2023 CONFERENCE PROGRAM AND ON-LINE REGISTRATION TO BE LAUNCHED

JANUARY 31ST AT 12:00 NOON EST

Its been almost four years since our last in-person event in 2019, and we can't wait to "CAMARADERIE - Together Again" with our community of municipal members from May 29-31, 2023 at the Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario. For three days we will be offering unique professional development sessions featuring a variety of municipal experts and amazing networking opportunities.

Did you know that as a member, you can save up to $400 on your Conference registration? The Conference is a great opportunity to connect with other like-minded municipal professionals from across the country. Please note that you must be a member in good standing to receive the member rate for the Conference. First-time regular CAMA member delegates also receive $150 off the regular registration fee.

Get ready to register for the 49th Annual CAMA Conference when the program and on-line registration are launched on January 31, 2023 at 12:00 Noon EST. You will receive a direct e-mail to your inbox. This Special Edition e-Brief will provide you with a preview of the networking activities and a checklist to ensure you have your hotel room and transportation booked early. All other information can be found on the Conference

website.

DON'T DELAY IN BOOKING YOUR HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE DEERHURST RESORT

SOME ROOM CATEGORIES ARE SOLD OUT

CAMA has negotiated a Conference rate at the Deerhurst Resort and all reservations can be made by calling the Reservations Department at 1-800-461-4393 (open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST) and identifying yourself as being with the "2023 CAMA Conference". All information can be found on the CAMA website.

Please note that the Pavilion Guestrooms, Bayshore Guestrooms, and the Lakeside Lodge Studio Resort Homes ($175.00) are SOLD OUT and there isn't any more inventory in the hotel to add more rooms to our block. You can call and put your name on a cancellation list or share accommodations with colleagues for the two and three bedroom rooms to keep the price economical for everyone.

OTHER HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

The Hidden Valley Resort (1755 Valley Road / 705-789-2301) is the closest hotel to the Deerhurst Resort and is a fifteen minute walk. There is not a CAMA room block reserved at this hotel and transportation will not be provided to Deerhurst Resort.

TRANSPORTATION TO THE DEERHURST RESORT

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS EARLY

Delegates are responsible for their own transportation from airports to the Deerhurst Resort via rental cars or shuttle services. Don't delay in making your reservations for transportation as there will be a demand for arrivals on Sunday (May 28, 2023) and departures on Thursday (June 1, 2023). Below are some options from the Toronto Pearson Airport to the Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario:

SHUTTLE SERVICE

Northern Airport Passenger Service

Provides a shuttle service to Downtown Huntsville from the Toronto Pearson Airport (and vice versa) at scheduled departure times. Phone: (705) 474-7942. Click here for the schedule.

Cost:  Round trip from Toronto Airport to Huntsville is $153.00 or $85.00 for one way (adult fares). The drop off and pick up is at the Holiday Inn Express in Huntsville just off Highway 60. A taxi or uber to Deerhurst Resort is approximately $20.00.

Local Taxi Services

Al's Taxi: (705) 789-2374

Independent Taxi: (705) 789-8294

LIMOUSINE SERVICES

Booking a limousine service could be divided among several passengers to make it more economical, and you get to set the time for pick up and drop off directly to the Deerhurst Resort and to the airport.

Toronto Airport Limo

Call for a quote at (416) 836-0450 or toll free 1-866-564-5050.

Muskoka Limousine Service

Call for a quote at (833) 804-1918 or e-mail at muskokalimousine@gmail.com. Approximate prices are as follows

$375.00 + tax + driver gratuity/each way: Sedan (four people with two checked luggage) $395.00 + tax + driver gratuity/each way: Full Size SUV Suburban (up to seven people with six checked luggage).

