Questions · 12 so far
We read Muskoka Lakes' financial reports and meeting minutes, and compared its numbers with 38 similar Ontario towns. These are the things that stood out.
These are unusual enough that residents deserve a clear answer from council.
+10%town property tax, 2024 to 2025
In 2025, Muskoka Lakes collected $1.6M more in its own property tax than in 2024. That is a 10% jump, while prices went up about 2.1%. Only 3 of 38 similar towns raised theirs by more.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
There may well be a good reason. It is still worth asking what it is.
$19,268,700planned 2026 tax levy, against $17,569,000 in 2025
The levy is the total amount of property tax the Township asks its residents for each year (the Township keeps only part of a tax bill; the rest goes to the District of Muskoka and to schools). The 2026 budget sets the levy at $19,268,700, up from $17,569,000 in 2025. The Township's own plan for the next two years keeps going up: $20,749,000 for 2027 and $22,509,400 for 2028. By our own sum that is about 7.7% and 8.5%. The Township has explained the 2026 rise: part is day-to-day costs and a larger part is saving and spending on roads, bridges and buildings. Its budget also counts on less money from investments.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$197,488,600planned capital spending, 2026 to 2035
Capital spending is money spent on things that last, such as roads, bridges, fire trucks and buildings. The budget book lists $197,488,600 of it over 2026 to 2035, and $90,612,700 of that is roads. The budget says the money comes from reserves (savings set aside), development charges, grants or debt. The Township has little debt today and says it wants to keep room to borrow later. The reserves forecast to be left at the end of 2026 are $15,348,200. The roads part of the plan carries a note from the Township itself that its later-year figures are a placeholder.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 7 sources
$21,300forecast Fire and Emergency Services reserve at the end of 2026, from an opening $401,000
A reserve is a savings account the Township sets aside for a purpose. The forecast for the end of 2026 shows the Fire and Emergency Services reserve at $21,300, Fleet and Equipment at $27,300 and Parks, Recreation and Trails at $170,900. The Parks reserve is shown starting 2026 below zero, at (692,700). The 2024 statements show the fire reserve at (176,796) at the end of 2023. The 2026 budget cuts the yearly fire reserve contribution from $1,850,000 to $1,000,000. The Township has explained the general idea of reserves, and says it is building them. It has not said what balance it wants each one to hold.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$2,275,700forecast tax rate stabilization reserve at the end of 2026, from $4,775,700 at the start
The tax rate stabilization reserve is money kept to soften a tax increase in a hard year. The Township's statements show it at $4,956,189 at the end of 2023 and $3,952,241 at the end of 2024. The 2026 reserve table shows it opening at $4,775,700 and closing at $2,275,700. That is $2,500,000 less, worked out by us from the two printed balances. The same table shows the Roads, Bridges and Major Infrastructure reserve receiving 2,500,000 in its last column; adding that line up ourselves gives its printed closing balance, so the money appears to move there. The Township has not said why it chose $2,500,000, or whether the reserve will be refilled.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
$10,100planned 2026 net cost of by-law enforcement to the levy, down from $329,916 in 2024
By-law enforcement (noise, parking, short-term rental licences and similar) cost the levy $329,916 in 2024. The 2026 budget plans for $10,100, and for a surplus in 2027 and 2028. That depends on licence, permit and fine revenue. The 2026 book shows licence, permit and rental revenue budgeted at $532,500 for 2025 but forecast at only $7,600. For 2026 it budgets $363,000 again. Fines are planned to grow from $259,538 in 2024 to $370,000 in 2026 and $500,400 in 2028. The 2025 budget lists a short-term rental licensing program among by-law work. The 2026 book does not say which licences make up the revenue line.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$5,651,263spent on materials in 2024, against a plan of $3,911,800
The audited statements for 2024 show expenses of $22,518,812 against a plan of $20,126,300, and a surplus of $4,068,063 against a planned $5,330,700. The two gaps are worked out by us from the printed totals. Materials cost $5,651,263 against a plan of $3,911,800, and contracted services were $1,915,089, up from $1,130,024 the year before. Part of the gap is amortization (the yearly wear-and-tear charge on assets), which was $4,283,002 against $3,450,000 planned. The statements explain that the plan was built on a different basis from the statements. They do not say why materials ran so far over.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 3 sources
$4,721,827taxes receivable at the end of 2024, against $3,885,759 a year earlier
Taxes receivable is the property tax residents owe the Township but have not yet paid. The 2024 statements show it at $4,751,827 before an allowance (money set aside in case some is never paid) of $30,000, leaving $4,721,827. A year earlier it was $3,946,259 before an allowance of $60,500. Unpaid taxes rose, by our own sum about 20%, and the allowance fell. The statements' risk table places all of the taxes receivable in the "Over 90 days" group. The statements say no significant collection issues were found for trade and other receivables. They do not say the same about taxes.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 2 sources
+51%roads and snow, 2019 to 2025
Muskoka Lakes spent $3.8M on roads and snow in 2019 and $5.7M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 7 of 38 similar towns had faster growth here.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 3 sources
+95%police, fire and safety, 2019 to 2025
Muskoka Lakes spent $2.5M on police, fire and safety in 2019 and $4.9M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
$9.6Min savings at the end of 2025
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Muskoka Lakes had $9.6M saved at the end of 2025, down from $12.4M in 2019. That is 48% of one year's spending. Only 5 of 38 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
Found automatically from the town's financial reports · 2 sources
Background that helps make sense of the rest.
