The Muskoka Chamber of Commerce wants to see targeted provincial support for municipalities included in the 2026 provincial budget.
Norah Fountain, Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, said they want the province to recognize tourism and broadband as essential economic infrastructure, along with stronger support for municipalities.
These were among a number of wants stated in the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) pre-budget recommendations.
“This submission reflects many of the pressures we see every day in Muskoka and yes, across all of Ontario, including labour shortages, housing gaps, rising costs and the strain on small, seasonal economies,” said Fountain. It also points to areas Ontario should act on that could directly benefit Muskoka.”
According to the OCC, with focused action to attract, retain, and develop talent, align education with labour market needs, and remove structural barriers to employment, Ontario can ensure it has the workforce needed to lead and grow the businesses of the future.
Fountain said the OCC submission calls for tourism, arts, culture, and sport to be recognized as essential economic infrastructure.
Fountain also highlighted the need for better access to rural funding programs to support events, marketing, and growth for Muskoka businesses, as well as the recognition of broadband, housing, and health care as core business issues.
“At the same time, municipalities are under growing strain, and we need to advocate for them as well,” said Fountain. “Townships are being asked to fund community renewal while dealing with interconnected challenges like mental health, addictions, homelessness, and in some areas, struggling downtowns.”
The OCC says pressures on health system capacity, growing mental health and addictions challenges, and uneven access to services affect workforce participation, productivity and talent attraction across regions.
“With coordinated, long-term action to strengthen health systems, improve public safety and mental health supports and invest in connected livable communities, Ontario can both, grow its economy and ensure all communities participate in that prosperity,” states the submission.
According to Fountain, the submission further emphasizes the importance of regional solutions to workforce shortages, such as immigration and training that reflect rural needs, and increased support for small businesses adopting technology to improve productivity and competitiveness.
“Bottom line: The right issues are on the table,” said Fountain. “Now the focus, despite economic uncertainty, must be on turning these recommendations into real investment reflecting the realities of rural and cottage country economies.”
The Ontario budget will be revealed on March 26.
