Click here for a pre-filled and addressed email template. Be sure to personalize the two parts in square brackets before sending.

Or, copy and paste from below.

Letter Template Copy and Paste

Subject Line (Suggested for Email):

Opposition to MZO for Muskoka Regional Centre Development

Address to:

Info@gravenhurst.ca

Or copy and paste the following block into the “to” field:

heidi.lorenz@gravenhurstcouncil.ca, sandy.cairns@gravenhurstcouncil.ca, peter.johnston@gravenhurstcouncil.ca, erin.strength@gravenhurstcouncil.ca, penny.varney@gravenhurstcouncil.ca, jo.morphy@gravenhurstcouncil.ca, michelle.robinson@gravenhurstcouncil.ca, randy.jorgensen@gravenhurstcouncil.ca, christina.hunter@gravenhurstcouncil.ca

CC: see below

Body:

Dear Mayor Lorenz and Members of Gravenhurst Council,

[Insert 2–3 sentences about your personal connection to Muskoka. Are you a resident? Cottager? Life-long visitor? Mention the lake or area if you can – anything that makes this real to you.]

I’m writing to express serious concern about the proposed development of the former Muskoka Regional Centre by Cliff Bay Muskoka Corp., and especially their request for a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO).

An MZO would allow the developer to bypass all local planning processes—no public hearings, no zoning review, and no opportunity for appeal. That’s not how responsible development should happen in Muskoka.

[Optional: Insert 1–2 sentences about what concerns you most. This could be environmental, community, traffic, transparency concerns, etc.]

I respectfully urge Council to:

• Pass a resolution opposing the use of a Minister’s Zoning Order for this site
  
• Insist that any development follow the regular municipal planning process, with environmental review and public consultation
  
• Refuse to support or endorse any resolution that facilitates the MZO

Thank you for your time and for standing up for Muskoka.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your connection to Muskoka – e.g., Resident on Lake X]

[Optional: Address or contact info if you’re comfortable]

Optional: CC Key Provincial Contacts

Even though the MZO decision lies with the Province, your email will have more impact if you also copy the key decision-makers:

MPP Graydon Smith (Parry Sound–Muskoka, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry) – graydon.smith@pc.ola.org Note: While MPP Graydon Smith does not control the MZO decision, his ministry oversees Crown lakebed leases. He has described himself as a “strong voice for Muskoka” during the 2022 campaign and in flood season messaging. Muskoka needs that voice now more than ever.

Premier Doug Ford – premier@ontario.ca

Minister Rob Flack (Municipal Affairs and Housing) – rob.flack@pc.ola.org Note: Minister Flack is the one who ultimately decides whether to approve or deny the MZO request. He has the authority to sign the zoning order that would override local planning rules and fast-track this development.

Minister Kinga Surma (Infrastructure) – kinga.surma@pc.ola.org

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) – minister.mecp@ontario.ca