One Muskoka!
‘A State of Mind’
Note: Public Meetings to be held in Bracebridge (May 14), Huntsville (May 31) and Gravenhurst (June 6)
Details under ‘PUBLIC MEETINGS’ Tab
Our Mission
is to stimulate discussion about our municipal governance with the goal of having an independent review of the governance structucture of Muskoka.
Why?
Currently our Municipal politicians do not feel that a review of governance is a vital issue yet reports indicate annual savings in the millions of dollars.
Our current two tier government was designed from the Paterson report, which was written in 1969. Innovations have modernized our world, but our 40 year old governance model remains the same.
It is time for a review to determine if a more efficient form of municipal government is needed. This forum has been assembled to help share information and opinions with the hopes that you will take this matter up with your elected officials, to put this issue on top of their agenda.
The One Muskoka Team is committed to the following broad precepts:
The governance structure of Muskoka’s municipal government must be fully reviewed as it has not changed significantly in 41 years.
Any review of Muskoka’s municipal governance must be independent, allowing for political input but free of any preconceived political restraints.
One Muskoka’s preference is for the creation of a goverance model that delivers service with fair representation and operates with efficient effectiveness
A new governance structure must:
- be for the common good of Muskoka
- reduce duplication and overlap among Muskoka’s seven existing municipal governments
- be designed with maximum efficiencies and lower costs while delivering high quality service
- be accessible, accountable and representative of the population it serves
- be streamlined and simplified
- have the ability to attract and retain highly qualified staff
- commit to creating a single Muskoka mindset while ensuring all parts are treated equally and fairly
Where do Councillors stand on governance?
Dear Councillors, Mayors and District Chairman, One Muskoka has been promoting the idea of an independent review of Muskoka’s municipal governance. Having closely examined past attempts at restructuring since the late 1970s we have concluded that despite strong support from ratepayers groups, cottage associations and the general public, Muskoka’s municipal politicians rejected significant change. As [...]
How to get Involved
Learn about the governance issues. Take some time to review the reports and form your own opinions. Discuss this topic with your peers. If you feel that governance review is an important issue, then you have to share your opinion with: – Your Mayor – Your District Councillors – Your Ward Councillor Until they hear directly [...]
A Change Is Needed
August 9 2011 ONE MUSKOKA 505 Highway 118 West Suite346 Bracebridge,ON P1L 2G7 Examiner / Banner / Forester / Weekender 34 E. P. Lee Drive Bracebridge,Ontario P1L 1V2 examnews@muskoka.com The Editor: An Open Letter to All Full-Time and Seasonal Residents of Muskoka: It is time to take another serious look at governance [...]
The History of Municipal Governance in Muskoka
The Editor: Muskoka’s residents are faced with three choices. One is to go backwards; another is to remain the same; or, move forward to embrace tomorrow’s complex challenges. ‘Your ONE MUSKOKA Team’ is convinced looking ahead is the only viable option. Stepping back in time would satisfy the nostalgic impulses of some but has no [...]
Consider the Pros and Cons
The ONE MUSKOKA Team has proposed a critical, independent review of Muskoka’s municipal governance. It recognizes that along with the benefits of change there will be some pain. It’s not unlike renovating a house. While the work is being done there is dust, confusion and expense. However, the net result is a house with greater [...]
