District of Muskoka launches new Hate Free Muskoka web page

The new campaign formally starts today, including the new website for residents and visitors experiencing or witnessing hate crimes

District of Muskoka staff announced the launch of the new Hate Free Muskoka web page, in the September 15, 2025, meeting.

Staff indicated that the new Hate Free Muskoka campaign formally starts today, including the new website for residents and visitors experiencing or witnessing hate crimes, which can involve vandalism, like graffiti, or other hate related matters.

They indicated that a simple google search of “hate free Muskoka” will provide access to their website, which is designed as a resource for information about hate, a place to report incidents anonymously or with contact information, an opportunity to join the movement, and awareness of upcoming related events hosted by the District.

A 2022 symposium resulted in four recommendations for the initiative, which involve defining hate “from a common understanding,” developing protocols for responding to incidents, track incidents in the area, and annual staff reports about incidents, said staff.

They added that annual reports will begin next year “to see how hate is showing up in Muskoka,” and encourage the public to use #HateFreeMuskoka to stand up against online hate.

The District will also be hosting a symposium in November called Advancing Allyship and Stronger Communities, at the Active Living Centre in Huntsville, and will participate in other events, such as the cranberry festival in Muskoka Lakes in October, and other upcoming festivals in the region.

Next steps will include ongoing public awareness, promoting inclusion, safety, and belonging, and encouraging the public to use the portal to report indents, sign up for the newsletter, and to get involved.

Councillor, Peter Johnston, commended staff on the idea, indicating that it was a matter “close to my heart.” He said, “There’s obviously too much hate in the world.”

He added, “The government believes that they can legislate everything. They can prohibit behaviours through legislation but it’s the mindset that’s the issue… But they can’t prohibit mindset.”

“We need to encourage people to change their mindset,” said Johnston, which is why this initiative is important.

Councillor, Brenda Rhodes, suggested that staff report their findings quarterly, rather than annually. She added, “I think it’s important to understand what’s happening in the communities.”

She also suggested that outreach for the initiative extend to businesses too, so they have information for anyone experiencing the issue at work as well as in the community.

Staff indicated that next steps will involve gathering more data to report to Council and the advisory group for informed decision making and planning, such as whether they will target other places like schools, and other areas to put efforts into.

Councillor, Rick Maloney, indicated that the goal is “to eliminate, mitigate, and remove hateful behavior in municipalities as expeditiously as possible.” He added, “We don’t want it to linger.”

He also suggested that the District create a link for public reports to go directly to the municipalities impacted so they can immediately address the issues, rather than having them wait to hear about them from staff.

Staff advised that they will consult legal services and IT to see if it’s feasible and report back to Council.

Chair, Jeff Lehman, said, “We hope to see very little reporting…to demonstrate Muskoka is a welcoming place.”

For more info, visit: https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/feedback-and-engagement/hate-free-muskoka.aspx