Mike Jefford

Although some candidates like to avoid specifics, I feel that the residents of Dorset, Baysville and the land/lakes in between deserve to know exactly what I believe in, and my vision for the future of our community, lakes and township.

Lake of Bays to me is Muskoka's natural, chill gem. World class lakes and rivers that must be preserved as natural and healthy as possible, surrounded by three main hamlets of Baysville, Dorset and Dwight. It is very much a low key place to live, cottage, work, retire or raise a family. This general character should not change.

I have been a resident of Baysville for 7 years, having previously lived in Bracebridge for 10 years. My original move to Muskoka 17 years ago was within weeks of completing 3 years of college for renewable energy technician and business.

My background has always been in entrepreneurship, having started my landscape construction business MJCmuskoka.ca when I was 17 and have been running it ever since, just off referrals. Along with landscaping I run a side business MuskokaRiverAdventures.ca offering guided tours to visitors. In the winter, I have a long-term contract to build and maintain two outdoor ice rinks for the Town of Bracebridge, and I help promote and market these winter attractions.

When I was in Bracebridge I won the Mayor's Award of Excellence for my volunteer work in the community and have volunteered to put up winter lights in the park in Baysville the last few years. I bought my first property in Lake of Bays Township in 2018 with approximately 145 acres and 2km of waterfront on the Muskoka River, and after living in-town Baysville for 6 years I recently bought a second property, a home on the Muskoka River on Fairy Falls Rd.

Outside of work, my interests include all things outdoors, the Dorset Rec Centre, travelling to 35+ countries, and time with friends, family and neighbours. Lake of Bays Township is and will be my home for years to come.