In Muskoka, the notion of forming a Healthy Communities Committee grew out of a meeting sponsored by the District of Muskoka Social Services Department. Under the direction of Commissioner Ian Turnbull, a large meeting was convened in Gravenhurst in April 2000. The participants, from various sectors of the community, learned about the Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition through a presentation by our region's Community Animator. Excited about the whole idea of working together, an interested group met many times, grappling with how the concept of forming a local Healthy Communities Committee would indeed make Muskoka a better to live, to work and to enjoy leisure times.

During the past two years, this informal group has continued to research the concept. By looking to other communities who are members OHCC, the group grew to understand the importance in the continuing need to improve the quality of life for all Muskokans. With support and encouragement from many sources, the group invited the community to a symposium in March 2002 entitled "Inspiring Communities Through Dialogue." The purpose in bringing the members of the community together was to seek their advice on several questions relating to the quality of life in Muskoka. Undoubtedly, opinions and concerns were wide ranging, but a constant theme emerged from the analysis from the data collected. Two of the most frequently mentioned statements by the participants were that people love living in Muskoka and that they are willing to work to ensure that the quality of life they enjoy is sustained. Clearly many things were going well, but others needed improvement.

A detailed analysis of the responses from the participants resulted in three major goals that were intended to shape the work and direction of the local healthy communities committee. These were:

1. to explore ways of improving information sharing between and among all social service agencies, recreational organizations, levels of government, business, arts and faith communities and a wide range of service clubs and volunteer groups.
2. to bring together all sections of the community to discuss issues of interest and /or concern
3. to promote the concept of the Muskoka Healthy Communities Coalition as a group dedicated to strengthening social, environmental and economic growth

Once the direction was clear, the volunteer group took action to develop a steering committee to move forward with the goals emerging from the community consultation process.

In October 2003, the Muskoka Healthy Communities Coalition (MHCC) became a non-incorporated entity with an approved mission statement and terms of reference. The development of the bylaws is underway; however, incorporation is still at least a year away. Notwithstanding the non-incorporated status, MHCC is moving forward with its mission as an agent for community dialogue and change.

Muskoka Healthy Communities Coalition's sole purpose is to enhance the quality of life for permanent residents, seasonal cottagers, and those who visit Muskoka for recreational and leisure activities. Future MHCC activities will consist of opportunities for community dialogue where all Muskokans can participate to raise issues and ideas that will enrich the community. Formats will include open community meetings, workshops, special themed events, presentations by well-known expert. Results for these dialogue sessions will help to influence public policy and to connect Muskoka by sharing a common vision. MHCC's future direction and activities will continue to reflect our membership and community needs. As new challenges face our communities, it becomes increasingly important for MHCC to provide opportunities for community participation to raise awareness to the issues and solutions affecting the quality of life in Muskoka.

Current MHCC Projects:

1. "211" Information and Referral Service - determining how Muskoka can learn more about 211 and move forward with a comprehensive plan for implementation
2. Workshops to promote the Healthy Community concepts - cohosting a Funders' Forum to assist community groups to learn about available funding and to meet potential funders.