The Muskoka and Parry Sound region in the heart of the Canadian Shield is widely known for its natural beauty. The region is a lush, forested landscape of hills and valleys marked by hundreds of freshwater lakes and massive outcroppings of ancient granite. A stunning palette carved by the receding ice of the last ice age.

This region plays host to thousands of tourists who visit for brief stays – generally in the summer and the colourful fall season but increasingly in the winter months as well.

There are also thousands of seasonal residents whose lakeside retreats from their city homes populate the shorelines of the lakes, rivers and islands. Many of these residents are multi-generational families whose roots in the region reach back to the early days of settlement. This group comprises roughly half of our population and are a significant contributor to the economy.

The permanent year-round population is made up of hard-working people with high rates of seasonal and part time employment in the construction, retail and other service-related industries. The income gap between the seasonal and year-round resident is significant.

The District of Muskoka reports that while almost 77% of seasonal households earn over $100,000 per year, merely 28% of year-round households earn the same amount. Roughly 25% of permanent households earn less than $50,000 per year. Median employment income is approximately 20% below the rest of Ontario. 

This gap means that the mostly hidden needs in our communities are significant.

• Homelessness is on the rise and now there are tent encampments in multiple areas around the small urban areas.
• Home prices not on the waterfront spiked more than 64% between 2016 and 2023.
• Rental vacancy rates have been under 1% for a decade.
• Food insecurity is an increasing reality for too many. Today, there are more than 20 food banks and food programs not only in the larger centres of Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville and Parry Sound, but also in communities as small as Burk’s Falls, Sundridge and Argyle.

All of the people of Parry Sound and Muskoka make up a vibrant community of communities, but there are too many people struggling with the basics of adequate housing and food. There are many organizations in the region assisting, but they need our help.

The Muskoka Community Foundation seeks to address pressing issues like hunger, unemployment and housing. They work to connect donors to need and to build an endowment that will perpetuate this work into the future.

Member of Parliament Scott Aitchison has offered his charity golf tournament, “The Scotty”, to become a primary vehicle for the Muskoka Community Foundation to assist the widest range of organizations and initiatives throughout the region. 

Together we will fill the gaps, lift those in need up and ensure all the people of our communities can thrive.