$1,967,100planned 2026 levy for Arenas, up from $918,600 in 2025
The Parks line on the levy goes from $1,035,000 to $1,998,500 and the Arenas line from $918,600 to $1,967,100. Almost all of the rise is a new transfer to reserves, not running costs: Parks goes from $50,000 to $1,000,000 and Arenas from $550,000 to $1,500,000. The Township has explained that it is building reserves for the future, and the capital plan shows large arena projects in 2027 and 2029. What the book does not spell out is which arena work the savings are for.
Found by reading the town's own documents · 4 sources
+10%town property tax, 2024 to 2025
In 2025, Muskoka Lakes collected $1.6M more in its own property tax than in 2024. That is a 10% jump, while prices went up about 2.1%. Only 3 of 38 similar towns raised theirs by more.
| Year | Town property tax |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.3M |
| 2020 | $12.6M |
| 2021 | $13M |
| 2022 | $13.3M |
| 2023 | $14M |
| 2024 | $16.3M |
| 2025 | $17.9M |
A big one-year jump usually means something changed: a new cost, a service that grew, savings being rebuilt, or a problem from earlier years being paid for now. Residents should be able to see exactly which. Spread across every home, it is about $173 more each year.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Muskoka Lakes? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Town property tax: $16,281,307 in 2024, $17,910,631 in 2025.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 10, line 9940 · archived copy
Typical increase among 38 similar Ontario towns: 6.9%. Muskoka Lakes ranks 4th highest.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 38 similar municipalities · Schedule 10, line 9940 · archived copy
Prices (inflation) rose 2.1% over the same year.
$19,268,700planned 2026 tax levy, against $17,569,000 in 2025
The levy is the total amount of property tax the Township asks its residents for each year (the Township keeps only part of a tax bill; the rest goes to the District of Muskoka and to schools). The 2026 budget sets the levy at $19,268,700, up from $17,569,000 in 2025. The Township's own plan for the next two years keeps going up: $20,749,000 for 2027 and $22,509,400 for 2028. By our own sum that is about 7.7% and 8.5%. The Township has explained the 2026 rise: part is day-to-day costs and a larger part is saving and spending on roads, bridges and buildings. Its budget also counts on less money from investments.
A rise this size, repeated, adds up quickly for people who pay the bill. The 2026 explanation is clear. What is not shown is how much of the later years' rises is already decided and how much can still change.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Muskoka Lakes? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
2026 Tax Levy Calculations: "Approved Levy" 2025 $17,569,000; 2026 $ 19,268,700; "%" 9.7%. Residential tax rate 0.161912% in 2025 and 0.175759% in 2026, a change of 8.6%.
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · Property Tax Levy, PDF page 13
Operating Budget Summary, "NET LEVY REQUIREMENT": 2024 Actual 15,906,580; 2025 Budget 17,569,000; 2026 Budget 19,268,700; 2027 Budget 20,749,000; 2028 Budget 22,509,400. "Investment Income": 2024 Actual 1,470,167; 2025 Budget 1,265,500; 2026 Budget 865,900.
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · Operating Budget Summary, PDF page 16
"Of this total increase, 3.6 per cent or $5.87 per $100,000 of assessed residential property value will be allocated to day-to-day operations and programs" and "The additional 5.0 per cent or $7.98 per $100,000" will go to roads, bridges and facilities.
