Following city council approval, Skyline International will move ahead with making the largest investment in Muskoka’s history. The $500 million master planned community and new Deerhurst Village Centre will include 150 new hotel rooms, 45,000 square feet of retail space and plans for multiple boutique mixed-use buildings with close to 500 residential units.

“I am very pleased by council’s decision to approve the zoning request,” said Gil Blutrich, chairman and president of Skyline International, in a press release. “Deerhurst is the crown jewel of Muskoka and in many ways a gateway to Ontario’s spectacular north. With council’s blessing, we will work on turning our vision for Deerhurst into a reality.”

City council approved the zoning request following Skyline International receiving unanimous approval for zoning by the planning committee in early September.

“This is tremendous news for Hunstville and the Muskoka District’s hospitality and resort offerings,” said Huntsville mayor Scott Aitchison in a press release. “Deerhurst is already the largest single employer in Muskoka and we are thrilled that Skyline International is continuing to invest in the resort and surrounding communities. Deerhurst is set up to be a major hospitality magnet for international and Canadian travellers for the foreseeable future.”

In August, Skyline International announced its plan to spend $10 million renovating the Deerhurst Resort with significant funds to be spent on the Legacy Hall, Compass Lobby Bar, Pavilion guest rooms, Maple Pub and Fitness Centre, as well as the lakeside waterfront.

“Deerhurst is iconic to Canadians. It’s synonymous with Muskoka,” said Michael Sneyd, Skyline International CEO, in a press release. “We want to make sure we are honouring this historic brand and the communities that surround it in everything we do. That is our mission.”