MUSKOKA LAKES WON’T PROCEED WITH STUDY TOWARD LICENSING BUILDERS, CONTRACTORS AFTER CRITICAL FEEDBACK
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MUSKOKA LAKES — Township council here has opted to pause any further discussion on regulatory measures regarding builder and contractor licensing.
At its Feb. 11 meeting Wednesday the full council rescinded a planning council recommendation to have staff investigate such a possible bylaw.
And only examine what’s going on in the critical home, commercial and cottage sector and how the local industry is operating within the community.
Mayor Peter Kelley had hinted before the meeting that it was possible staff may have found that all was good on the matter at presence and governance may not have been necessary to proceed further.
The move was welcome news to the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Muskoka Builders Association and Our Muskoka Stakeholders Association, which had recently raised concerns and brought it to public attention.
In a letter of response to the mayor and council today following the decision, the three groups thanked council and shared that letter with MuskokaTODAY.com today.
To Mayor Peter Kelley and Council cc: David Pink, CAO
Re: Reconsideration of Proposed Contractor Licensing Review Resolution
On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we thank council for its thoughtful reconsideration of the recent Planning resolution regarding exploration into and options for a potential contractor licensing program.
We appreciate the transparency demonstrated during the public discussion and the council’s willingness to pause and refine direction provided to staff.
Recognizing, clearly articulating, and defining the specific issue, if any, including scope and magnitude, before considering potential regulatory options, is an approach we believe the broader contractor community and residents will value.
Our organizations would be pleased to serve as a resource to council and staff as this work progresses. We can help by sharing industry insight, practical considerations, and the experiences of local builders and businesses operating within the Township’s existing compliance-related framework.
We appreciate Council’s openness to candid exchange on this matter and its commitment to a transparent process. We look forward to continued collaboration as the Township moves forward.
Respectfully,
Kurt Browne, president, Muskoka Builders’ Association
Blake Johnston, chair, Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Alyxandra Brown, executive director, Our Muskoka Stakeholders Association
📧 Contact, Subscribe, Advertise
Email: news@muskokatoday.com
Subscribe: E-transfer $30 to news@muskokatoday.com
Mail: MuskokaTODAY.com, Box 34, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1T5
Advertise: Email news@muskokatoday.com for rates
