MUSKOKA — As COVID-19 cases appear to decline in Ontario and more people are eligible to be tested, local assessment centres are still not open to walk-in visits. They are by appointment only health officials stress. To do so call the Muskoka call centre at 1-888-383-7009. Once you have an appointment, it’s easy and your’re […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com GRAVENHURST — A COVID-19 scare at the TD Canada Trust branch here has been averted. The bank closed Tuesday, June 1, for employee testing after it was feared a case of the coronavirus was present in a staff member who self-isolated after last being at work May 29. Carla Hindman, their […]
MUSKOKA — At last, Muskoka’s two COVID-19 Assessment Centre are now offering asessment and testing for all individuals in Muskoka. In a release Friday, May 29, they say: “We have recently streamlined our process and have increased our capacity to service the health care needs of our communities. Effective immediately testing is available for the […]
MUSKOKA — Social distancing in the great outdoors gets a little easier tomorrow when Ontario opens day-use camping in provincial parks and also allows recreational camping on Crown land. As of June 1, backcountry camping will be available at Ontario Parks, including access points, paddle and portage routes and hiking trails. It says Ontario Parks […]
PARRY SOUND-MUSKOKA — “Tourism is probably the part of our economy that has been hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norman Miller, who is encouraging industry operators here to let the province know how they’re doing. Ontario’s standing committee on finance and economic affairs wants to hear from them about the […]
BARRIE — “Healthcare has changed dramatically over the past two months,” admits Janice Skot, president and CEO of the region’s largest hospital and expanding health care centre located in Barrie. “Almost 3,500 fewer procedures were performed compared to the same period last year.” She says the province “has set out strict criteria that must be […]
HUNTSVILLE — Bob Addison, a former mayor of Huntsville who served briefly in 1970, has died. Town of Huntsville flags have been lowered to half-mast at town facilities in his honour. Robert (Bob) Addison, ppointed at age 33, was first elected to town ouncil in January 1968. He was appointed as mayor from August 4, […]
GRAVENHURST — It’s going to be a long hot summer in town for most without cottages. The Town of Gravenhurst has announced that some beaches and more recreation amenities are due to re-open here the day after tomorrow. In a release today, the town said that on Friday, May 29, they are continuing to ease […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — As a “gut-wrenching” military report today cites “disturbing” conditions in select LTCs, local health-care providers are calling on the public to help with a shortage of masks, gowns and more. With PPE budgets ballooning, hospitals, paramedics, care homes and others are calling for help with “critical supplies” that are […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com GRAVENHURST — The “pandemic pause” — as I like to call it — has produced some evocative images that tug at your heart while offering praise and optimism amid the new norm. From a sign at the Scout Hall where they “hope” to back in September; to a pickup truck with […]
BRACEBRIDGE — The town is re-opening a limited number of outdoor recreational amenities as allowe by the province. At this time, playground equipment, public washrooms and other amenities will remain closed until further guidance regarding the reopening of these facilities is provided by the province and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. Facilities open include: […]
PARRY SOUND-MUSKOKA — On an otherwise slow news day — and scouring for anything unrelated to COVID-19 — this email subject line jumped out today. “MP Scott Aitchison Fights for Rural Internet.” Wow! That’s great, eh? Except it’s not new — as least locally. Maybe the announcement got lost in an internet time warp. True […]
BARRIE-MUSKOKA — Everyone knows health care changes inevitable in the midst of COVID-19 and post pandemic. So technological changes involving areas hospitals come as welcome — if not news — to patients and their families today. A release today, Friday May 15, from Muskoka’s two hospitals and the RVH in Barrie, says Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare […]
Gord Haugh, Guest column We have seen parades of first responders and supporters driving past hospitals to say thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff who daily go to work to take care of patients who are in critical condition. Many of these health care workers end up comforting some who reach the end of […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com GRAVENHURST — “It’s all part of being part of a community.” Pam Rennie summed up her simple act of kindness yesterday, outside Trinity United Church, at the new weekly GAP giveaway. She and her daughter, Carley, were Sherpas helping cart almost 100 hampers of food up six stairs, outside to the […]
MUSKOKA — Local hospitals are getting some help from a Muskoka hydro provider. Elexicon Energy’s Gravenhurst advisory committee recommended a donation of $2,500 to support the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund at the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation and the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation. It’s part of a larger $50,000 in donations to help hospitals in […]
BRACEBRIDGE — Tests of more than 300 residents and staff that the Pines for the corona virus have come back clean. The province forced the District of Muskoka and other retirement homes to conduct COVID-19 testing at the long-term care home, which took place in Bracebridge May 4-7. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit released […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com GRAVENHURST — Your neighbours are hurting and you can help. It may take a village to raise a child — but it takes a town to feed a community affected by COVID-19. Every Thursday food packages are prepared and delivered by two dozen G.A.P. (Gravenhurst Against Poverty) volunteers to those in […]
GRAVENHURST — It’s curtains this summer at the Opera House. Due to COVID-19, the Town of Gravenhurst has announced the cancellation of the 2020 Muskoka Summer Theatre season at the Gravenhurst Opera House. Scott Lucas, the town’s director of community growth and development said in a release today: “This was a very difficult decision to […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com ORO — Muskoka missed an inspiring Canadian spectacle this morning. The Snowbirds took off from Lake Simcoe Regional Airport at 9:45 a.m., en route to Thunder Bay via Sault Ste. Marie. I caught a fleeting glimpse of them just as they zoomed across Hwy. 11 near Burl’s Creek, after their takeoff […]