e-news or sign up with our Clerk to be added to lists re certain notices.  All on our website to view. (see the new updated website launched a while ago)

Koetsier: Enforcement Concerns:   Regulations that are not enforced serve little purpose.  The Township needs to not only investigate complaints, but also follow-up on any permits issued to encourage adherence.  Having said that, all efforts should be made to inform each resident, and make sure that the limits are respected. Work orders and fines need to have enough teeth to prospective buyers, of the neighbourhood limits to minimize the need for enforcement.

Wiancko : In order to protect the sensitive environment we all enjoy, numerous Zoning By-laws have been developed, in consultation with the public, to protect water quality, built form visibility from the water, and to protect neighbour privacy. In addition, there are several additional Community Plans to further define the character of our lakes.

Our Building Department staff is responsible for enforcing these By-laws through site inspections and following up on individual complaints. Presently, we do not have enough staff to allow us to be proactively inspecting the more than 5,000 properties in the Township. Therefore, compliance is complaint driven. Increasing these inspections by adding more staff would require an increase in taxes – which I do not support.

Through education and working with cottage associations, property owners need to take responsibility for their communities. If someone is concerned about inappropriate construction, they should report it to the Township. Our inspectors are out every day and can prioritize these properties.

Graziano :Per my answer above, I support fair and consistent development practices. Enforcement is part of this policy. To respect privacy and confidentiality, I will not seek to cite any examples in my response, however I will speak to enforcement. During my tenure as District Councillor, should I find that enforcement is lacking, I will work expeditiously with our CAO, planning department, and ward councillor on an action plan which will address the gap. As subject matter experts, I will seek their opinions, and advice on the matter. I intend to also conduct further due diligence by collaborating with other townships to determine how they addressed similar issues. Once I have a full 360 degree understanding of the issue, I will make my recommendation and will work with all relevant partners to put my suggestions in action. Make no mistake, I will not make any recommendations hastily, nor will my due diligence process be perpetually ongoing. I am a man of action, and a rational and well thought decision will come quickly.

QUESTION 4. Water Quality & Sensitive Areas:  As seasonal or permanent residents of Six Mile Lake, the quality of the lake water and the lake environment is of great concern. How would you propose to support the lake community to protect our water quality, our sensitive environmental areas, and control boat speeds through sensitive areas of the lake. (Please limit your response to 250 words.)

Koetsier: Water Quality & Sensitive Areas:   Without our water and environment, we have nothing.  Learning more, and protecting the natural world around us, must be a top priority.  The Township should not only test our waters, but also encourage and assist volunteer efforts in this regard.  We must also include effective septic inspections.  In regards to boat speeds, we must recognize not only the danger of speed in confined areas, but also the damage that can be caused by boat wakes.  Slowing boats to a plow might be a little safer, but more damaging.  Enforcement is always a challenge, but must be done to encourage appropriate behavior.

Braid: As always, I have supported water testing, seminars and other water related initiatives. That would continue.  We have been very fortunate to have Councillor Wiancko as well as some helpers testing the water.  A lot of work for a very small cost. Georgian Bay testing is considerably more expensive as we have to hire firms. Planning legislation along with Environmental laws protect the sensitive areas now. Again your boating issues on the water are an OPP issue. Best to commission them to police sensitive areas.  Happy to set up a meeting with Marine Officers and your Association reps.

Graziano : This question was answered within my first response. To reiterate, water quality is also a top priority for me. I intend to support and work with any/all volunteers who seek to educate others with water quality testing, and/or evasive species eradication through any format including seminars, or on lake demonstrations. I also seek to collaborate with the District of Muskoka, FOCA, and the Lake Partnership Program of Ontario (MECP), when seeking ways to mitigate the eutrophication and/or acidification of our lakes. Lastly, I intend on consulting with advocacy groups such as Safe Quiet Lakes (safequiet.ca), and our community leaders such as the marinas, or other key subject matter experts, on ensuring a safe and fun boating environment for all. Collectively, and with proper leadership, we can ensure that our water quality is maintained while also ensuring that our waterways are safe.

