The Township of Lake of Bays is committed to helping the local business community to adapt and rebuild the economy by working collaboratively with businesses and external agencies to mitigate the effects of this unprecedented situation.

The plan summarizes immediate/short-term actions that were undertaken to support businesses through the state of emergency and identifies medium to long-term actions to stimulate local economic recovery through the phased reopening of the Province and beyond. The plan is intended to be a working document and will remain flexible to adjust as circumstances evolve.

The Township is pleased to welcome back Leanne Fetterley, who has once again joined the Lake of Bays Economic Development team in the role of Interim Economic Development Coordinator. Leanne is eager to support the business community and will be your key contact for the next year during Jennifer Clancy's maternity leave due to begin in mid-September.

Explorers' Edge (RTO12) has launched the Cottage Country Spirit Local Travel Package to promote “hyper local tourism” in our region.

Permanent and seasonal residents of the Explorers' Edge catchment were able to register to receive $50 worth of vouchers to use at participating businesses between July 16, 2020 and October 12, 2020. All 3000 packages have been claimed!

Fourteen Lake of Bays tourism operators registered to participate in the program. The Township is running a social media campaign to encourage voucher redemption in Lake of Bays. Please share these posts to help spread the word!

At the August 19th meeting, Lake of Bays Council received the staff report Short-Term Rentals - Regulation Options and Best Practice Review.

The report summarizes the findings of the public consultation conducted in the winter of 2020 and provides an overview of the options available to the Township to manage STRs.

Council has directed staff to:

To keep informed about this project, please view the Short-term Rentals project page on My Lake of Bays.

You and your employees may be faced with difficult interactions during COVID-19. Training your employees will help them develop strategies for handling difficult people and managing questions about new health & safety protocols.

View this 15 minute training video thanks to the YMCA Employment Office:

Digital Main Street is collaborating with Google, Shopify, Mastercard and Microsoft to build and optimize online stores for small independent businesses and artists in just a matter of days.

For eligibility, more information, or to sign up, visit www.digitalmainstreet.ca/shophere

The Cast Iron Restaurant serves up homemade, upscale pub fare with warm, friendly service in charming downtown Baysville. Read the Business Spotlight to learn more.

The Resorts of North Muskoka welcome you to explore lakeside vacation resorts that have been captivating visitors for generations. Read the Business Spotlight to learn more.

Get your game up to par with The Acres Driving Range and Doctor Golf and enjoy an economical way to have some outdoor family fun! Read the Business Spotlight to learn more.

Introducing Chef’s Pantry by Port Cunnington Lodge & Bigwin Island, and Le Cottage Concierge by Baysville General Store - two new grocery delivery services available for your convenience in Lake of Bays! Read the Business Spotlight to learn more.

Are you planning on renovating or building a new home or cottage? Let Fourth Pig: green & natural construction help you build the healthy and sustainable way. Read the Business Spotlight to learn more.

Find all your gardening needs and so much more at these businesses owned and operated by one local, very entrepreneurial family! Lake of Bays Garden Centre, Muskoka Flowers, Clark's on Main, and Din’s Fresh Fries. Read the Business Spotlight to learn more.

Contact Leanne Fetterley at lfetterley@lakeofbays.on.ca or 705-635-2272 ext.235.