The Township of Lake of Bays is launching the first phase of public engagement for its first five-year Tourism Strategy. The strategy will guide how tourism is managed and supported across the Township’s four hamlets and residents, visitors and local businesses are invited to help shape the future.
In January 2026, the Township introduced a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), creating dedicated revenue for tourism, and has established a new Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) to help put that revenue to work. A concurrent update to the Township’s Official Plan is shaping the longer-term planning framework. The Tourism Strategy will connect these initiatives together into a single roadmap that supports sustainable tourism while benefiting residents, businesses and visitors alike.
The Township has retained Context Research Group (CRG), working with planning firm JL Richards & Associates (JLR), to develop the strategy. Community input gathered this summer and fall, through an online survey, a community pop-up at the Dwight Farmers Market, a community connector program and a town hall in Baysville, will directly inform the priorities, recommendations and investments in the final plan.
How to Get Involved
The strategy will only be as strong as the input behind it. The project team is asking community members to participate in one or more of the following engagement opportunities:
Community Engagement Event
Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Location: Dwight Farmers’ Market (2876 Highway 60, Dwight, ON)
Online Survey
Dates: July 28 to October 2, 2026
Participate: Tourism Strategy Survey
Community Connector Program
Sign up by: August 4, 2026
Contact: abucking@jlrichards.ca
Public Meeting, Town Hall
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Location: Lake of Bays Community Centre & Arena (10 University St., Baysville, ON)
Following the summer and fall engagement, the project team will analyze all inputs received and develop a draft strategy for Township Staff to review by end of 2026. The final five-year Tourism Strategy, expected in early 2027, will guide tourism decisions, investment priorities and the use of MAT revenues for our community.
For more information on the Tourism Strategy development or the Municipal Accommodation Tax, visit engage.lakeofbays.on.ca/tourism-strategy.