Lake of Bays approves funding for community grant programs

Two of five applicants received funding, with opportunities for more funding for Lake of Bays residents

Lake of Bays Council approved funding recommendations for community grant programs during the May 12, 2026, meeting.

Staff recommended funding approval for the 2026 Lake of Bays Community Grant Program (CGP) and the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Private Sector Incentive Program.

According to the staff report, the CGP is administered through the Muskoka Community Foundation and supports one-time projects that provide measurable community benefits within the township.

Staff indicated that five applications were submitted during the 2026 intake, with two approved for funding.

The Lake of Bays Bocce and Curling Club received $2,500 to replace two large non-operational kitchen windows. Staff stated the project supports local recreation infrastructure and enhances a community gathering space that contributes to resident engagement and quality of life.

Archers in Muskoka also received $2,500 to support an August archery event in the Township of Lake of Bays. Staff noted the project aligns with program goals by promoting outdoor recreation, tourism and community participation.

Three additional applications submitted by Poverty in Muskoka, Enliven Cancer Care and the Imagination Library of Lake of Bays were not recommended for funding because they did not meet the program criteria for directly benefiting the Lake of Bays community.

Councillor, Mike Peppard, suggested speaking to the organizations “to expand into Lake of Bays.”

Staff advised that although the organizations are regional based, they are “working with them to do more programming in Lake of Bays.” They added, “We really want to hone in on Lake of Bays.”

The CIP Private Sector Incentive Program was summarized for the first quarter of 2026 and supports business expansion and property improvement projects within the communities of Baysville, Dorset, Dwight and Hillside.

White Pine Lodge Algonquin Inc. was approved for a $5,000 grant toward a $100,000 project involving upgrades to the concrete slab of an existing building that will be converted into accommodation space.

Algonquin Acres was approved for a $5,000 grant and a $10,000 loan to support a $50,000 expansion of a mini putt green.

The report also noted the Expansion and Diversification of Existing Businesses incentive stream can provide grants covering up to 50 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $5,000 per property, along with loans of up to $10,000 per business.

Staff also reported approximately $100,000 remains in the CIP reserve fund, with another application intake planned for the third quarter of 2026.

Councillor, Rick Brooks, suggested that one of the issues is “getting the public – business communities – to understand these are available.” He said, “They just don’t know it’s there.”

Staff said they’ve done a lot of “door knocking” as an effort to promote it, “versus just traditional advertising.”