This fall the Township is hosting a photo contest. The prizes are 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.

Participants are invited to submit photos taken around the Township of Lake of Bays. Photos may be from any season, taken anytime. We are looking for photos that celebrate life in Lake of Bays in the following three categories:

When: September 29, 2020 to November 16, 2020

Where: mylakeofbays.ca/photocontest2020

Voting: Entries will be shortlisted and the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourites

Prizes: The top 3 photos in each category will receive a gift card to spend at a Lake of Bays business of the winner's choice (1st place: $100; 2nd place: $50; 3rd place: $25)

The Township of Lake of Bays is undertaking a review of short-term rentals (STRs). Beginning in August 2019, Township staff were directed by Council to investigate the short-term rental of residential properties with no on-site management.

A comprehensive community engagement process took place from January 14th to March 20th of 2020. The results from this public feedback showed significant support for the regulation of STRs. After being presented to Council in August 2020, Council directed staff to investigate options for STR regulation and to conduct additional public consultation. This will help determine the approach the Township should take to regulate short-term rentals.

We are looking for your input regarding the most appropriate regulations for short-term rentals in the Township of Lake of Bays. We appreciate you taking the time to provide valuable input by completing our short survey.

Where: mylakeofbays.ca/STR

Deadline: November 9, 2020

The Broadband for Remote Areas (BIRA) project will provide grants to small-and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) located across Northern Ontario to assist with the purchase and installation of specialized equipment to provide two-way, high-speed internet services.

Eligible applicants for the BIRA project may receive a reimbursement of up to 50% to a maximum of $1,500.

For more information and to confirm eligibility please visit the project website.

The Muskoka Workforce Development Board is hosting an exciting and informative online workshop to provide employment service providers, economic development and chamber of commerce managers and other workforce development professionals with both practical and strategic information to share with the employers who they meet on a daily basis.

Workshop: Effective HR Training for New Managers

Date: Tuesday, November 17th, 2020

Time: 8:00 am to 12 noon

Registration: Available mid-October

For more information contact Rob Shepard, Project Facilitator by email or call 705-725-1011

The Lake of Bays Scenic Drive offers spectacular views of lakes, rock cuts, and magnificent fall colours in September and October. Although this winding route is most vibrant in the fall, this Muskoka Signature Experience can be enjoyed throughout all four seasons.

A map is available on the scenic drive page on the Township website and a social media campaign is underway to promote it this fall.

The scenic drive is a great way to encourage people to support local businesses around the Township so please like/share and comment on the posts to promote YOUR business.

Download the Photos - Thank you to Explorers' Edge for hosting the photos in their image bank for easy accessibility!

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.

For long-time Baysville residents Lynn and John Murden, there’s nothing new about working from home! Their beautiful gallery is home to John’s fine art and photography as well as Yummies in a Jar. Read the Business Spotlight to learn more.

As a tribute to the Group of Seven, Tom Thomson, and the natural beauty of Lake of Bays, Landed brought together a collective of local artists inspired by the landscape. Read the Spotlight to learn more.

The rumours are true – the Boiler Room Tap & Grill in Dwight is back! A local landmark for over 30 years, the property is returning to its Boiler Room roots as a fresh, family owned restaurant. Read the Business Spotlight to learn more.