Longtime Lake of Bays District Councillor Bob Lacroix has announced he will seek re-election for a fifth term representing the McLean and Ridout wards.
Lacroix said the decision to run again was not an easy one, but ultimately, he felt his experience and knowledge would be valuable to both the Township of Lake of Bays and the District of Muskoka as several major projects continue to move forward.
“It was a tough decision, but in the end I decided to return for a fifth term if the residents of Lake of Bays will let me,” said Lacroix. “At one point there was a possibility that only one councillor was returning for the next term in the township, and that would not be fair to the residents of Lake of Bays or to a new council.”
Among his priorities for the next term are several projects he considers unfinished business. At the township level, Lacroix said he hopes to continue contributing to the development of a new parks plan and the future use of the former Logging Chain Resort property in Dwight, which was purchased by the municipality.
He also wants to continue supporting the Dorset Community Health Hub, noting that discussions around the facility’s future governance structure are expected to take place during the next term of council.
At the District of Muskoka, housing remains one of Lacroix’s top concerns. He said he wants to see council build on recent efforts to increase the supply of affordable and low-rental housing throughout the region.
“The big move on housing, which was largely started by the current chair, is high on my priority list,” said Lacroix. “I want to see council continue to make large strides in increasing the number of low-rental units for our residents.”
Lacroix also reiterated his opposition to Bill 100, provincial legislation that would see the District of Muskoka chair elected by the Province rather than appointed by the District Municipality of Muskoka Council.
“I would like to continue to oppose Bill 100, where the provincial government is dictating to council and all of our Muskoka residents who will be the next District chair,” he said.
A resident of Baysville since 1975, Lacroix has deep roots in the community. He and his wife Linda, who was born in Baysville, have raised two children, Joseph and Krisy, in Lake of Bays.
Before entering municipal politics, Lacroix spent more than 30 years working for the District of Muskoka as a draftsman and environmental technician. Linda worked at the Baysville Library for nearly three decades and served as Chief Executive Officer for the final 18 years of her career.
Following his retirement from the District in 2010, Lacroix successfully ran for District Council and has represented the McLean and Ridout wards for the past 16 years.
In addition to his public service, Lacroix has operated a part-time landscaping and lawn maintenance business for more than 30 years, caring for properties throughout the Lake of Bays area. He has also spent many years maintaining the Baysville Horticultural Gardens, a role he describes as one of his passions.
Lacroix said his experience at both the Township and District levels is one of the reasons he has chosen to seek the same position once again.
“I think it is where I can help the residents of Lake of Bays the most,” he said. “Being familiar with the way the District works, and knowing the directors and commissioners, lets me navigate through some of the red tape, which in some cases can lead to quicker resolutions to our residents’ concerns.”
Municipal elections across Ontario are scheduled for October 2026.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox so you don’t miss anything!
Click here to support local news
0 Comments