Township of Muskoka Lakes, news release: Township of Muskoka Lakes Adopts 2026 Municipal Budget (November 28, 2025) · news release, paragraph 2
Message from the Director of Financial Services / Treasurer: "The largest part of this year's increase relates to funding for capital renewal."
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · PDF page 6
$197,488,600planned capital spending, 2026 to 2035
Capital spending is money spent on things that last, such as roads, bridges, fire trucks and buildings. The budget book lists $197,488,600 of it over 2026 to 2035, and $90,612,700 of that is roads. The budget says the money comes from reserves (savings set aside), development charges, grants or debt. The Township has little debt today and says it wants to keep room to borrow later. The reserves forecast to be left at the end of 2026 are $15,348,200. The roads part of the plan carries a note from the Township itself that its later-year figures are a placeholder.
The 2026 tax rise is partly about getting ready for these costs. Residents can only judge whether the rises are enough if they can see how the plan is meant to be paid for, and whether borrowing is part of it. The Township's own plan shows its yearly debt payment rising in 2028.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Muskoka Lakes? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: Funding plan for the 2026 to 2035 capital forecast, with wording you can copy.
Capital Budget by Division: "Total" 2026 12,546,500; 2027 23,803,600; 2028 12,954,000; ten-year total 197,488,600. "Roads Capital Projects" ten-year total 90,612,700.
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · Capital Budget by Division, PDF page 71
Capital Budget Summary: "Funds are derived from reserves and reserve funds, development charges, grants from other levels of government or taking on debt."
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · PDF page 70
Financing Charges, "Debt Repayment": 2026 Budget 134,100; 2027 Budget 134,100; 2028 Budget 548,800.
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · Financing Charges, PDF page 29
Reserve Balance Forecast: "Total reserves and reserve funds" opening balance 17,969,300 and closing balance 15,348,200, with capital requirements of (12,546,500).
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · Reserve Balance Forecast, PDF page 225
Project 26999, Future Roads Projects, Level of Service Study: "the current figures should be considered a placeholder until the Roads Needs Study is complete and more precise project requirements are known." The project's yearly amounts rise from 300,000 in 2027 to 6,000,000 in 2035.
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · Capital project 26999, PDF page 218
Message from the Director of Financial Services / Treasurer: "Although debt financing can help address significant capital needs, it must be used strategically to preserve borrowing capacity for when it is most needed."
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · PDF page 6
Note 7, Municipal Debt: one debenture (a loan repaid over time) with a balance of $ 367,753 at December 31, 2024, due December 2027. An unused $6,000,000 revolving demand facility and an unused $3,000,000 364-day credit facility, with the Municipality having "not drawn on either".
The Corporation of the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (BDO Canada LLP, July 17, 2025) · Note 7, PDF page 17
$21,300forecast Fire and Emergency Services reserve at the end of 2026, from an opening $401,000
A reserve is a savings account the Township sets aside for a purpose. The forecast for the end of 2026 shows the Fire and Emergency Services reserve at $21,300, Fleet and Equipment at $27,300 and Parks, Recreation and Trails at $170,900. The Parks reserve is shown starting 2026 below zero, at (692,700). The 2024 statements show the fire reserve at (176,796) at the end of 2023. The 2026 budget cuts the yearly fire reserve contribution from $1,850,000 to $1,000,000. The Township has explained the general idea of reserves, and says it is building them. It has not said what balance it wants each one to hold.
Fire trucks and plow trucks have to be replaced when they wear out, and the Township has approved a new seven-station fire model with new buildings planned. Reserves that are drawn to near zero each year leave little room if a cost arrives early or higher than planned.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Muskoka Lakes? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Reserve Balance Forecast, opening and closing balance: Fire and Emergency Services 401,000 and 21,300 (capital requirement (1,530,400)); Fleet and Equipment 61,100 and 27,300 (capital requirement (1,336,200)); Parks, Recreation and Trails (692,700) and 170,900.
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · Reserve Balance Forecast, PDF page 225
Note 9, Accumulated Surplus, reserves set aside for specific purposes: "Fire and emergency services" 2024 22,331; 2023 (176,796). "Fleet and equipment" 2024 75,935; 2023 509,234. "Parks, recreation and trails" 2024 95,406; 2023 461,899.