Wiancko: With my background in Aquatic Biology, I have been monitoring SML for over 20 years following a long history by many others. Our ECHOES going back 70 years talks of preserving water quality and our fisheries. Today, we monitor bacteria in ten locations to ensure swimability, sample eight locations in the Fall for nutrient levels to determine lake health and oil about 100-150 geese eggs a year to reduce their population and lake contamination. The Township also inspects our septic systems every 5-7 years.

In addition, District staff sample 2-3 locations every two years for a comprehensive list of chemicals to determine long-term trends. Results have shown a consistent, steady state on water quality even as activities and lake usage have increased over the years. I would recommend this rigorous testing continue to ensure confidence in the quality of our water for years to come.

The Township has also mapped our fish habitat and wildlife sensitive areas. My recent discussions with the SMLCA have highlighted the need for more signage at some of these sensitive areas and more “Slow No Wake” signs at all our narrows. We are working to have these signs erected next year.

Stokes : Water quality should be of concern to all living around and using our waterways. Too many nutrients are entering the water and allowing weeds to flourish.  The amount of algae, especially with the hotter summers may choke out our marine life and make swimming etc. impossible and dangerous.  I thank Paul Wiancko for testing the lakes.  I thank those who go out and oil the goose eggs.  Education to people living or cottaging on the lakes is absolutely necessary to keep soaps and fertilizers out of the water.

Bochek : I would continue to fund water quality initiatives and look to increase public interest by education programs informing residents how they can help. Encourage MNRF to check and release data on fish populations and invasive species. Continue and increase the number of inspections of septic systems and achieve compliance keeping human waste from entering the waters of ALL lakes and rivers in the township. Our waterways are influenced by the water we receive from other sources so it important to work with neighbouring township to do their part.

QUESTION 5. Garbage & Bears:  The lake community has seen an increase in bear activity this summer which many residents consider to be related to the residential garbage pickup system and issues at the Gibson Lake Road garbage drop off area.  What measures or process do you propose to implement a solution to this problem?

Wiancko : I received a number of calls this summer re: bear sightings and garbage bin damage on Big Rock Road, Haskett Drive and Crooked Bay Road. This issue must be solved before next summer.

A District survey of some of these roads this past year indicated that most people wanted to continue the door-to-door pickup versus taking their garbage to the Baxter Transfer Site. Bringing back the bin site on Crooked Bay Road is also an option but the Ministry of the Environment has indicated their reluctance to issue Certificate of Approvals for these types of sites. However, I would support this request if the majority of the community gets behind it.

Another practical option that I would like to explore is having the Township make a bulk purchase of bear-proof steel bins based on a pre-order basis.

As for the bin site on South Gibson Road #33, it now seems that the return of the old bins has reduced the bear issue. This is something I fought for after the failed attempt by the District at a new bin design. I’m hopeful this will resolve the issue.

Graziano : Safety is of the utmost concern. Full stop. Frankly speaking, from a purely economical and practical perspective, transfer stations are the safest and most cost-effective way of ensuring that garbage is collected with minimal interactions by the local wildlife. The Lake of Bays model is a great example of this. That said, in the interim with all political stakeholders and actors investigating transfer station options, road side collection may need to continue. While it may be impractical to assume that curbside collection can be arranged to suit all Six Mile Lake ratepayers, my proposal is to have road side garbage collection being picked up on Sunday evenings or early Monday mornings rather than on Wednesdays. This will eliminate the opportunity for would be bears to feed on foods left out to fester during the week. Additional subsidies to ratepayers who seek to purchase bear proof bins could also be investigated further. Lastly, we cannot forget the islanders who live on the south end of the lake and who launch out of Six Mile Lake Marina. I would create and participate in a working group which includes councillors, ratepayers and marina owners. Collectively our agenda would be to work towards solutions that will address the garbage issue for those who do not currently have pick up nor transfer station options, while making those who do have access to bins better.

