Lake of Bays sells vacant land on Bigwin Island for $1.1 Million

Staff reported that the publicly owned land “is used by people that walk along the island”

Township of Lake of Bays staff announced the sale of its public property on Bigwin Island during the October 13, 2026, Council meeting.

During the June 3^rd meeting, Council agreed to sell the public properties on the island after their decision on February 2024 directing staff to “investigate the option of potential development of some or all of the parcels that may be suitable for development,” according to the staff report.

After a review by staff, they recommended declaring two of the Township's Bigwin Island properties “as surplus.”

When Council considered the property in June 2025, Parks and Recreation Superintendent Scott MacKinnon said the publicly owned land “is used by people that walk along the island,” but added that “not many people know it exists.” Councillor, Robert Lacroix said increased use “would add a lot of hardships to the Parks Department” because of maintenance.

In today’s meeting staff indicated the Township has "sold Bigwin Island for $1.1 million," with the sale scheduled to close on December 15.

Council passed By-law 2026-139 authorizing the disposition of the Township-owned property, identified in the by-law as Reserve E, Registered Plan 10 and part of Lots 28 and 29 in the former Township of Franklin.

The property is identified as 32 Bigwin Island in the Council agenda.

The Township's Director of Corporate Services/Clerk was authorized to list the property with the realtor of record and establish a listing value in consultation with the Chief Administrative Officer and Township solicitor and was also authorized to negotiate the final purchase price and terms and conditions of the agreement.

The accepted offer is subject to the terms of an Agreement of Purchase and Sale dated September 18, 2026, with HST applicable to the purchase price.

The by-law states the property will be sold subject to any applicable easements in favour of Bell Canada, Hydro One Networks Inc., Public Works and Government Services Canada or the District Municipality of Muskoka.

The Mayor and Clerk were authorized to sign the documents required to complete the sale and transfer of the property.

Mayor Terry Glover congratulated the Township on the sale, describing it as good news and a benefit to the municipality.

The sale follows the Township's completion of the required notice and property disposition procedures.

By-law 2026-139 was read and passed by Council on October 13, allowing the transaction to proceed toward its December closing date.