The Corporation of the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (BDO Canada LLP, July 17, 2025) · Note 9, PDF page 19
Fire Service, "Total Transfers to Reserves": 2024 Actual 1,021,638; 2025 Budget 1,850,000; 2026 Budget 1,000,000; 2027 Budget 1,200,000; 2028 Budget 1,250,000.
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · Fire Service, PDF page 45
Project 26028, Minett Fire Station Design: "Council approved a new 7-station model. The model recommends new stations for Minett, Milford Bay and Foot's Bay." The Quick Facts page lists "10 Fire Halls".
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · Capital project 26028, PDF page 154; Quick Facts, PDF page 7
$2,275,700forecast tax rate stabilization reserve at the end of 2026, from $4,775,700 at the start
The tax rate stabilization reserve is money kept to soften a tax increase in a hard year. The Township's statements show it at $4,956,189 at the end of 2023 and $3,952,241 at the end of 2024. The 2026 reserve table shows it opening at $4,775,700 and closing at $2,275,700. That is $2,500,000 less, worked out by us from the two printed balances. The same table shows the Roads, Bridges and Major Infrastructure reserve receiving 2,500,000 in its last column; adding that line up ourselves gives its printed closing balance, so the money appears to move there. The Township has not said why it chose $2,500,000, or whether the reserve will be refilled.
If the move is what kept the 2026 tax rate increase at 8.6%, the same help may not be there in 2027. If it is a one-time shift of savings to roads, that is a different matter. The budget book does not say which.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Muskoka Lakes? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Reserve Balance Forecast, "Tax Rate Stabilization": opening balance 4,775,700; (2,500,000); closing balance 2,275,700. "Roads, Bridges and Major Infrastructure": 574,500; (6,958,400); 1,350,000; 2,464,400; 175,300; 2,500,000; 105,800.
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · Reserve Balance Forecast, PDF page 225
Note 9, Accumulated Surplus, reserves set aside for general purposes by Council: "Tax stabilization" 2024 3,952,241; 2023 4,956,189.
The Corporation of the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (BDO Canada LLP, July 17, 2025) · Note 9, PDF page 19
Reserve Balance Forecast, page text: reserves "provide options to respond to unexpected issues, phase-in funding impacts over-time as well as reduce reliance on debt."
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · PDF page 225
2026 Tax Levy Calculations, "Actual Tax Rate Change": "Residential 0.16191% 0.17576% 8.6%" (2025, 2026, %).
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · Property Tax Levy, Actual Tax Rate Change table, PDF page 13 (printed page 13)
$10,100planned 2026 net cost of by-law enforcement to the levy, down from $329,916 in 2024
By-law enforcement (noise, parking, short-term rental licences and similar) cost the levy $329,916 in 2024. The 2026 budget plans for $10,100, and for a surplus in 2027 and 2028. That depends on licence, permit and fine revenue. The 2026 book shows licence, permit and rental revenue budgeted at $532,500 for 2025 but forecast at only $7,600. For 2026 it budgets $363,000 again. Fines are planned to grow from $259,538 in 2024 to $370,000 in 2026 and $500,400 in 2028. The 2025 budget lists a short-term rental licensing program among by-law work. The 2026 book does not say which licences make up the revenue line.
When a service is planned to pay for itself with fees and fines, a shortfall lands on the tax levy. The 2025 gap between budget and forecast is large. Residents also deserve to know what the licences are for and how fines are set.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Muskoka Lakes? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
The records that would answer this can be requested: By-law licence and fine revenue, 2024 to 2026, with wording you can copy.
By-Law Enforcement: "License, Permits and Rentals" 2024 Actual 8,475; 2025 Budget 532,500; 2025 Forecast 7,600; 2026 Budget 363,000. "Fines and Penalties" 2024 Actual 259,538; 2025 Budget 185,000; 2025 Forecast 305,000; 2026 Budget 370,000; 2028 Budget 500,400.
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · By-Law Enforcement, PDF page 41
By-Law Enforcement, "NET LEVY REQUIREMENT": 2024 Actual 329,916; 2025 Budget 87,600; 2025 Forecast 339,400; 2026 Budget 10,100; 2027 Budget (38,500); 2028 Budget (111,800).
