mY priorities

for Lake of Bays

Fiscal Responsibility

Every dollar collected from taxpayers should be put towards Lake of Bays, for today and for our future. With a focus on financial responsibility, I am committed to listening to the needs of our four communities, and following through with a transparent and accountable budget.

  • Ensure tax dollars are allocated to projects and initiatives that reflect the needs and interests of the people and businesses who reside here. 

  • Involve residents in deciding the best use of the funds retained through the Municipal Accommodation Tax, such as community improvements.

  • Be transparent about how and why financial decisions are being made by Council.  

Economic Growth

Tourism is one of our strongest industries, and I believe we should build on this success by turning a seasonal economy into one that supports our communities year-round. At the same time, Lake of Bays has opportunities to attract new industries for economic growth.

  • Explore ways to extend our tourist season to a 12-month economy, such as updates to the Dwight skating rink. 

  • Actively pursue District and provincial grant opportunities to bring new initiatives to our area. 

  • Support existing businesses and entrepreneurs to grow their operations and build their local workforce. 

  • Work with builders and businesses through a pragmatic, supportive process that helps them invest in our communities.

  • Recognize the distinct characteristics of Baysville, Dorset, Dwight, and Hillside, and bring creative, locally-suited industries to each.

Responsible Development

Our history, lakes, and land are central to the core values of Lake of Bays, and no development decision should come at the expense of them. Bringing my experience in ethical, environmentally responsible planning, I will work with Council and our communities to ensure we have guardrails in place to protect our region.

  • Promote economic growth while staying true to the core values and environmental conservation that define Lake of Bays. 

  • Ensure new development follows the proper corridors and respects the character of our Township.

  • Identify where policy can be updated without compromising environmental protections. 

  • Engage residents and businesses in shaping the future of Logging Chain Lodge, including the possibility of redeveloping the property into a multi-purpose site that serves community needs and benefits local tourism.

Business & Employment

Having built my businesses in Lake of Bays, I understand the unique challenges of living and working in a rural area. I am committed to keeping business and employment local, and supporting the businesses that are already here so they can keep growing right where they are. 

  • Create more opportunities for existing businesses to sustain and expand their operations in Lake of Bays. 

  • Adopt a progressive approach within our local government to attract new businesses to our area and hire locally. 

Community Engagement

People are stronger together, and our local government has the important role of uniting our community by listening to and understanding its needs. If elected as mayor, I will build on the community engagement initiatives the Township has already done and find more ways to close the gap between Council and the people it represents. 

  • Build on the successes of the Township of Lake of Bays’ existing community engagement initiatives, including the community surveys about the development of the Logging Chain Lodge property. 

  • Address community concerns about the year-round road access issue. 

  • Open more direct paths for younger residents to get involved in local government and shape the future of Lake of Bays. 

Affordability

Rising living costs and a shortage of affordable housing are challenges for many people in our communities. Working united with Council and residents, I will make sure decision-makers at the District and provincial levels understand the challenges we are experiencing, and what it will take to move forward.

  • Address affordability by developing a strong economic strategy that brings the right industries and jobs in. 

  • Advocate at the provincial and District levels so we can develop solutions in partnership with each other, not in isolation.

Strong Representation

Strong representation means residents’ voices are heard on the issues that affect them day to day. As your representative, I’ll bring a proactive approach to Council’s relationship with the District and the province, ensuring our region’s priorities are heard. 

  • Ensure the voices and concerns of Lake of Bays are represented at municipal and provincial levels.

  • Work closely with the District of Muskoka on issues including the garbage collection and transfer station access. 

  • Address the current issues with transfer station construction during high season, when local contractors and businesses depend on reliable access. 

  • Explore progressive waste management partnerships with other municipalities to reduce costs for taxpayers.

  • Position our Township to access funding through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) when it becomes available.

Community Care

Caring for our community means taking care of every generation who is part of it. From our youngest residents to our oldest, Lake of Bays should be a place where people are supported, at every stage of life.

  • Support our aging population through accessible health care options that allow them to stay in their community. 

  • Explore opportunities to bring new services and offerings, such as health hubs and other community services that help residents age well and close to home.

Have your say

Whether you have a question, want to get involved, request a lawn sign, or simply stay connected, Matt wants to hear from you.

Every conversation helps build a stronger, more connected Lake of Bays.