Bochek : This is a problem that is experienced across our township as we live or cottage in an areas that bears also live. We should be looking at other townships in central and northern Ontario and make recommendation to the district via our district councilor. I know much interest and progress is being made in the Go Home Lake area with new bins being added and solar powered cameras installed with a rigorous education and signing campaign. I would use the success of the prototype to implement new policies for garbage disposal. Once again the voice of the lake will be the message I bring to council and will support all efforts to keep the garbage and bears way from each other.

Stokes: The garbage site at Gibson Lake needs a complete overhaul.  Bears will only stay if they are being fed. Cost needs to be sorted out and the site needs to be made safe. Those with curbside pickup need to have bear bins that work. If you allow the bears to trash your trash you are affecting everyone around you. Ask the Township to supply bear bins at a discount.

Braid: People need to remember that we (humans) are in their backyard. Door to Door pickup is the cheapest form of waste management. 10 years ago, certain areas lost their heavily abused, expensive to operate and clean up “waste compounds.”  Door to door was implemented, or people have the option of dropping their waste off at the Baxter Transfer site. There are extended hours during the summer on Sunday nights or Monday nights of long weekends.  An incentive to help pay for a bear proof bin was offered and many took the District up on that.  So long as the bin is properly anchored to a concrete base or rock, people have experienced no issues that I am aware of. I have personally been on District’s case the last couple of years to have staff at the Road 33 compound to educate those using the site. The certificate of approval is for bagged household garbage and recyclables, not all of the other stuff I see left outside of the compound on a daily basis.  District wants to close the site, but would need Council approval.  However the MOE could order the site closed and we would have no say. C of A’s are getting harder and harder to obtain, usually 2 years or more and sometimes are not granted. The waste rules are on the District website and there are all kinds of items you can dispose of for free at the Baxter Transfer site. (such as mattresses, furniture and metal products) I am hoping that District will include some extra dollars in next year’s budget for some summer staff to educate people. (I have already asked for that)

Koetsier : Garbage & Bears:  Given the wildlife in our area (not just bears), garbage must be stored safely until removal.  This is difficult when seasonal residents are not around on garbage day.  I would like to do more research on this, but I wonder if having protected compounds might be the most practical solution.

QUESTION 6. Short Term Cottage Rentals:  The issue of inappropriate and incompatible activities associated with short term rentals on Six Mile Lake (similar to what is occurring on other lakes and in recreational areas) is of increasing concern with cottagers on our lake. What approach or measures would you pursue to address this emerging issue, or to help affected landowners deal with the related annoyances of loud noises (day & night), trespassing, offensive language, smoke from fires, and unsafe boating near swimming areas?

Stokes:  Whether it is owners or renters’ inappropriate behaviour is unacceptable and neighbours should not put up with it. Know your bylaws and let the offenders know that they are bothering you.  If the cottage is always being let out to people who are nuisances, let the owner know that you will call the police on these people.  Put the onus on them to be responsible for their renters’.  I generally find people want to come to the cottage to have fun and relax, however, this cannot be done at the expense of everyone around.

Bochek : I would suggest that everyone use the resources available to research how local governments are going to handle the ever increasing number of short term rentals, airbnb, and party houses. I will refer you to an article dedicated to this issue. https://hostcompliance.com/resources-gallery/a-practical-guide-to-effectively-regulating-short-term-rentals-on-the-local-government-level

The only comment I can offer at the point is any cottage use as a business full time is to make the owner apply for zoning change to commercial and let council approve or deny applications based on public input. Perhaps if you do short term rentals, a lake wide contract must be signed and a family from the lake must sponsor and be responsible for the renters actions. This topic will have a lot of discussion in the next term of council and I hope to work with the residents on Six Mile Lake to implement a policy that is fair to all invested parties.

