Lake of Bays Council endorses Muskoka River Watershed Accord

Lake Of Bays is the latest municipality to join the accord

Lake of Bays Council endorsed an agreement aimed at strengthening collaboration among municipalities, First Nations and other organizations working to protect and manage the Muskoka River Watershed during its August 25, 2026, Planning meeting.

According to the staff report, the Muskoka River Watershed Staff Working Group Accord establishes a framework for participating organizations to work together and share information on environmental issues affecting the watershed.

Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) recognizes that waterways and environmental issues cross municipal boundaries and brings together information and decision-making from different jurisdictions to work toward common watershed-wide goals.

Staff indicated that Lake of Bays has been involved in discussions surrounding the initiative since 2024. In June 2025, Council supported the IWM approach in principle and directed staff to participate in a working group and report back on its future direction.

The District of Muskoka hosted the inaugural meeting of the Integrated Watershed Management Staff Working Group last January, bringing together representatives from municipalities, provincial agencies, First Nations and the Muskoka Watershed Council.

Staff reported that during that meeting, participants worked on an accord outlining the group's purpose, guiding principles and scope. An external facilitator compiled the participants' input into a draft, which was subsequently revised following feedback from members of the working group.

Staff added, “We want to be a seat at the table with the other local governments…and have a roadmap to figure out how to get everyone on side.”

They anticipate the collaboration to involve all the areas surrounding the entire Muskoka River Watershed, because “it’s a shared place,” including Algonquin Highlands, Perry, Sequin, and are currently in talks with Algonquin Park.

So far Huntsville, Gravenhurst and the District are also on board in Muskoka. Huntsville endorsed the Accord on July 17, 2026, followed by Gravenhurst on August 11.

Staff said the draft only went out last April and it’s being considered by other municipal planning staff. They added that they anticipate “a lot of participation.”

Lake of Bays Council's endorsement reaffirms the Township's participation in the collaborative watershed initiative. Council also authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the Accord and directed Township staff to continue participating in the working group.

The group is expected to begin meeting quarterly in fall 2026. The District will provide interim leadership until members select a chair.

Through the initiative, participating organizations will continue working together to coordinate information and environmental management across the Muskoka River Watershed.