WILDLIFE & ANIMAL WELFARE
Vital Signs Bodes Well for All Life in Muskoka
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BY LYNN DECARO
he Muskoka Community Foundation, a charitable organization founded to support donors meet their philanthropic goals and support local charities in Muskoka’, published two Muskoka Vital Signs Reports in 2018 and 2021. At first glance the reader might wonder why the environment was included amongst topics such as food security, economic health, income security and mental health and wellness. The purpose of a Vital Signs report is to capture the health and vitality of a community. It is therefore imperative to view the environment with an intersectional lens to gain a better understanding of the important role the natural landscape plays in contributing to a healthy Muskoka. Muskoka has often been identified as one of the best places to visit in Canada and also as one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. In 2011 and again in 2012, National Geographic declared Muskoka as one of the top destinations in the world to visit. Muskoka encompasses more than 1,000 lakes and is home to 10 provincial parks including Hardy Lake, Arrowhead and Six Mile Lake, as well as more than 10 conservation areas that include the Torrance Barrens Conservation and Dark Sky Reserve. Georgian Bay Islands National Park is Muskoka’s only National Park, and is home to more reptiles and amphibious species, including the threatened Eastern Massassauga Rattlesnake, than any other national park in Canada. According to Statistics Canada there were 3 million-person visits to Muskoka in 2016, with 1.9 million of those visits occurring between July and September, and nearly 500 million dollars in visitor spending. The food and beverage, accommodations foundationmag.ca
and retail sectors accounted for the bulk of visitor spending. As Muskoka becomes known as a four-season destination, the tourism industry continues to play an important role in the local economy and a major source of employment. With many visiting the region to participate in boating, staying at provincial and national parks, hiking, camping and viewing wildlife it is important to recognize that Muskoka’s economies are based on a healthy and diverse ecosystem. It is also important to consider the impact of a healthy environment on income security. Muskoka is often considered an affluent cottage/vacation destination, but this idyllic vision of the region obscures the economic reality among the population. Muskoka, like many rural communities, faces challenges in addressing poverty and helping the community’s most vulnerable people. A barrier faced by many living at or below the poverty line is the reality that many jobs in the tourism, construction and service March/April 2022
FOUNDATION Magazine
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