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · By-Law Enforcement, PDF page 41
2025 Key Initiatives, By-law Enforcement: "Educating, Implementing and Monitoring Short Term Rental Accommodation Licensing Program" and "Onboarding New Licensing Officer and Seasonal Enforcement Officer to Support STR Licensing Program".
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2025 Municipal Budget · PDF page 37
$5,651,263spent on materials in 2024, against a plan of $3,911,800
The audited statements for 2024 show expenses of $22,518,812 against a plan of $20,126,300, and a surplus of $4,068,063 against a planned $5,330,700. The two gaps are worked out by us from the printed totals. Materials cost $5,651,263 against a plan of $3,911,800, and contracted services were $1,915,089, up from $1,130,024 the year before. Part of the gap is amortization (the yearly wear-and-tear charge on assets), which was $4,283,002 against $3,450,000 planned. The statements explain that the plan was built on a different basis from the statements. They do not say why materials ran so far over.
A budget is the promise to taxpayers about a year's cost. A gap this size in one line is worth explaining, especially because the next budget is built on the same lines.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Muskoka Lakes? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Consolidated Statement of Operations: total expenses, Budget 2024 20,126,300; Actual 2024 22,518,812; Actual 2023 19,712,094. "Annual surplus" Budget 5,330,700; Actual 2024 4,068,063; Actual 2023 3,353,883.
The Corporation of the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (BDO Canada LLP, July 17, 2025) · Consolidated Statement of Operations, PDF page 5
Note 13, Expenses by Object: "Materials" Budget 3,911,800; Actual 2024 5,651,263; Actual 2023 4,615,664. "Contracted services" 1,821,400; 1,915,089; 1,130,024. "Amortization of tangible capital assets" 3,450,000; 4,283,002; 3,717,327. "Salaries and benefits" 10,568,100; 10,375,911; 9,917,363.
The Corporation of the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (BDO Canada LLP, July 17, 2025) · Note 13, PDF page 22
Note 10, Budget: "the budget expensed all tangible capital expenses rather than including amortization expense". The budget adds back "Capital expenses" of 10,449,285 and takes off "Amortization" of (3,450,000) to reach the statement budget.
The Corporation of the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (BDO Canada LLP, July 17, 2025) · Note 10, PDF page 20
$4,721,827taxes receivable at the end of 2024, against $3,885,759 a year earlier
Taxes receivable is the property tax residents owe the Township but have not yet paid. The 2024 statements show it at $4,751,827 before an allowance (money set aside in case some is never paid) of $30,000, leaving $4,721,827. A year earlier it was $3,946,259 before an allowance of $60,500. Unpaid taxes rose, by our own sum about 20%, and the allowance fell. The statements' risk table places all of the taxes receivable in the "Over 90 days" group. The statements say no significant collection issues were found for trade and other receivables. They do not say the same about taxes.
Property taxes are the Township's main income. Rising unpaid balances with a shrinking safety cushion could mean a lot or very little. The point of the question is to find out which.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Muskoka Lakes? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Note 4, Taxes Receivable: "Taxes receivable" 2024 $ 4,751,827; 2023 $ 3,946,259. "Less: valuation allowance" 2024 (30,000); 2023 (60,500). Net 2024 $ 4,721,827; 2023 $ 3,885,759.
The Corporation of the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (BDO Canada LLP, July 17, 2025) · Note 4, PDF page 14
Note 2, Credit risk: "Over 90 days" for taxes receivable 4,721,827 and for trade and other receivables 121,282. "No significant collection issues related to trade and other receivables have been identified."
The Corporation of the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Consolidated Financial Statements, December 31, 2024 (BDO Canada LLP, July 17, 2025) · Note 2, PDF page 13
+51%roads and snow, 2019 to 2025
Muskoka Lakes spent $3.8M on roads and snow in 2019 and $5.7M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time. Only 7 of 38 similar towns had faster growth here.
| Year | Roads and snow | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | −7% | +1% |
| 2021 | −13% | +4% |
| 2022 | +4% | +11% |
| 2023 | +4% | +16% |
| 2024 | +23% | +18% |
| 2025 | +51% | +21% |
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
When one area grows much faster than prices, it is either doing more (which may be great) or paying more for the same thing. Residents deserve to know which.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Muskoka Lakes? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Roads and snow: 2019 $3.8M, 2020 $3.5M, 2021 $3.3M, 2022 $3.9M, 2023 $3.9M, 2024 $4.7M, 2025 $5.7M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Roadsides and signs, from $191K to $1.1M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Typical growth among similar towns: 43%. Muskoka Lakes ranks 8th of 39.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 38 similar municipalities · Schedule 40 · archived copy
+95%police, fire and safety, 2019 to 2025
Muskoka Lakes spent $2.5M on police, fire and safety in 2019 and $4.9M in 2025. Prices only went up about 21% in that time.
