District Municipality of Muskoka
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| Responsibilities |
| What the District Does |
| Planning and Economic Development Department |
| District Official Plan Policy |
Muskoka's Water Responsibilities
- Public Health Funding
- Financially supports Muskoka Tourism
- District Planning and Economic Development
- Purification, supply and distribution of water
- Sewage and septic treatment and sanitary sewage collection
- Representation on the Board of Health of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and Muskoka Tourism & Marketing Agency
Protecting Muskoka's Water
When Donald M. Paterson undertook his study in 1969 that recommended the formation of the District of Muskoka he identified the importance of Muskoka as an area that needed to be protected for its significant heritage and recreational values.
The District Municipality of Muskoka encompasses an area of approximately 10451 km² and is comprised of six Area Municipalities. The 23 member district council is made up of representatives from each of the Area Municipalities.
Muskoka gathers its responsibilities and authority directly from Provincial legislation. The Council's main purpose is to establish policies to serve, protect and enhance the people and the environment of Muskoka. District staff carry out these policies. Standing Committees review issues, hear input from the public and other organizations and formulate recommendations to be considered by the whole of Council. Council's decisions are then implemented through by-laws.
Important decisions about our water are discussed through meetings and are then finalized and carried out through by-laws and program initiatives.
Muskoka Public Works is responsible for;
Water and Sewer Operations ensure that our water is safe to drink and that wastewater is treated before entering our lakes. All plants are operated by certified water and sewage system operators.
Water and Sewer responsibilities include:
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All water sampling, testing and reporting is carried out in compliance with the requirements of Ontario's Drinking Water Protection Regulation 459/00. This legislation ensures clean drinking water with tightened standards, controls, and reporting requirements for distribution systems and water treatment.
Want to know more about your municipal drinking water quality?
Planning and Economic Development Department
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Development Services is responsible for developing and implementing policies for the growth and development of the District Municipality of Muskoka.
Strategic (Long Range) Planning establishes strategic policies and plans for the anticipated future needs of the District Municipality of Muskoka.
Geographic Information Systems produces maps and manages Muskoka GIS data with the help of the participating Area Municipalities. They ensure correct and accurate data.
Economic Development encourages and supports economic growth in the District Municipality of Muskoka. They support the Muskoka Tourism Marketing Agency and Muskoka Airport for developing economic growth.
The Muskoka Water Strategy is a framework of integrated and strategic initiatives to protect Muskoka's water resources.
District Official Plan Policy
The District Official Plan addresses many issues that have an impact on our water resources. Key topics include;- steep slopes
- wetlands
- narrow waterbodies
- shoreline buffers
- lake system health