Koetsier : Short Term Cottage Rentals:   This is another area where I would like to do more research. While we can create by-laws to control behavior, enforcement will always be a challenge.  I believe we should consider rental limits, with higher taxes on ‘commercial’ properties that are rented more than a certain percentage of the year, and we must hold the owner responsible for the behavior of their guests and tenants.

Braid: This issue has come up in discussions at the Council table before but has not been pursued because of the complexity and divisiveness. Myers Lake has this issue, and after a couple of years of consultation, Council passed a 24 hour noise bylaw. From what I have heard since this past spring when the bylaw was implemented, cottage rentals are still occurring but habits at the rental properties and around the lake have changed.  Staff will be bringing a report on the success or non-success of Council’s initiative. (soon I hope) Unsafe boating practices are an OPP issue and they are aware, but can’t be in all places at all times. They have been on our lakes a lot in the last few years and have found Six Mile to be a very lucrative lake, so I doubt they will reduce their level of attendance at this point. If everyone behaved and obeyed the laws, their attendance would diminish. I would be happy to have discussions at the Council table again in regards to the issue and would welcome a request in writing from the Association. A roundtable discussion with your reps and OPP could also be arranged.

Graziano : A: The District of Muskoka is currently undergoing a review regarding rental properties. Once the District has released their findings, I will review any/all recommendations that are put forward. Together with your ward councillor we will collaborate with the community, our lake associations, landlords, and township staff to formulate an action plan that is suitable to all parties.

Wiancko :    Cottage rental have become an increasing concern across Muskoka as cottage owners cash-in on this growing tourist trend. With this growth, comes increasing complaints and concerns. As the present Chair of the District Planning and Economic Development Committee, staff is currently considering the development a District-wide policy on Cottage Rentals.

There are two types of cottage rental – Commercial and Owner Rentals. Commercial rentals are those cottages purchased solely for rentals purposes (short or long-term). The owners do not reside in these cottages at any time. These properties are commercial developments and should be licensed as such.

The second type of rental is shared use of a cottage – both for owners and for rental (short term or long-term). In my opinion, these rentals should be regulated (licence or permits) through District policies and monitored by the Area Municipalities on an annual or multi-year basis. If valid complaints are filed, warnings could be provided, fines could be levelled or permits revoked, depending on the severity. Approval of such policies would require significant public consultation. 

Biographies (Please note, not everyone provided a bio)

Susan Stokes, Candidate for Councillor, Ward 3.

I am retired Level 2 Dental Assistant, educated at a Private School, George Brown, Seneca and The University of Western Ontario.  I believe in life-long-learning, and the role of Councillor will be a new page in my book.  During the past 8 years, I have been on the TGB Library Board so I have spent some time in Council for the Library.  I currently sit as Vice-Chair.

While working I was appointed onto the Executive of The Ontario Dental Assistants Association, then elected as President. I spent 10 years on the Executive, with 8,500 members. I occasionally volunteered at the Ontario Dentists Spring Convention as well as their Winter Clinic.

As my kids (3) entered the education system I was on the executive of their Nursery School, and then on the Home and School Association of Rivercrest Jr. School.

My husband and I are full time residents of the Township (15yrs) and Cottagers for many years before that. We live on Little Lake and have property on the waterfront as well as inland.

Paul Wiancko

Aquatic Biology Degree from the University of Guelph and a Masters in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto. Worked for Ontario Hydro/Ontario Power Generation for 28 years in the Nuclear Environment Division before retiring in 2002. Been a cottager on Six Mile Lake since 1984 and a permanent resident since 2002.

Check out my web site at www.electpaulw.ca

Brian Bochek

I have been offered an addition 150 words to give you a short bio and why I should represent you at council. I would hope my body of work at council 2014-2018 speaks volumes as to why I am seeking your support. Simply to give you an avenue for your voice to be heard while having the utmost respect for a balance between development and the environment.