MUSKOKA — As the pandemic surges, forest fires and floods are a new spring threat. Local fire chiefs say though there’s still some snow cover on the ground in parts of the district, they welcome a total fire ban imposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) as of 12:01 a.m. today. They […]
BRACEBRIDGE — A salute to front-line health-care workers here this afternoon will see OPP, firefighters and paramedics parading up Manitoba Street to the hospital. At 2:15 p.m. emergency service workers from the Bracebridge OPP, the Bracebridge Fire Department and Muskoka Paramedic services will be doing a short parade to salute the front line health care […]
MUSKOKA — As the OPP warns it will enforce rules against gatherings of more than five people, charge non-essential businesses that remain open and could arrest anyone violating the Quarantine Act, local officers were busy yesterday stopping speeding drivers in Muskoka. Bracebridge and Huntsville detachment teams combined efforts Thursday to address “aggressive driving and speeding” […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — A Huntsville woman who had “close contact” and a Muskoka Lakes woman with possible “community-aquired” COVID-19 are among today’s latest grim statistics reported in the daily count by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU). The stats reinforce calls for social distancing and a health unit report two days […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com BRACEBRIDGE — The fifth person being tested for COVID-19 at the Pines has been cleared of the coronavirus, officials said just after 4:30 p.m. Thursday. That good news follows a health scare at the Pines retirement home this week that led to “COVID-19” testing. And it led to an “extended outbreak […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com BRACEBRIDGE — Sarah Reynolds was “a little nervous” as one of the first few people to go in for testing at one of the two new Muskoka COVID-19 assessment centres that opened here today in Muskoka. The Baysville resident and health-care worker said she had a bit of “cold” and just […]
GRAVENHURST — Two men and a woman from Gravenhurst face numerous drug charges after a police raid here yesterday. Provincial police say that on March 31 the Muskoka Community Street Crime Unit of the Bracebridge and Huntsville executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant in Gravenhurst, with the assistance of the Central Region […]
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 […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — With worsening local health news, two restrictive COVID-19 assessment centres will open tomorrow, April 1, in Bracebridge and Huntsville — by appointment only. No walk-ins will be allowed. Organizers say patient access is by appointment only from Monday through Friday — and you must have a referral from a […]
‘EXPECT CASES TO RISE’ IN DAYS, WEEKS Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com SIMCOE-MUSKOKA — With four more cases of the coronavirus confirmed today in Muskoka — and evidence of community transmission of COVID-19 in the region — health officials are warning the pandemic is spreading in the community and as returning travellers get back their test […]
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 […]
ONTARIO — It’s still OK for most people to go outside for a walk, a bike ride — or the kids to play in the backyard — but community park facilities are now officially off limits as are dog parks. Public trails are still OK to use — but keep your distance. Premier Doug Ford […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — Good news today for local COVID-19 preparedness. Muskoka’s two hospital “have just been able to procure four additional ventilators,” says Katherine Craine, of the Hunstville Hospital Foundation (HHF), which told officials to buy whatever equipment they need and could get their hands on and the foundation would cover the […]
QUEEN’S PARK — If you’re over age 70 — you’re in for a long haul. Today, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health recommended that everyone over 70 years of age or with a compromised immune system should self isolate as well. “Everyone has a role to play in reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 – […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — The community response for emergency cash and supplies to combat COVID-19 has been enormous at the Bracebridge and Huntsville hospital foundations. In just 10 days since launching its Emergency Response Fund March 21, the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation (SMHF) has been overwhelmed with donations. Foundation director Colin Miller said […]
BRACEBRIDGE — Spring flooding has begun following rain during the weekend. Bracebridge works officials said Monday that a section Germania Road — in east end of town — is closed between Waters Road and 1507 Germania Rd. They are also urging caution on Campbell’s Road.
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — Concerns about cottagers coming north adding pressure to local health services are being met with a large donation by some of “neighbours.” In response to the hospitals’ call for cash and supplies for its Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund, a group of cottagers has donated $135,000 to the South Muskoka […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — The message clearly isn’t getting out in a bid to protect workers from the spread of the corona virus. A call last week by the District of Muskoka telling home and business owners to bag all their waste is being met with mixed results. Street curbs and roadsides are […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — One of Canada’s largest unions is calling on the federal government to ensure that Canadian media organizations survive the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to provide vital information to the public. “Almost every Canadian newspaper and television news outlet was teetering on the brink before the pandemic hit,” said Unifor national […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com GRAVENHURST — “We’re closed ….” But “We miss you” … “Be Safe.” The messages to customers are clear and heartfelt from the business community devastated by COVID-19. Core retailers here, forced to close, say it in signs posted on their front doors in professional and personal scripts. It’s their letters to […]