Endorsed Candidates - Click on each township for pdf list

• Township of Muskoka Lakes
• Bracebridge
• Gravenhurst
• Seguin

How did we determine which candidates to endorse?

The MLA formed a Political Action Committee earlier this year to prepare for the election and provide voting registration details and information on key issues to members. PAT members assess candidates through a combination of interviews, monitoring and participating in council meetings over the past four years as well as information gathered by our Public Affairs Manager, who attends many of the council meetings for TML, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Seguin and District of Muskoka and reports back on issues of importance and councillors’ positions.  
 

In the interviews, candidates for Mayor, District and Township Councils were invited to meet with PAT volunteers to discuss their qualifications, expertise and positions on key issues. Candidates were assessed for their alignment on issues, expertise, knowledge and ability to work effectively at the council table. The questions were drawn up in advance by the Political Action Team members covering each municipality and the District and approved by the PAT group. 

While all the candidates are passionate about Muskoka, the MLA Board of Directors made a decision to endorse those candidates we felt would be best aligned on issues that are important to MLA members and best able to be effective councillors.

How did we identify the issues most important to our members and supporters?

Every four years we conduct an extensive poll of our members' views on a range of critical issues to ensure we are representing their views, which informs our advocacy. We also hear members' concerns through emails, phone calls, conversations at farmers markets, at our sponsored events such as the Muskoka Lake Associations Leadership Forum, Seedling Day, regattas, the Antique Boat Show, our AGM, and through our engagement at community events such as lake association AGMs, fund raisers for local organizations and local constituency meetings. These were the issues ranked most important:

●  Protecting our clean water and lakes

●  Preserving nature and our shorelines

●  Defending important environmental and planning policies such as the Township of Muskoka Lakes Official Plan

●  Ensuring responsible development, not overdevelopment such as Cliff Bay in Muskoka Bay, Gravenhurst and Rosseau Springs, Seguin

●  Stopping the residential subdivisions masquerading as resorts

●  Ensuring more effective by-law enforcement

●  Ensuring effective use of your tax dollars

●  Preserving the long-term value of your Muskoka investment

Why does the MLA Engage in Municipal Elections?

The MLA has been participating in Muskoka politics and recommending candidates for over 40 years. MLA members strongly support this political involvement, from as far back as 1979 when 90% of members were in favour. In our recent survey, 82% of respondents indicated they want the MLA to provide recommendations for candidates in Muskoka.

The MLA can only further our members’ and supporters’ goals of clean water, responsible development and reasonable taxation if we advocate with council throughout the term and participate in elections by identifying aligned candidates and informing and engaging our members and supporters. This is the democratic way.

The MLA (mla.on.ca) is a registered Third Party Advertiser (click here) in each of these municipalities and we abide by those rules. Contact us at info@mla.on.ca.

Why voting this year is critical

It's never been more important to make your voice heard to stand up for Muskoka and elect candidates who are committed to responsible development and preserving our natural environment. Several critical issues will be decided by our next councils. They include whether key environmental protections and responsible development limits are maintained in the Township of Muskoka Lakes Official Plan and in the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Update, and whether the development of properties such as Cliff Bay in Muskoka Bay and Rosseau Springs in Seguin respect the environment and the surrounding community.

Municipal councils make decisions that can have a big impact on cottage life, including rules about building and services such as garbage and roads.  You pay taxes here - make sure you have a say in how those dollars are spent. Make sure Muskoka remains the place you love.