WELCOME MESSAGE FROM

HOST CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS

Denise Corry                                   Julie Stevens

Chief Administrative Officer          Chief Administrative Officer

Town of Huntsville                          District of Muskoka 

We are delighted to welcome you to beautiful Muskoka for the 2023 CAMA Conference held in the scenic town of Huntsville. This is an opportunity to spend time together, collaborate, network, and learn – but more importantly, make memories.

Getting together allows us to disconnect from devices and re-connect with our colleagues, in-person, finally. After all, the theme of this year’s conference is “CAMA-RADERIE – Together Again!” Whether you’re visiting Huntsville and experiencing Muskoka for the first time, or you’ve been here before – we always have something special planned.  We encourage you to take a peek at the exclusive activities lined up with local partners; our community is ready and excited to welcome you!

We want to warn you, the following symptoms may occur, and are entirely normal when visiting Huntsville: deep sighs of relief, a brief absence of tension and pressures, fleeting stares at the scenery and lakeviews; and feeling refreshed and recharged.

We hope this change of scenery inspires you. On behalf of the District of Muskoka, Town of Huntsville and our partner municipalities: Bracebridge, Georgian Bay, Gravenhurst, Lake of Bays, and Muskoka Lakes, welcome! 



PRE-CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES - MONDAY, MAY 29, 2023

There will be LOTS of opportunities for networking, reconnecting with old friends, and building new relationships. Below is a preview of the many events taking place on Monday, May 29, 2023. Please note the maximum capacity on some events. You won't want to delay in registering to ensure you can reserve your spot early.

Explore Georgian Bay Islands National

Maximum: 40 People

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Take a short fifteen-minute cruise from the Port of Honey Harbour to Georgian Bay Islands National Park. There you can enjoy your lunch in the scenic area of the park, deliciously prepared for you by the Honey Harbour landmark café, Thrive. Muskoka’s only island National Park is located on the South end of Beausoleil Island called Cedar Spring, a unique part of the Township of Georgian Bay. Here you will find a hub of activity and an opportunity to explore with mountain bike rentals, interpretive programs, picnic areas, swimming beaches and easy trails to hike or bike. Learn about the world-renowned UNESCO Biosphere, and one of the world’s largest freshwater archipelagos. Understand why the Georgian Bay area was an inspiration to the Group of Seven artists, and experience the fresh, clear waters of Georgian Bay yourself.



Muskoka Fishing Trip

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

There’s no such thing as a bad day when fishing…especially when you’re fishing in Muskoka! Whether your preference is lake or river fishing you’ll find nothing but great angling experiences throughout cottage country. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, with Muskoka’s clean and clear blue lakes, you will be quick to realize why the Muskoka Region has long been considered some of the best fishing in Ontario. Muskoka’s waterways contain a tremendous variety of fish, and during this season you will be fishing for northern pike. You will meet the guides at the dock at the Deerhurst Resort and fish along the picturesque tri-lakes in the Huntsville area for a four-hour excursion. You will be required to purchase an Ontario government fishing license before you arrive and can do this online.



Wharf, BeerSpa, Wine and Brews - The Perfect Day!

Maximum: 32 People

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Begin your day with scenic views of Lake Muskoka and the historic steamships at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst.  Explore the boardwalk and stop for a hot beverage at one of the local shops (The Shipyards, Blue Willow and PolarDip).  The next stop will be in Torrance where you can experience a pizza buffet lunch and beer tasting at the Clearlake Brewery and the opportunity to wander around the BeerSpa.  Hop back on the bus and head to the cranberry capital of Ontario known as the Town of Bala.  The bus will stop at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery for a guided bog-to-bottle cranberry wine tour and tasting.  The journey home will include a scenic tour through Port Carling and Bracebridge along Highway 118.

