District of Muskoka Council approves a 48% pay increase to itself
The District of Muskoka Council approved a 48% pay increase to itself, in the March 17, 2025, meeting.
The recommendation was made by the Finance and Corporate Services Committee in last month’s meeting.
According to the staff report, the increases are “to reflect the responsibilities and accountabilities of Council roles and to attract strong qualified candidates to local government.”
Director of Human Resources, Catherine Glover, indicated the increase would be consistent with the average pay in comparable municipalities, such as Niagara Region, Simcoe County, Wellington County, and Oxford County.
However, Councillor, Don Smith, challenged the comparable, indicating that the Councillor role is different than regular staffing, as are the population numbers, such as Niagara having a population of 500,000. He calculated a resident/Councillor ratio that showed Muskoka Councillors are being paid 65% more than Niagara or “three times as much.” He added, “I personally don’t think I can justify that.”
Councillor, Scott Morrison, concurred, expressing concern that area residents are already struggling with a “cost of living crisis, in addition to a housing crisis.”
According to the staff report, the increases will take place over 4 years, with Councillor’s pay going from the approved rate of $28,330 to $41,930, Deputy Chair increased by 42.4%, from $36,362 to $51,782, and the Chair by 27%, from $107,930 to $133,155.
The report adds that the initial review included Council approval for “an annual stipend for Committee Chairs of $2,000.”
Council members agreed that the current rate acts as “a barrier” and an increase would help them attract younger and more diversified people for the role.
Councillor, Heidi Lorenz, indicated that their current pay doesn’t cover them for things such as the employment act, public harassment, employment insurance, benefits and pensions. She suggested the current pay “keeps younger people from applying, not to mention the ever-growing nastiness we are all encountering.”
Councillor, Bob Stone, agreed that the position involves time and scrutiny, however, “I don’t want to see people running for office for the money.”
He added that it’s important to keep up with inflation, “but not this much.”
According to Councillor, Peter Koetsier, they receive two salaries – one as a District Councillor and one as a lower tiered Council member. However, he said he is paid more by the lower tier because he’s a mayor.
He added that they need to investigate their governance system. He asked, “What are we doing here?” 50% of the time [it’s] ‘yep, yep, yep…’ That’s a lot of wasted resources…approving staff work.”
He also suggested they cut back the number of Councillors from 22 to 12. He said, “Let’s look at the way we do our job… If we want to earn the pay, we’re making right now we got to do our job.”
Councillors discussed whether their pay justifies a full or part time job, with some implying that the current pay is equivalent to minimum wage.
Morrison said at 10 hours a week or 40 per month they’re earning $56 an hour. At 20 hours it would be $28 an hour. He said, “I don’t think we’re getting paid anywhere near minimum wage from the hours that we’re putting in.”
He also agreed with reducing District Council, indicating “we can do with 12 Councillors and more efficiently.” He said, “I would like to see that as soon as possible.”
He clarified that it doesn’t mean he believes they don’t deserve a raise, however, given the 48% increase “someone [new] can come in and get $42,000 and I don’t think I can stomach that.”
Chair, Jeff Lehman, expressed that it’s “awkward [for] Council to set its own compensation because the public thinks ‘you’re setting your own salary,’” However, it’s a part of legislation that Council approve it.
Almost half (13) of the Councillors voted in favor of the motion in a recorded vote, except Don Smith, Scott Morrison, Bob Stone, Erin Strength, Nancy Alcock, Heidi Lorenz, Christina Hunter, Guy Burry and Dan Armour, who voted ‘no.’
