Series consists of material created and accumulated by Peter Hand in his role as Chair of the Environmental Portfolio from 1997-1999 and co-chair in 2000-2001. The Environmental Portfolio was responsible for addressing issues of water quality, forest, land use, waste management and wildlife; during this period, much of the focus was on land use, especially resort development on the Muskoka lakes.
The series contains material relating to MLA responses, sometimes in partnership with other local associations, to proposed developments at the Lake Joseph Club, the Lake Rosseau Beach Resort, the Muskoka Sands Resort, and other locations. Responses include submissions to the Township of Muskoka Lakes and the District Municipality of Muskoka relating to re-zoning applications and amendments to site plans, as well as appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board.
Series includes correspondence and memoranda, reports, notices, handwritten and typed notes, photocopied newspaper clippings, meeting minutes and agendas, draft amendments and by-laws, photocopied plans and maps, and other material. Most material is faxed or photocopied.