Muskoka Beer Trail

Maximum: 30 People

9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sponsored by The Canoe

Procurement Group of Canada

This event is your ticket to the wonderful world of local craft beers, while you enjoy the scenic travel routes that will show you the communities and faces that put these breweries on the Canadian industry map. Get exclusive tastings, a specialized brewery tour, and highly trained tour leaders teaching you the ins and outs of the craft beer industry. The following five craft breweries within the Muskoka Region will be featured on this tour: The Lake of Bays Brewing Company, Sawdust City Brewery, Muskoka Brewery, Katalyst Brewery, and the Canvas Brewery. Get ready to enjoy tastings all day long! For those that like great craft beer, this is a can’t miss tour!

Bracebridge, Port Carling, and Lunch with Scenic Muskoka Views

Maximum: 40 People

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Start your morning with adventure at the impressive Bracebridge Wharf. Admire the architecture of the famous Silver Bridge and Power Generation Station amongst the picturesque waterfall.  Next up is lunch at the luxurious JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka where you will soak in the scenic views of Lake Rosseau while enjoying an exquisite craft cocktail.  The last stop is the quaint town of Port Carling known as the “Hub of the Lakes”.  There you can shop, explore, and enjoy tasty treats while you stroll the Locks and Swing Bridge. Throughout your journey, keep your eyes peeled for the impressive Huckleberry Rock Cut – an experience all on its own!

STUDY TOURS - WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2023

After the Closing Ceremonies and before the President's Dinner on Wednesday, join your colleagues for a fun afternoon by participating in one of the exciting Study Tours in the Muskoka Region. Please note the maximum capacity on these events is 40 people. Reserve your spot early!

Study Tour

Muskoka's Microbrewery Business

Maximum: 40 People

2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The craft brewing industry is booming in the Muskoka Region. Participants will take part in a study tour which will include a tour of the Huntsville Brewhouse, and beer samples paired with an assortment of appetizers.

With street-facing windows that draw up to welcome in the fresh air, this is the spot to be in downtown Huntsville.

Study Tour

Chasing Waterfalls & Treats

Maximum: 40 People

2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Unleash your inner adventurer by chasing waterfalls and finding delicious baked treats! Your guide for the experience is naturalist, Robin Tapley, who will take you on an informative wilderness hike through the beautiful Oxtongue River – Ragged Falls. Tapley is full of many nature and survival facts, so look forward to learning a thing or two about the nearby Algonquin Park. Noted as one of the ten best waterfalls in Ontario, this short 1 km hike is guaranteed to satisfy your need for adventure. From there, you will hop back on the bus and grab a treat at Henrietta’s Bakery. On your journey back to the resort keep your eyes out for moose!



Study Tour

Hikes, Trains & Axe Throwing

Maximum: 40 People

2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Based on your fitness desire, this tour can be customized to your liking. Upon arrival to the Canada Summit Centre, the adventure is yours to curate. If you’re interested in a “Instagram worthy” view and a small (yet steep) hike – follow the paved road up the hill to Lion’s Lookout for a 360-degree view of the Town and Fairy Lake. If a steep incline is not your style, head over to the nearby Steam Museum at the Rotary Village Station to browse the artifacts and watch the steam train head in and out of the station.

TIMBER! Now that your adventurous quest has been fulfilled, it’s time to harness your energy into focused precision as you practice targeted axe throwing.

Study Tour - Dorset Lookout Tower & Robinson General Store

Maximum: 40 People

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Elevate your afternoon with a visit to the Dorset Lookout Tower located in the charming town of Dorset. This Tower offers one of the most remarkable views in Ontario with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the beautiful Muskoka landscape. The tower stands 142 metres above Lake of Bays. The 30-metre climb is steep but there are several spots for you to stop and take a break, so just go at your own pace. If you are uneasy with heights, there is peek-a-boo rock lookout at ground level that also provides you panoramic views of Lake of Bays. Jump back on the bus to the historic Robinson General Store. This famous general store is a “must-see” for anyone visiting the Muskoka or Haliburton area and has been in operation since 1921, and now sprawls over 14,000 sq. ft of retail space. You will find gifts, souvenirs, housewares, clothing, footwear (where moccasins are a specialty); a true “browser’s paradise”.