As of December 14, 2020, Simcoe Muskoka is in the Red - CONTROL level classification.

Learn more about the Red - CONTROL classification and how it might affect your business. For more information visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

Also refer to Dr. Gardner's letter to Businesses and Organizations, updated December 15. This letter replaces the one dated December 2, 2020, and is intended to address the fact that Simcoe Muskoka is now designated to be within the Red / Control zone.

A reminder that a list of pandemic-related resources for businesses is available on the Township website: www.lakeofbays.on.ca/covid19-business

If you need assistance finding a specific program or have questions, please don't hesitate to email the Interim Economic Development Coordinator Leanne Fetterley.

The Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board (SMWDB) is a Not for Profit funded by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD). They invite you to participate in a survey to help them learn about the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic/lockdown for your workforce and about your recruitment and training needs. 

The Township website now includes a page to promote the market ready commercial and industrial land and buildings available in the community. An inventory of Available Lands & Buildings was identified as a priority action in the Township of Lake of Bays Economic Development Strategy to help entrepreneurs to start, expand or grow a business.

Please note that the categories rely on information supplied by a third party and is provided for convenience only. Please contact the Interim Economic Development Coordinator Leanne Fetterley if you have any questions.

To inquire about a property in the Township of Lake of Bays, please email us. If you are representing the property owner please have a written note stating this. If you are not the property owner there will be an administrative fee of $100.

Email: planning@lakeofbays.on.ca

This fall, the Township hosted a photo contest celebrating life in Lake of Bays. The prizes were designed to support our local business community by allowing the winners to receive a gift card to a Lake of Bays business of their choice (1st place: $100; 2nd place: $50; 3rd place: $25). The winners were thrilled to be able to use their prize to support a local business, and many of them paid it forward by donating their gift certificates to a person or organization in need. Visit mylakeofbays.ca/photocontest2020 to see the winners and all the great entries we received.

The Township of Lake of Bays amplified their business spotlight series in 2020 as a creative means to promote and support our local business community. Spotlights are featured on the Township’s Public Notice Board (Muskoka Region/Huntsville Forester Newspaper), municipal website, social media, and the Economic Development e-Newsletter.

If you would like your business to be featured, contact Leanne Fetterley at lfetterley@lakeofbays.on.ca or 705-635-2272 ext.235.

Oxtongue Craft Cabin & Gallery offers one of the most eclectic selections of fine Canadian craft in Ontario. The log cabin gallery is considered a must-stop by locals, tourists, and seasonal cottagers alike. Visitors are treated to an exquisite collection of fine craft and original art created by over 100 Canadian artists and artisans. Read the Business Spotlight to learn more.

From sweet to sassy, the Custom Elephant offers unique, hand-made gifts for any occasion. Home-based entrepreneur Valerie Fennell turned her sewing, embroidery, and vinyl-work hobby into a thriving small business. A passionate maker, Valerie’s skill and creativity leads her to experiment with different materials, styles, and colours. Read the Business Spotlight to learn more.