District Growth Strategy and Development Charges Update

What is a Growth Study, and why does the District need one?

The District, in collaboration with the six area municipalities, is responsible for identifying trends that communities in Muskoka are experiencing related to population, demographics, households, and employment. District staff work with consultants to look at these trends and what they can tell us about how our communities will likely grow and look over time. 

These projections help municipalities plan to make sure communities have the services and infrastructure they need in the future. 

The previous growth study was completed in 2019.

What does the new growth study tell us?

• Intra-Provincial Migration was the largest component of Net Migration for Muskoka from 2001-2021
• The District is expected to grow to 99,100 residents by 2051, an average growth rate of 1.2% a year
• Permanent population growth and employment growth is anticipated to occur in the Towns of Gravenhurst, Huntsville and Bracebridge
• Traditional season home development is expected to be concentrated in the Townships of Lake of Bays and Muskoka Lakes
• Due to the aging of the population, housing types are expected to shift towards medium and higher density forms (townhouses and apartments)

What will this information be used for?

The growth study helps us plan and invest to have the services and infrastructure our residents and communities need – now and into the future.

The data and projections in the study will be used to:

• Update the Muskoka Official Plan to ensure land use planning encourages smart growth and the best use of land in the urban areas while protecting our natural environment.
• Create long-term service plans to support growing communities in the future (i.e. What transportation, solid waste, water and wastewater services will we need in years to come).
• Develop financial plans to save and invest so we can pay for the infrastructure we will need in the future.

How are Development Charges (DCs) connected to the Growth Study?

Municipalities pay for future infrastructure maintenance and construction costs through savings and investments, collecting taxes from property owners, user fees, and collecting development charges.

Development charges are paid by developers when a new residential or non-residential project is initiated or if any changes to an existing structure requiring a building permit. These charges are collected to help pay for the additional services we predict future developments will create a need for.

Once approved by Council, the growth study will be one of many planning reports and studies used to complete a Development Charges (DC) Background Study.

This DC background study will help determine whether changes to current development charges should be considered to keep up with predicted growth. Adjustments to those charges would be set through an updated DC by-law.

Project Information Session 

Your input as local developers is invaluable in shaping the future development landscape of our District. We encourage you to attend the Project Information Session with Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. and District staff to learn more about the study, its implications, and how you can contribute to the dialogue.

• Date:              Thursday, April 4, 2024
  
• Time:              6:00-8:00pm
• Location:       Council Chambers, District of Muskoka, 70 Pine Street, Bracebridge

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at pedinfo@muskoka.on.ca

Development Charges By-Law

Visit the Development Fees and Charges webpage for status updates and more information on the progress of the Development Charges By-Law.