Workforce Development

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Background

The District of Muskoka, in partnership with the Town of Bracebridge, Town of Gravenhurst, Town of Huntsville, Township of Georgian Bay, Township of Lake of Bays, and Township of Muskoka Lakes, is taking proactive steps to address the challenges and barriers in the changing workforce and labour market.

Development of a regional workforce strategy has been underway since 2019 to focus on attracting, developing, and retaining a skilled workforce in the region, funded through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ Rural Economic Development (RED) program.

Regional Workforce Committee - As an outcome of the Muskoka Employment Partnership (MEP), the RWC was established in October 2022 to coordinate implementation of the Muskoka Regional Workforce Project, initially funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs’ Rural Economic Development (RED) program’s Labour Market Targeted Intake. Accomplishments to date include the creation of the Muskoka Job Board to connect job seekers with employment opportunities, as well as the creation of the Muskoka Workforce Strategy and Implementation Plan. The Strategy and Implementation Plan (see below) were developed with consideration given to workforce attraction, development, and retention initiatives.

The purpose of the Regional Workforce Committee (RWC) is to:

  • Advance regional workforce collaboration by bringing together municipalities, employers, education, employment services and community partners around shared workforce priorities.
  • Strengthened employer engagement to better understand workforce needs and ensure regional initiatives respond to the realities facing Muskoka employers.
  • Continue to strengthen connections between workforce and economic development, recognizing the important role that housing, healthcare, transportation, education and other community factors play in attracting and retaining workers.
  • Building stronger regional partnerships to improve coordination, reduce duplication and identify opportunities for collective action on Muskoka's workforce challenges.

The District and its partners are working on developing annual workplans, budgets and resourcing strategies, and operationalize the Implementation Plan over the next three to five years.

We are always looking for ways to partner and collaborate - reach out to us to inquire about potential ways to join forces and ensure the sustainability and resilience of Muskoka's workforce and labour market.

Regional Workforce Achievements to date include:

  • Supported youth skills development and career pathways, including support for Muskoka students participating in the provincial Skills Ontario competition. Click HERE for our press release.
  • Advancing a workforce readiness pilot initiative focused on connecting job seekers with practical skills, certifications and local employment opportunities.
  • Expanded workforce attraction and awareness efforts through the development and launch of a regional digital marketing campaign and workforce video series, showcasing local career opportunities, industries, and quality of life to attract and retain talent.
  • Enhancing regional employment tools and resources, including improvements to the Venture Muskoka Job Board and website.


Muskoka-Specific Job Board - Check it out!

Visit our Muskoka-specific job board and interactive map available at www.muskokajobboard.ca

The project is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs


LOCAL LABOUR MARKET PLAN -

Every year, our workforce board, Simcoe Muskoka SkillForce, provides an in-depth analysis of labour market trends, workforce challenges, and emerging opportunities across the region. The Local Labour Market Plan offers valuable insights into employment trends, industry demands, workforce demographics, and skills gaps, helping employers, job seekers, educators, and community partners make informed decisions and support a strong, resilient workforce. Click HERE to access current and past plans.

Participation in Simcoe Muskoka SkillForce's annual Employer Survey helps build stronger local labour market intelligence by identifying employer needs, workforce challenges, and growth opportunities. The findings inform workforce initiatives and regional planning - click here to access the current survey.



Regional Workforce Digital Marketing Campaign Video Series

"Consider a Career in Muskoka"



Regional Workforce Implementation Plan


Background

The District of Muskoka, in partnership with the Town of Bracebridge, Town of Gravenhurst, Town of Huntsville, Township of Georgian Bay, Township of Lake of Bays, and Township of Muskoka Lakes, is taking proactive steps to address the challenges and barriers in the changing workforce and labour market.

Development of a regional workforce strategy has been underway since 2019 to focus on attracting, developing, and retaining a skilled workforce in the region, funded through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ Rural Economic Development (RED) program.

Regional Workforce Committee - As an outcome of the Muskoka Employment Partnership (MEP), the RWC was established in October 2022 to coordinate implementation of the Muskoka Regional Workforce Project, initially funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs’ Rural Economic Development (RED) program’s Labour Market Targeted Intake. Accomplishments to date include the creation of the Muskoka Job Board to connect job seekers with employment opportunities, as well as the creation of the Muskoka Workforce Strategy and Implementation Plan. The Strategy and Implementation Plan (see below) were developed with consideration given to workforce attraction, development, and retention initiatives.

The purpose of the Regional Workforce Committee (RWC) is to:

  • Advance regional workforce collaboration by bringing together municipalities, employers, education, employment services and community partners around shared workforce priorities.
  • Strengthened employer engagement to better understand workforce needs and ensure regional initiatives respond to the realities facing Muskoka employers.
  • Continue to strengthen connections between workforce and economic development, recognizing the important role that housing, healthcare, transportation, education and other community factors play in attracting and retaining workers.
  • Building stronger regional partnerships to improve coordination, reduce duplication and identify opportunities for collective action on Muskoka's workforce challenges.

