Moon River Property Owners' Association

09/07/2026

Ward A All candidates Meeting this Saturday 10am -12noon Bala Community Centre.

See for yourself what each candidate brings to the table. Ask the questions that matter to YOU.

Format:
Doors open 9:30
Meeting runs 10-12pm
Questions will be collected before the meeting starts at 10. Candidates will have 5-7 min to intro themselves & their platform, then the moderator will field questions. There will be no questions from the floor. This is an opportunity to hear what each candidate has to offer, not a debate between candidates.

Acclaimed candidates are welcome to attend but will not be given any “floor” time since there is no question around voting.

09/02/2026

The second - revised survey on what to do with the Bala Community Reserve fund is now out. $192,400

You will need to register on the Engage Muskoka Lakes website to complete it.

Please take a few minutes and think about how you would like this once in a generation fund spent. Mayor Kelley has repeatedly said this money should NOT be spent on things the Township should do anyway.

In the last survey 74% wanted several smaller projects rather than one large one. Thats why you're asked to list your top 5.

The survey list is not exhaustive. Have a think of how this money could add to the enjoyment and improvement of the Town. How about painting the CP Rail bridge? Heritage signage or feature next to the United church depicting the historical Portage route that put Bala on the Map? Heritage feature about the Bala Summer Train station or where the Segwun use to dock? Think of something on a smaller scale to the "wall" in Port Carling.

Installing sidewalks on District roads 169 and 38 is not where this money should be spent. That's not even Bala or the Township domain. The District should pay for that.

Be careful when considering more boat parking at the Bala Bay Town dock. The last staff report recommended spending $175,000 of the entire fund on 240 feet of floating docks - three fingers extending 80 feet into the bay plus landscaping which would mean the demise of the 115 year annual regatta held there. More boat parking may be necessary in town, but is tripling the capacity - from 16 to 40 boats of the Bala Bay Dock necessary? There is capacity at the Windsor Dock but the tie ups have been removed for all but two boats. Put them back. This dock is a short walk to The Pearl and Jack & Stellas.

There is a spot on the survey under "Other" where you make another suggestion or add a comment on your choices.

How should the Bala Community Reserve Fund support future enhancements in Bala?

Last year, we heard a ton of ideas on how to use the Bala Community Reserve Fund. In fact, many of those ideas aligned with projects already planned for the community through the Township’s 10-year Capital Plan.

With $192,400 available in the Fund, we’re now looking at what could be supported beyond those planned projects, what’s achievable within the funding available, and opportunities that align with the Township’s Economic Development Strategy and Community Improvement Plan.

In other words, where could the Reserve Fund add something more for Bala?

🌳 Parks and public spaces, pedestrian connections, docks, streetscape enhancements and more are included as potential areas in the second survey. Let us know what matters most to you.

📅 Share your thoughts with us by September 30, 2026 on Engage Muskoka Lakes (link below).

🔗 Read the full update: https://www.muskokalakes.ca/news/posts/township-seeks-input-on-priorities-for-bala-community-reserve-fund/

🔗 Explore potential areas for enhancement, view planned capital projects and take the survey here: https://engagemuskokalakes.ca/bala-community-reserve-fund

08/30/2026

Today’s the day! Stop 3-1067 River street at 4pm for a fundraising concert in support of Hospice Muskoka

08/30/2026

Reminder of today's fund raising concert for Hospice Muskoka - Andy's House. Weather looks good for this afternoon at 4pm.

On the Moon River in front of the Pirate Ship Dock or Bring a lawn chair to 3-1067 River street. Please park on River street.

Donations via Cash or tap.

See you on the Moon.

08/24/2026

Meet your local Municipal Candidates for our Ward - Ward A

Saturday September 12 10am - 12pm at the Bala Legion 1011 Maple Avenue

Come out and speak to them all.

08/18/2026

Looking for something fun to do Sunday August 30? Anchor by the Graham's Pirate ship dock on the Moon River at 4pm for a fund raising concert for Hospice Muskoka - Andy's House.

Featuring The Moon River's own - Dry Rot in the Transom band.

Poster attached.

Tell your neighbours and Friends. Don't forget to bring cash or your credit card.

08/10/2026

A change in the way voter registration has been administered for this years election means there is a very good chance you, as a seasonal, property owner may not be on the voter list.

You are entitled to vote in every municipality where you or a spouse/partner own a residence.

The deadline to ensure you are on the voter list is this Thursday August 12.

See the attached poster for details.

08/10/2026

08/09/2026

Just wanted to say what a great day we had today at the Regatta family funday at Jaspen park. Rain delayed from last weekend. We still had terrific attendance. Thankyou to our sponsors and all the local Bala Business that contributed to our raffle table. Those donations and gifts are what allow us to continue this tradition year over year.

So many kids and their families had a terrific day. The smiles on the kids and the pride on the faces of the parents make the effort of this event worth while.

And a huge thank you to the volunteers who helped out and to our board members for their participation and contribution.

It’s lovely when a community comes together for a special day for families.

Your president