Huntsville Town Council Regular Meeting of February 26 Highlights

• Deputations and Invited Presentations
  • Council heard from Peggy Peterson, speaking on behalf of Muskoka Canadians For Truth on the 2024 Budget; asking questions on the 2024 tax increase, speaking on climate change and governance.

• Reports From Committees - Meeting Minutes & Reports For Adoption
  • Council pulled report AAC2-24 from the January 23, 2024 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting minutes to be voted on separately. Report AAC2-24 outlines the 2020 Aquatic Centre Retrofit Project and outlines several amendments including to maintain the current lap and leisure pool tanks, preventative maintenance for the pools mechanical and approve a $375,000. hot tub replacement as well as an upgrade to the change rooms at $305,000 funded through the Facility Reserve.
  • OUTCOME: Council discussed the details in the report, grants and the timing of the requested expenses. Council approved the pool tank planning and preventative maintenance for the pool mechanical and upgrading the change rooms in 2024. Council directed the hot tub replacement project be included in the 2025 Draft Capital Budget for consideration.

• New Business
  • Council heard about safety concerns in the Settler’s Ridge neighbourhood related to the area’s growth, increased density, and traffic. Concerns were voiced by over 100 of the area’s residents. Council approved directing staff to prepare and present for final approval an amendment to By-law 89-93, to regulate and Control Traffic, to reduce the speed limit on Homestead Lane, Prestwick Drive, Selkirk Drive, and Braeside Cres. from unposted 50km/h to posted 40km/hr.
  • Statement – Mayor Alcock provided a healthcare redevelopment update sharing information on the February 23, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare release and affirmed her continued commitment alongside local catchment area leaders and stakeholders for the “best possible model of care” within our region.

Want to dig deeper? Watch the full General Committee discussion about the Draft Budget through the livestream.