The District and its partners are working on developing annual workplans, budgets and resourcing strategies, and operationalize the Implementation Plan over the next three to five years.

We are always looking for ways to partner and collaborate - reach out to us to inquire about potential ways to join forces and ensure the sustainability and resilience of Muskoka's workforce and labour market.

Regional Workforce Achievements to date include:

  • Supported youth skills development and career pathways, including support for Muskoka students participating in the provincial Skills Ontario competition. Click HERE for our press release.
  • Advancing a workforce readiness pilot initiative focused on connecting job seekers with practical skills, certifications and local employment opportunities.
  • Expanded workforce attraction and awareness efforts through the development and launch of a regional digital marketing campaign and workforce video series, showcasing local career opportunities, industries, and quality of life to attract and retain talent.
  • Enhancing regional employment tools and resources, including improvements to the Venture Muskoka Job Board and website.


Muskoka-Specific Job Board - Check it out!

Visit our Muskoka-specific job board and interactive map available at www.muskokajobboard.ca

The project is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs


LOCAL LABOUR MARKET PLAN -

Every year, our workforce board, Simcoe Muskoka SkillForce, provides an in-depth analysis of labour market trends, workforce challenges, and emerging opportunities across the region. The Local Labour Market Plan offers valuable insights into employment trends, industry demands, workforce demographics, and skills gaps, helping employers, job seekers, educators, and community partners make informed decisions and support a strong, resilient workforce. Click HERE to access current and past plans.

Participation in Simcoe Muskoka SkillForce's annual Employer Survey helps build stronger local labour market intelligence by identifying employer needs, workforce challenges, and growth opportunities. The findings inform workforce initiatives and regional planning - click here to access the current survey.



Regional Workforce Digital Marketing Campaign Video Series

"Consider a Career in Muskoka"



Regional Workforce Implementation Plan


  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Employers Survey - Muskoka Workforce Strategy

    This survey is intended for businesses within the District of Muskoka that employ staff. 

    Canada is facing a labour shortage and the Muskoka region is no exception. The District of Muskoka and the Muskoka lower-tier municipalities are undertaking a workforce development strategy exercise to help plan for future workforce needs! We need to hear from you to help our region prepare for the workforce that you require today and well into the future. Your voice is critical to developing solutions to assist your business to operate and grow. Please take 15 minutes to complete the survey below. 

    All responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. All questions are optional, so you can skip a question if you would prefer.  If you have any questions, please contact catherine@oosterbaanstrategy.com. 

    Privacy: The information collected will only be used for the purposes of planning for Muskoka's Workforce Strategy. 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).

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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Employee/Resident Survey

    This survey is intended for those that live and/or work within the District of Muskoka. 

    Canada is facing a labour shortage and the Muskoka region is no exception. The District of Muskoka and lower-tier Municipalities are starting a workforce development strategy to help plan for future employment needs! We need to hear from you to understand the best ways to help our residents and regional workforce stay involved in and access good employment opportunities! Please take 10-15 minutes to share your thoughts on your experience working in Muskoka and what makes a good employment opportunity. 

    All responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. All questions are optional, so you can skip a question if you would prefer.  If you have any questions, please contact catherine@oosterbaanstrategy.com. 

    Privacy: The information collected will only be used for the purposes of planning for Muskoka's Workforce Strategy. 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).

    Share Employee/Resident Survey on Facebook Share Employee/Resident Survey on X (formerly Twitter) Share Employee/Resident Survey on Linkedin Email Employee/Resident Survey link
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Stakeholder Survey

    This survey is intended for stakeholder organizations that support the business community, workforce development and/or community development, serve clients who are engaged in job searching, and/or may play a role in the future implementation of workforce initiatives in Muskoka (i.e. Chambers of Commerce, BIAs, business or tourism organizations, employment services, etc.). 

    Canada is facing a labour shortage and the Muskoka region is no exception. The District of Muskoka and lower-tier Municipalities are undertaking a workforce development strategy exercise to help plan for future workforce needs! We need to hear from you to help our region prepare for the workforce that required today and well into the future. Your voice is critical to developing solutions that will enable workforce success for your members and clients. Please take 15 minutes to complete the survey below. 

    All responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. All questions are optional, so you can skip a question if you would prefer.  If you have any questions, please contact catherine@oosterbaanstrategy.com. 

    Privacy: The information collected will only be used for the purposes of planning for Muskoka's Workforce Strategy. 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).

    Share Stakeholder Survey on Facebook Share Stakeholder Survey on X (formerly Twitter) Share Stakeholder Survey on Linkedin Email Stakeholder Survey link
Page last updated: 04 Sep 2026, 09:29 AM