2027 Budget Priorities Survey

Privacy, General Note & Inclusion Statement

Privacy: The information collected will only be used for the purposes of planning for the District of Muskoka’s 2027 Budget. If at any time you do not wish to continue, you are under no obligation to participate. Participation in this survey is voluntary. Information gathered as part of this survey process is done so under the authority of Section 28 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

Please note: These questions are intended to help us understand how residents prioritize trade-offs that are part of every budget process, including taxes, service levels, user fees, and the timing of capital work. They are not intended to suggest that decisions have already been made or that residents are being asked to endorse specific cuts or outcomes. The full budget survey provides the opportunity for more detailed feedback.

Community Inclusion Notice: We are here to help and are committed to ensuring that everyone can participate, contribute, and be heard. If you require assistance or need a different survey format, please contact the front desk at 705-645-2100 or communications@muskoka.on.ca

Which three areas should be the highest priorities in the District budget over the next year? (Choose up to 3)

* required

Housing and homelessness

Long-term care and seniors' services

Roads, bridges and infrastructure

Water and wastewater services

Waste management

Community health and social services

Environmental Programming

Childcare and children's programs

Health services and paramedics

Other (please specify)

If the District has to make tough choices, which approach do you prefer? (Choose one)

* required

Keep tax increases low, even if some projects are delayed or services scaled back

Maintain current services, with moderate tax increases if needed

Invest more in services and infrastructure now, even if taxes increase more

I need more information before deciding

If difficult budget decisions are needed, which approaches would you be most open to? (Choose up to 2)

* required

Delay some non-urgent capital projects

Increase user fees for some services where appropriate

Use reserves for one-time pressures

Reduce internal and administrative costs first

Look for more shared services and partherships

Protect services and infrastructure, even if taxes increase

Other (please specify)

When the District presents the budget, what information do you most want to see? (Choose up to 3)

* required

How it affects my property taxes

What is changing from last year

Why costs are increasing

What projects are planned and where

What services are funded by the District

What trade-offs were considered

How reserves, debt and grants are being used

How the District is finding efficiencies

Other (please specify)

What is the most important budget related improvement you want to see next year? (Open text)

Maximum 255 characters

0/255

This question is not mandatory.

When thinking about the services funded by your property taxes, which is most important to you? (Choose up to 3)

* required

Affordability / lower tax increases

Maintaining current service levels

Improving reliability and response times

Investing in infrastructure renweal

Preparing for future growth and demand

Protecting vulnerable residents

Ensuring that Muskoka's infrastructure and services are resilient to climate change

Supporting our children and their development

Other (please specify)

How would YOU prefer the District of Muskoka explain the future budgets to the public? (Choose all that apply)

* required

Simple summary page on the website

Short video explanation

Property tax impact calculator

Interactive budget tool / simulator

Social media posts and graphics

In-person public information sessions

Budget highlights by mail or with tax bill information

Other (please specify)

Please select which Town / Township you live in / own property in? (Select all that apply)

* required

Town of Bracebridge

Town of Gravenhurst

Town of Huntsville

Township of Georgian Bay

Township of Muskoka Lakes

Township of Lake of Bays

I do not own property or live in Muskoka

How would you describe your connection to Muskoka? (Choose up to two)

* required

Full-time resident

Seasonal resident / second homeowner

Business Owner

Visitor

I work here, but don't live here

I prefer not to say

10.

Do you currently work for a municipality or municipal organization?

* required

Yes

I prefer not to say