growing lake of bays, naturally
Elect me for McLean Ward Councillor to foster healthy economic development that grows Lake of Bays while keeping it’s environment pristine.
“A long-time cottager on Rosseau, I now call Baysville my home. I’ve seen overdevelopment on the other big Muskoka lakes and want to keep Lake of Bays as natural as possible, while growing density and our economy in an environmentally sustainable way.”
Your Questions, Answered
What will you bring to your role as councillor?
I see the position of McLean Ward councillor as an advocate for the wants of the community, and to be fully transparent regarding town plans. I plan to discover what the community wants and be a conduit for the community.
What is your stance on the environment?
The municipality of Lake of Bays must be protected - it is one of the last areas with natural shorelines and clean waters. Balancing economic development while maintaining natural shorelines is a top priority. I would like to take a hard look at loophole practices like nuisance mosquito spraying which can have greater unintended economic consquences by damaging the environment. Additionally, I support the dark skies revisions that are upcoming pending public opinion and staff reporting.
How do you support housing growth?
We are in need of more housing options in Muskoka. Community input is critical to ensure that we achieve greater density in towns, but not at the water’s edge. We want to preserve the natural beauty of the lakes which is our greatest asset.
What will you do about business development challenges?
As small business owner I know how government bureaucracy can seem onerous. I want to focus on community input to find innovative solutions to support our small businesses and foster growth that benefits the community. I would like to continue open conversations with business owners.
How will you improve road safety for cyclists?
As a holiday destination Muskoka could draw many more cycling enthusiasts. Unfortunately we are lacking in safe separated bike paths. I’ve ridden the 37 kilometer 1000 Islands Parkway trail between Gananoque and Brockville many times and wondered why we don’t have something similar in Muskoka. A path around Lake of Bays would draw our community together in a new way and be a fabulous tourism draw, similar to other cycling hubs like Uxbridge. I would be willing to work with the district and MTO to move the Lake of Bays Township tourism strategy forward.
Let’s Stay in Touch
Fill in the form and I’ll keep you up-to-date on the latest election events. I’ll even send you a reminder of election day, plus instructions how to vote early, and how to vote online!
If you’d like to reach out directly, you can call me at 416-588-0326 or email me at michaelfrancis27@gmail.com any time.
Filling bags with sand for Baysville’s Christmas Eve luminaries
OUt and about in the community
Supporting Gravenhurst business with a trip on the Wenonah II
I’m an active curler at Lake of Bays Curling and Bocce club
Carving beef as a volunteer at the annual Baysville Surf & Turf - 2026
I volunteered on the lobster team for the Surf and Turf in 2024 and 2025