| Year | Police, fire and safety | Prices (inflation) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | +0% | +0% |
| 2020 | +1% | +1% |
| 2021 | +23% | +4% |
| 2022 | +42% | +11% |
| 2023 | +55% | +16% |
| 2024 | +88% | +18% |
| 2025 | +95% | +21% |
Change since the first year shown. The grey line is how much prices rose overall, for comparison.
When one area grows much faster than prices, it is either doing more (which may be great) or paying more for the same thing. Residents deserve to know which.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Muskoka Lakes? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Police, fire and safety: 2019 $2.5M, 2020 $2.5M, 2021 $3.1M, 2022 $3.6M, 2023 $3.9M, 2024 $4.7M, 2025 $4.9M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
Biggest driver: Fire department, from $1.3M to $2.4M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 40 · archived copy
$9.6Min savings at the end of 2025
Towns keep savings (called reserves) to pay for new trucks, roof repairs and surprises. Muskoka Lakes had $9.6M saved at the end of 2025, down from $12.4M in 2019. That is 48% of one year's spending. Only 5 of 38 similar towns had less, compared with what they spend.
| Year | Savings (reserves) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.4M |
| 2020 | $12.9M |
| 2021 | $17.7M |
| 2022 | $16.8M |
| 2023 | $14.5M |
| 2024 | $12.9M |
| 2025 | $9.6M |
With little saved, a broken bridge or a storm has to be paid for with a sudden tax increase or a loan. Low savings can also mean past budgets were balanced by spending savings instead of facing the real cost.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
Speak for Muskoka Lakes? Send us your answer and we will publish it with this question.
Savings (reserves and reserve funds): 2019 $12.4M, 2020 $12.9M, 2021 $17.7M, 2022 $16.8M, 2023 $14.5M, 2024 $12.9M, 2025 $9.6M.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2019 to 2025 · Schedule 70, line 6420 · archived copy
Typical among similar towns: savings equal to 100% of a year's spending. Muskoka Lakes: 48%.
Ontario Financial Information Return (FIR), 2025, 38 similar municipalities · Schedules 40 and 70 · archived copy
$1,967,100planned 2026 levy for Arenas, up from $918,600 in 2025
The Parks line on the levy goes from $1,035,000 to $1,998,500 and the Arenas line from $918,600 to $1,967,100. Almost all of the rise is a new transfer to reserves, not running costs: Parks goes from $50,000 to $1,000,000 and Arenas from $550,000 to $1,500,000. The Township has explained that it is building reserves for the future, and the capital plan shows large arena projects in 2027 and 2029. What the book does not spell out is which arena work the savings are for.
This is a big share of the 2026 rise, and it is saving, not spending. Saving for a known project is a common way to plan, but residents can only judge them if the project and the date are clear.
You can ask during the public part of a council meeting, by writing to the clerk, or by contacting your councillors. How to reach council.
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Parks: "Total Operating Expenses" 2025 Budget 1,006,500; 2026 Budget 1,020,700. "Total Transfers to Reserves" 2025 Budget 50,000; 2026 Budget 1,000,000. "NET LEVY REQUIREMENT" 2025 Budget 1,035,000; 2026 Budget 1,998,500.
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · Parks, PDF page 57
Arenas: "Total Operating Expenses" 2025 Budget 508,900; 2026 Budget 621,000. "Total Transfers to Reserves" 2025 Budget 550,000; 2026 Budget 1,500,000. "NET LEVY REQUIREMENT" 2025 Budget 918,600; 2026 Budget 1,967,100.
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · Arenas, PDF page 55
Capital Budget by Division, "Arenas": 2027 4,335,400; 2028 756,400; 2029 4,579,200; ten-year total 13,062,500. No amount is shown for 2026.
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · Capital Budget by Division, PDF page 71
Message from the Mayor: "Building reserves to support future needs because long-term sustainability requires planning ahead."
Township of Muskoka Lakes, 2026 Municipal Budget · PDF page 5