Muskoka beaches closed to public due to threat

MUSKOKA — A threat against local beaches has police warning the public to be extra vigilant around public waterfront access across Muskoka.

Just as summer begins, all the beaches in Gravenhurst and Bracebridge are officially temporarily closed pending a police investigation across Muskoka regarding a threat to public use of them.

And as a result, most beaches in Muskoka are closed until further notice.

Provincial police say that on Friday, May 11, OPP at Huntsville were called in for a suspicious letter sent to the Huntsville Forester.

The letter threatens the safety of the beaches in Muskoka and seeks to undermine tourism in the area.

Police didn’t say specifically what kind of threat was issued or what they are doing to mitigate any possible damage to persons or property.

Huntsville OPP along with the assistance of the Huntsville OPP Crime Unit are investigating the origin of the letter and will utilize all required resources to determine the validity of the claims that were made.

Further information will be provided only as the investigation continues and the OPP will work closely with any potential community should any claim be identified that has the potential to compromise the safety of the public.

They would like to remind the public to always be aware of personal safety and to be aware of any hazards while enjoying beaches and other public areas in Muskoka. If anyone should see anything suspicious in nature leave it in the spot that it was located and contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the OPP at 705-789-5551or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You can submit your information online at p3tips.com if you have any information on the crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward up to $2000.

Meanwhile, the towns of Gravenhurst and Bracebridge issued their own warnings Friday, noting damage had already been done, forcing the closure of some beaches.

In a release they said that late in April, they both received reports of some hazardous materials being found at several area beaches.

In response to the materials being found, both municipalities temporarily closed the beach areas and initiated a clean-up of the hazardous materials found at beach locations within the municipalities.

Then on Friday, the towns received a copy of correspondence received at the offices of the Forester, which is part of the Metroland Media chain of newspapers.

Upon receipt of the correspondence, the letter was immediately copied to the OPP at Bracebridge.

Town staff from Bracebridge and Gravenhurst will remain in close contact with the OPP and will assist, as needed, with the OPP’s investigation of the letter received.

As a result of the hazardous materials previously found, the municipalities have implemented enhanced inspections of the beaches within the two communities. Bracebridge and Gravenhurst say they are both committed to ensuring the health and safety of the beach areas within the two communities and will continue to take proactive steps to monitor beach areas and to clean up any materials found.

Additionally, based on future information from the OPP, beach areas will be temporarily closed to ensure the health and safety of the public, if necessary.

The OPP is committed to working in partnership with area municipalities to ensure public safety and will be providing enhanced patrols around beach and park areas within the towns.

Members of the community are asked report any suspicious activity or acts of vandalism to the OPP.