Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization - Muskoka Regional Center/Cliff Bay Proposed Development

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Muskoka Regional Center/Cliff Bay Proposed Development

Muskoka Regional Center/Cliff Bay Proposed Development

27 Aug 2025 7:28 PM | Joanne Hutchinson (Administrator)

Dear Lake Association colleagues,

I'm writing to share details of the MLA's recent actions regarding the massive development proposed by Cliff Bay Muskoka Corp. in Cliff Bay, Lake Muskoka. As fellow lake-lovers, we invite you to share this with your members and others who are passionate about clean water, natural shorelines and the character of our lakes.

The MLA remains deeply concerned about the negative impact the current plan will have on the environment and the character of Cliff Bay and South Muskoka.

The proposal includes thirty-three villas and two restaurants in the lake, up to ten six-storey buildings, three hotels, almost 1,400 units and 80 boat slips as well as minimal proposed setbacks, public parkland or protection for existing trees.

We are strongly opposed to the developer’s proposed draft Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO), which also has the effect of bypassing local planning rules.

Here's how we are making the views of our members known:

In a meeting with the developer and team on July 9, we shared our concerns about the over-the-lake building proposals, insufficient shoreline setbacks and potential environmental impact, as well as the lack of specific job guarantees.
In a news release issued on August 6, 2025 we urged Gravenhurst Council and the Ontario government to scale back the development to conform more closely to the Town of Gravenhurst’s Official Plan policies for Urban Resorts and the Town's Comprehensive Zoning By-law, as well as the District of Muskoka’s Resorts Policies.
In letters to provincial and municipal leaders on June 25, 2025, we've asked them to require resort development be in keeping with the character of Muskoka.
In a meeting with the MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka, Graydon Smith, we shared our concerns and urged the plan not be approved as proposed.

We're raising awareness of the issues through our social media campaign on Instagram and Facebook. We invite you to like, share and repost.

We invite any concerned citizen to make their views known. Here are some suggestions:

Write a letter: Share your concerns with municipal and provincial politicians. Our letter template includes email addresses and other information.
Support this petition launched by local Bruce Parlette at SaveTheBay.ca. Over 4,000 people have signed so far.
Make a donation for this campaign.

More details are on our website at MLA.on.ca.

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"Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization" is a non-profit organization.