Heritage Matters

Heritage was ranked very high during the recent Strategic Plan initiative conducted by the Municipality. So we should all be proud of the Township of Lake of Bays Heritage Advisory Committee.

In the past few years, this committee has -- among other items -- produced a Register of buildings with heritage interest; brought in a Heritage Tax Relief Program -- the only one in Muskoka -- that rebates 40% of the taxes on designated buildings; attracted ten properties who have approached us to request designation and have successfully come through the process; hosted Doors Open; put up an Historic plaque at South Portage in partnership with Heritage Ontario; is currently finalizing another Historic Plaque to be located at North Portage to complete this celebration of the historic little Portage Flyer train and the settlement of Pen Lake; developed a Heritage Walking Tour brochure for the village of Dorset that will be available later this autumn; partnered with Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation and the Muskoka Heritage Foundation; nominated individuals and groups for Heritage Awards from Ontario Heritage Trust -- including Norm MacKay in Dorset, Russ Nicholls for the Portage Flyer; and the group who worked to bring into being the War Memorial in Dwight.

Most recently, the committee nominated the entire village of Dorset, and that has been accepted by Muskoka Heritage Foundation. The award will be presented to the Dorset Museum, at the AGM in Gravenhurst on Saturday Oct. 2.

This committee and the staff that work with us, have developed an excellent relationship. Meetings are relaxed and fun, and best of all, productive. While I have Chaired this committee since its inception, special thanks must go to ALL the committee members who bring their wonderful ideas, energy, talent, enthusiasm and expertise to the table. None of this work would have happened without the partnerships and team-work of the entire committee.

Other than myself, two committee members from the Heritage Committee are running for Election this year. Marie Poirier has been a tremendous resource helping bring several of our by-laws to fruition; and Ruth Ross must get a round of applause for the work she has done on the Dorset Historic Tour brochure and her ability to bring together co-operation from both Algonquin Highlands and Lake of Bays in this lovely village that is divided down Main Street by the two municipalities.

It has been an absolute treat to work with this Committee, and I hope their ideas for future projects will continue!