BRACEBRIDGE — The March Break continues into April — at least. Today, based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health David William, Ontario announced that schools will remain closed until at least May to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of students and staff. Public schools […]
MUSKOKA — Municipalites in Muskoka have issued local orders to close parks facilities following Monday’s provincial announcement to do so. In Gravenhurst all of its parks and recreational amenities are now closed until further notice effective Tuesday, March 30. They say staff will be cordoning off outdoor recreational amenities through a combination of fencing and warning tape […]
Two Orillia men claiming to be police were arrested after an attempted armed break-in Sunday. Provincial police arrested them March 29 after getting a 911 call at 4:20 a.m. about a break and enter in progress at a residence on Front Street South. They say suspects approached the house, attempted to gain entry and yelled […]
MUSKOKA — With a wet weekend ahead, a spring flooding “water safety” advisory has been issued for Parry-Sound Muskoka. Just after noon Friday, March 27, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) sent out an update from its Bracebridge field office for its Parry Sound District. The means high flows, melting ice or other factors […]
HUNTSVILLE — Staying home to protect your property may be a good idea as thieves aren’t self-isolating. Provincial police at Huntsville say their Muskoka Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) executed a search warrant in Innisfil Thursday, recovering two snowmobiles and a trailer stolen from Deerhurst Resort three weeks ago. They say that on March 7 […]
MUSKOKA LAKES — Three Bracebridge residents face numerous theft charges dating back to last summer after being stopped early yesterday morning. Provincial police at Bracebridge said today that they arrested three individuals in possession of a stolen float trailer and a Caterpiller 259D Skid Steer. They say that at 1:30 a.m., on March 26, an officer […]
QUEEN’S PARK — Together apart, provincial politicians put partisanship aside here yesterday in response to COVID-19. The legislature agreed to the Ford government’s “action plan,” passing a bill to add an extra $3.3 billion to Ontario’s health-care system, and it says $3.7 billion in direct support for people and jobs. MPP Norman Miller said in […]
MUSKOKA — As Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare ramps up its pandemic response, CEO Natalie Bubela expressed her “confidence” in the “dedicated team” of hospital doctors and staff to handle the “extraordinary” health challenges ahead to protect all patients and workers. In a statement Wednesday afternoon to Muskokans, she issued her assurance in: “I would like to […]
MUSKOKA — Local long-term care homes have new powers to manage COVID-19. Residents are prevented from leaving their homes to visit families. The province says a new law will also free up more space in long-term care home by moving people out of hospitals who no longer need hospital care. Ontario says it is taking […]
HUNTSVILLE — Social distancing is taking a front seat on Huntsville Transit buses. As of now only six riders will be allowed on a bus at any time, who must sit at least two metres apart. And passengers must hand-sanitize when they board the free buses. This may result in riders needing to be prepared […]
TORONTO — At midnight Tuesday only essential workplaces will be allowed to stay open the next 14 days in a rare restriction on civil rights. Grocery stores, pharmacies and takeouts are exempt. And according to Prime Minister Trudeau today, he said he has no tolerance for people who don’t abide by the new rules. He […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — Today Ontario gave hospitals the ability to cancel and postpone services to free-up space and valuable staff, identify staffing priorities, and develop, modify and implement redeployment plans over the next two weeks. It means hospitals in Huntsville and Bracebridge will see major changes immediately for patients and by deploying […]
MUSKOKA — Public sector salaries for various government employees were released Friday by the province of Ontario. They provide disclosures for all sectors and seconded employees from last year. The list provides information on all public sector employees who were paid $100,000 or more in 2019 and are subject to the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act. […]
GRAVENHURST — With self-isolation and innumerable businesses, organizations and groups cancelling out or closing for who knows how long — and March Break plans out the window — climate change advocates and those who still have to drive are heaving a sigh of relief as gas prices tumble. In Gravenhurst fuel prices have dropped more […]
BARRIE — Confusion reined at the opening this afternoon of the region’s first screening centre as people who lined up in the cold were reminded by one another to keep their social distance. According to Jane Cocking, communications spokesperson for RVH “it was evident those waiting for the 2 p.m. opening were not clear, despite […]
ORILLIA — Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) has announced its visitor restrictions as COVID-19 spreads. Effective Monday, it says the hospital will permit only one visitor per patient at any given time, with visiting hours reduced from 24 hours a day, back to designated hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will be some exceptions […]
HUNTSVILLE — The ski season is over here at the local ski hill. “After considerable thought and deliberation about our effort to help in reducing the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak, and in what I believe is in the best interest of our guests, employees and local communities, Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area & the Muskoka Ski Club will suspend […]
BARRIE — Anyone with a valid Ontario health card can now go to Barrie to receive an an initial coronavirus screening. The swab test for COVID-19 is not being provided at the assessment centre; however, should the healthcare team determine that you require a swab, you will receive further information. In order to meet the […]
MUSKOKA-PARRY SOUND — Lakeland hydro customers impacted financially by the COVID crisis don’t have to worry about being cut off. “No customer experiencing financial hardship during this difficult time will be disconnected, so they can concentrate on the safety of their family and business,” assured CEO Chris Litschko Monday. In addition, and to guard against […]
BRACEBRIDGE — Add Bracebridge to the list of communities closing many of its facilities and cancelling programs and events temporarily. Friday night, the town announced the measures effective immediately after consultations with the health unit and taking into provincial considerations and advice, in response to COVID19. The municipal office will remain open during regular office […]
