The mandate of the Planning, Development and Government Relations Committee is to ensure that the natural environment and inherent beauty of Lake of Bays is maintained in perpetuity through the encouragement of sympathetic and sustainable development patterns and densities on private lands, and to support LOBA’s mission statement by participating actively and constructively in political and other activities in the Township of Lake of Bays and surrounding communities in order to advance and protect the interests of our members and the general community.
The PD&GR Committee is principally concerned with identifying, evaluating and responding to land and waterfront development issues that confront the association as a whole. The committee also monitors existing and emerging land use policies of the various levels of government that can influence development trends on and around the lake. Where necessary, the committee may recommend that LOBA attempt to influence public policy to reflect the concerns of the association. In the event LOBA declares an interest, specific land use policies or development applications may be challenged through the various approval routes including the Ontario Municipal Board and the committee may assist in the coordination of these actions.
The PD&GR Committee monitors council and committee meetings at the Township of Lake of Bays Council and District of Muskoka to keep members informed of new and on going issues facing our municipal and district governments. We are in contact with our elected representatives in order to be in a position to participate in any debate that may be of importance to Lake of Bays Association members.
The Committee dialogues with other lake associations in Muskoka on matters of mutual interest. We are also in touch with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) and other regulatory organizations that govern natural and community resources in Muskoka.
LOBA is also represented on the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA) Board of Directors, and brings resources back to our Board from this group which represents cottagers from all over Ontario.
