District of Muskoka Approves Community Wellbeing and Safety Plan

The new plan focuses on homelessness, mental health and access to services

District of Muskoka Council approved the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan 2026-2030 in the July 20, 2026, meeting.

The updated plan, developed with support by Avail Consulting, is required under Ontario's Community Safety and Policing Act and outlines a coordinated approach to improving safety and well-being across Muskoka over the next four years.

The framework focuses on four priority areas: housing and homelessness, mental health and addictions, access to services and supports, and improving how data is collected and shared among Community Safety and Well-Being partners to better inform planning and decision-making.

According to the report, the strategies are intended to reduce community risk, strengthen protective factors and provide supports earlier, with an emphasis on prevention rather than reactive responses.

Housing and homelessness initiatives will focus on identifying people earlier, connecting them with supports and preventing chronic homelessness where possible.

Mental health and addiction efforts aim to improve access to services for children, youth and families, while another priority focuses on reducing barriers and helping residents connect with services closer to home.

The fourth priority is improving how community partners identify, share and use data to support planning and decision-making.

Development of the plan included a review of existing local strategies and reports, consultation with the Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee, interviews with senior leaders from service organizations, and a community survey that received 425 responses. A strategic planning workshop was also held with representatives from organizations serving Muskoka residents, and a total of 25 senior leaders from 17 service-based organizations were consulted during the process.

The report notes there are no immediate financial implications. Should funding be required in the future, annual funding envelopes would be established through the District's tax-supported budget process to support work plans arising from the approved actions.

It adds that municipalities are required to review and update their Community Safety and Well-Being plans every four years, and the updated plan will be submitted to the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Councillor, Don Smith, expressed concern about the plan, describing it as “thin” regarding goals and addressing issues such as mental health. He said he doesn’t see a “real goal that we’re working towards.” He added, “I guess I was looking for more in the action plan.”

The consultant explained, “Plans have to meet the community where they’re at.” They indicated that there is “good work” being done in the mental health area, however resources and funding are a factor and “beyond the scope of this plan.”

Councillor, Guy Burray, expressed that there isn’t clarity regarding what the District is obligated to do compared to what they choose to do.

Consultants explained that they are obligated to have a plan, track and monitor progress, and ensure the data is transparent to the public.

District staff indicated quarterly meetings of the advisory committee will begin at the end of 2026 and continue through 2027 and beyond.

Staff are expected to report back to committee and Council in late 2027 with updates on progress, achievements, ongoing challenges and any recommended changes to priorities or actions for 2028.